New Delhi: Three new Bollywood blockbusters will be made in the UK starting next year, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in Mumbai Wednesday. Yash Raj Films has confirmed plans to bring their major productions to locations across the UK from early 2026, creating over 3,000 jobs and boosting the economy by millions of pounds.
The new deal comes days ahead of Yash Raj Films (YRF) completing 20 years of its journey on 12 October.
“Bollywood is back in Britain, and it’s bringing jobs, investment, and opportunity, all while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for global filmmaking,” said Starmer.
The UK isn’t a novel location for YRF films. However, the studio hasn’t shot a single movie in the country in the last eight years.
Starmer has flown to India for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the cultural ties between the UK and India. He was welcomed by actor Rani Mukerji at YRF Studios, and was accompanied by representatives from the British Film Institute, the British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios.
“This is exactly the kind of partnership our trade deal with India is destined to unlock – driving growth, strengthening cultural ties and delivering for communities across the country,” said Starmer.
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Cooperation agreement
Starmer attended a special film screening of DDLJ, for which he was joined by YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani and Mukerji.
“It is truly special to reignite YRF and UK’s filming ties in the 30th anniversary of DDLJ – a film that is synonymous to UK-India’s relationship. Our company is currently producing the stage adaptation of DDLJ, the English musical titled Come Fall in Love (CFIL) in the UK, too,” said Widhani.
Moreover, a cooperation agreement between the British Film Institute and the National Film Development Commission of India will enable co-production and resource sharing between filmmakers from both countries.
“I’m confident that, working with such major Indian film companies as Yash Raj Films, we will open the door to even greater creative collaborations and economic opportunities between the UK and India,” said Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission.
YRF’s latest venture, Saiyaraa, has made more than €2 million in the UK.
The latest announcement is not just crucial for YRF but other studios as well—especially those in the UK.
“We believe the future of the planet needs a better script, and one that brings the global north and south together. We’re thrilled that the delegation provides opportunities to strengthen ties across India and the UK,” said Anushka Shah, CEO of Civic Studios. The studio will release Christmas Karma, directed by Gurinder Chadha, in December.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)