In June, mid-day reported that Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Siddharth Anand were conducting a crucial schedule of King at Mehboob Studios in Bandra, Mumbai, from May 21 (Locked up, charged up, June 17). Now, we’ve heard that the unit has taken a break before it charges ahead for an extensive Europe schedule in the last week of August.

The next leg of the spy thriller, which reportedly sees Shah Rukh play mentor to Suhana Khan as they lock horns with Abhishek Bachchan’s antagonist, will take them across European countries.

A source says, “Locations are currently being locked. The shortlisted cities include Budapest, Prague, and possibly Berlin, where sleek chase sequences will unfold. Siddharth wants these sequences to be stunning, and has apparently told his team to scout for some never-before-seen locales.”

Meanwhile, even as the cast and crew are on a break, a few indoor crowd scenes will be shot on controlled sets in the next few weeks. The source adds, “These will be quick, smaller-unit shoots aimed at filling plot gaps without requiring the full crew’s return.”

Shah Rukh, who is also producing King, is said to be deeply involved in its VFX. The film also stars Rani Mukerji and Deepika Padukone.