Bollywood has received some big news. Yash Raj Films will shoot three big movies in Britain beginning early 2026. This is perfectly timed news since the iconic film DDLJ celebrated 30 years this year.
The announcement came when UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Yash Raj Films Studios in Mumbai this week. He was joined by representatives from major UK studios, including Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and the British Film Institute. All attendees were excited about the return of Bollywood to Britain for the first time in eight years.
What We Know About the Three Film Deal?
YRF secured a deal to produce three films across various locations in the UK beginning in 2026. The production house was vague on which films they were producing or any news of actors for the films. But the producers did say that the projects will be large in scale.
The announcement also mentioned some cool numbers. These three films will:
- Create more than 3,000 jobs for people in Britain
- Add millions of pounds to the British economy
- Use locations all over the United Kingdom
- Bring Bollywood production back after an eight-year break
Why This Matters for DDLJ’s Anniversary?
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge was released 30 years ago and changed everything for YRF and films shot in Britain. Most know it by its acronym, DDLJ. The film showcased London and other areas of Britain beautifully.
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol were made stars by the film. DDLJ brought British culture together with films from the subcontinent. It used King’s Cross Railway Station and other areas, which fans still visit today.
Speaking of this idea, Akshaye Widhani, the Chief Executive Officer at YRF, mentioned how special Great Britain is for the company, and that some of their best films were shot there, including DDLJ. The teams thought it was a nice idea to make this deal during the 30th anniversary year of DDLJ.
What UK Leaders Said about Yash Raj Films?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke very strongly about the deal. He stated Bollywood is back in Britain and bringing jobs and opportunities. He also said Britain works great as a place for filmmakers from around the globe. Lisa Nandy, the UK Culture Secretary, also shared what she believes.
She believes that making Bollywood films in Britain would help creative people grow their careers. Both countries had strong film sectors, making it a natural fit to work together.
The trip to YRF Studios is part of a two-day visit focused on trade between the UK and the sub-continent, with Starmer wanting to build future relationships with creative works and business. Film production became a significant part of these conversations.
The Musical Connection
YRF is already working on something cool in Britain. They’re producing Come Fall in Love, which is a stage musical based on DDLJ. This English-language show will bring the story to theater fans.
The musical tells a fresh version of the DDLJ story. Widhani mentioned this project when talking about their UK connections. It shows that YRF wants to keep building its relationship with Britain through different types of entertainment.
Britain’s railway system even joined the celebration. They partnered with YRF because 2025 marks 200 years of railways in Britain and 30 years of DDLJ. The original film had famous scenes shot at railway stations.
Economic Impact and Jobs
The deal brings real numbers to the table. Over 3,000 jobs will open up across Britain when filming starts. These roles will spread across different parts of the country, not just one city.
Past projects show what’s possible. Slumdog Millionaire brought around 300 million pounds to Britain’s economy. That film only cost 12 million pounds to make. When British and creators from the subcontinent work together, good things happen.
What Happens Next?
YRF has indicated that it will commence filming in early 2026. YRF decided not to reveal the titles of the films included in the three-film agreement at this time. Due to this, fans of YRF will have to await guidance regarding the titles, key stars and filming locations.
The British Film Institute also signed an agreement in partnership with the National Film Development Corporation from the subcontinent. This agreement enables filmmakers from both countries to further connect, share talents and access each other’s resources as agreed in the partnership. More cooperative agreements along those lines may happen soon.
Britain’s film and television industry contributes approximately £12 billion a year to the economy. It employs close to 90,000 people across the entire country. Global filmmakers are attracted to Britain because of its world-class production studios and stunning locations for filming.
For fans of DDLJ from the 1995 feature film, seeing this film production partnership highlight the connection between Britain and Bollywood storytelling provides a special feeling. The film that inspired star-crossed lovers in its original storyline involved filming in Britain, and now it is returning major film and television productions to the same country. YRF returning to Britain for the first time in 8 years speaks to the strength of partnership between British filming locations and traditional Bollywood storytelling.And if cricket action sounds fun to check out as well, make sure you also check out Khelofun will continue to share all the latest news and highlights for fans of cricket. Khelofun will share all the latest behind-the-scenes news as these three films begin filming next year in locations across Britain each and every day.
