7 Dogs: Everything to Know About Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt’s Surprise Cameos in Bollywood’s Most Expensive Arabic Film
Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt fans have a reason to get excited, even though this isn’t technically a Bollywood film. The two stars have made special appearances in 7 Dogs, a Saudi Arabian-Egyptian action thriller that’s already made history as the most expensive Arabic-language production ever made — and it’s set to release in Indian theatres on August 21, 2026.
Here’s everything we know so far.
What is 7 Dogs About?
7 Dogs follows Khalid Al-Azzazi, an Interpol officer, who is forced into an uneasy alliance with Ghali Abu Dawood, a high-ranking figure from a dangerous global crime syndicate. A year after Khalid apprehends him, the syndicate resurfaces with a new drug flooding the Middle East, and the two men must work together to take it down. The story spans multiple international cities as the pair race to dismantle the organization.
The film is directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah — the filmmaking duo behind Bad Boys for Life — from a screenplay by Mohamed El-Dabbah, based on a story conceived by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.
Where do Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt Fit in?
Both actors appear in special cameo roles rather than lead parts. While full details of their roles haven’t been widely revealed yet, their presence in the ensemble cast alongside major international names is being seen as a significant crossover moment between Bollywood and the rapidly growing Saudi film industry.
It’s not the first time these two have shared a screen — Khan and Dutt have appeared together in several films over the years, including Saajan, Dus, and Chal Mere Bhai, and have a long-standing friendship that dates back decades in the industry.
The Rest of the Star-studded Cast
7 Dogs isn’t just leaning on its Bollywood cameos — the film has assembled a genuinely international ensemble:
- Ahmed Ezz and Karim Abdel Aziz in the lead roles
- Monica Bellucci
- Giancarlo Esposito
- Nasser Al Qasabi
- Sayed Ragab
- Tara Emad
- Sandy Bella
- Max Huang
Why this Film is Already Making Headlines
Even before its India release, 7 Dogs has generated buzz for reasons that go beyond casting. Made on a $40 million budget, it holds the title of the most expensive Arabic-language film ever produced. It’s also the first movie filmed at the newly built Big Time Al-Hosn Studios in Riyadh, which was designed to double as a stand-in for major global cities, including Mumbai.
The film has already broken two Guinness World Records, for the largest stunt explosion and the largest volume of high explosives detonated in a single take — a sequence that reportedly used 350 kilograms of explosives, 19,000 litres of petrol, and 20 tonnes of bentonite.
7 Dogs originally released internationally on May 27, 2026, and has already set box office records in Egypt, months ahead of its India debut.
When you can Watch it in India
Mark your calendars: 7 Dogs releases in Indian theatres on August 21, 2026, nearly three months after its original international release.
We’ll be keeping an eye out for more details on Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt’s specific roles as the Indian release date gets closer — check back for updates.
