Yash Raj Films is heading back to Britain in a big way.
The leading Indian film production and distribution company has inked a deal to shoot three major productions across the U.K. starting in early 2026, Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed Wednesday during a visit to Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai. The productions are expected to create more than 3,000 jobs and inject millions of pounds into the British economy.
The announcement marks the end of an eight-year absence for Yash Raj Films in the U.K., underscoring the early impact of the U.K.-India trade deal on the creative sector.
Starmer made the announcement during a two-day trade mission aimed at strengthening ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. He was accompanied by a delegation of British film industry heavyweights, including representatives from the British Film Institute, British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios and Civic Studios. The visit coincided with Yash Raj Studios’ 20th anniversary of operations in India.
“Bollywood is back in Britain, and it’s bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, all while showcasing the U.K. as a world-class destination for global filmmaking,” Starmer said. “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.”
The U.K. film industry contributes £12 billion ($16.1 billion) annually to the economy and supports 90,000 jobs across the country, making it a sought-after destination for international filmmakers thanks to its world-leading studio infrastructure and iconic locations.
For Yash Raj Films, the return to British shores carries particular resonance. The company’s most iconic film, “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (DDLJ), was shot extensively in the U.K., and the company’s English musical stage adaptation of the film, titled “Come Fall in Love,” is being staged across Britain.
“The U.K. holds a very special place in our hearts and some of our most iconic films, including ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ) were shot in this beautiful and incredibly hospitable country,” said Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani. “It is truly special to reignite YRF and U.K.’s filming ties in the 30th anniversary of DDLJ – a film that is synonymous to U.K.-India’s relationship.”
Widhani added: “U.K.’s infrastructure, technology and talent is unmatched and we are delighted to deepen our cultural ties with a country that has always empowered us to excel creatively.”
U.K. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: “The U.K.’s and India’s film industries are truly world class, entertaining billions around the world. By making these Bollywood blockbusters in Britain we will be driving more growth in our world-class creative industries, as we committed to in our Creative Industries Sector Plan.”
The announcement will be supported by a cooperation agreement (MoU) between the British Film Institute and the National Film Development Commission of India, designed to reinvigorate co-production opportunities and enable filmmakers from both countries to share resources and talent.
An MoU between the U.K.’s Pact and the Producers Guild of India has also been signed.
India produces more films than any other country in the world, and as a nation of 1.4 billion with a rapidly growing entertainment industry, it represents significant expansion opportunities for U.K. companies.
variety.com
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