Keir Starmer at YRF Studios - What his big announcement means for Bollywood in Britain

New Delhi: Yash Raj Films (YRF), India’s leading film production and distribution company, will be shooting three major films in the United Kingdom starting early 2026, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced during his visit to Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai. This significant move is expected to create over 3,000 jobs and inject millions of pounds into the UK economy, marking the end of an eight-year hiatus for YRF filming in Britain.

The announcement coincides with the 20th anniversary of Yash Raj Studios’ operations in India, celebrated on October 12th, and highlights the growing impact of the UK-India trade deal on the creative sector.

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Prime Minister Starmer, on a two-day trade mission aimed at strengthening business and cultural partnerships with one of the world's fastest-growing economies, said, “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. 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.” Starmer visited Yash Raj Studios along with prominent figures from the British Film Institute, British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios.

YRF’s CEO Akshaye Widhani expressed emotional and creative enthusiasm about returning, stating, “The UK 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. It is truly special to reignite YRF and the UK’s filming ties in the 30th anniversary of DDLJ.” He also revealed that YRF is producing a stage adaptation of DDLJ, an English musical titled Come Fall in Love, in the UK.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed the collaboration, saying, “By making these Bollywood blockbusters in Britain, we will be driving more growth in our world-class creative industries.” The announcement comes alongside a cooperation agreement between the British Film Institute and India’s National Film Development Corporation, designed to boost co-productions and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Adding to this momentum, the Producers Guild of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UK trade body Pact, aimed at fostering closer ties and sharing best practices between Indian and UK producers. Producers Guild President Shibasish Sarkar commented, “The United Kingdom is already a popular destination for Indian filmmakers who choose to film abroad, and the time is ripe now to take that engagement to the next level.”

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Past UK-India collaborations like the global blockbuster Slumdog Millionaire have proved the potential of such partnerships, having brought approximately £300 million (Rs 26,62,03,80,000) to the UK economy on a modest budget. The renewed UK-India film ties are set to bring cultural richness, economic benefits, and creative synergies in the coming years, marking a landmark moment in bilateral relations.

This collaboration not only boosts economic growth but also strengthens the cultural fabric linking India and the UK through shared artistic excellence and commercial success. Yash Raj Films’ return to the UK filmmaking landscape symbolises a new chapter of creative unity and opportunity for both nations.