The cinematic bond between Britain and India is set for a grand revival. In a landmark announcement made in Mumbai, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed that three major Bollywood blockbusters will be filmed across the United Kingdom starting early 2026 — a move poised to generate over 3,000 new jobs and inject millions of pounds into the British economy.
The films will be produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), India’s most celebrated production house behind global hits such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) and War. The announcement marks YRF’s long-awaited return to filming in the UK after an eight-year hiatus, signalling a new era of creative collaboration between two of the world’s most dynamic film industries.
To commemorate the milestone, Prime Minister Starmer visited Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai, accompanied by a high-profile British film delegation representing the British Film Institute (BFI), British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios. The visit formed part of a two-day trade mission aimed at deepening economic and cultural ties between the UK and India — one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
“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 Prime Minister Starmer. “This is exactly the kind of partnership our trade deal with India is designed to unlock — driving growth, strengthening cultural ties, and delivering for communities across the country.”
A New Chapter in UK–India Film Collaboration
The UK’s film and television industry currently contributes £12 billion annually to the national economy, supporting over 90,000 jobs across the country. With its state-of-the-art studios, technical expertise, and quintessential landscapes, Britain remains one of the world’s most desirable filming destinations.
India, meanwhile, stands as the largest producer of films globally, with Bollywood’s vibrant storytelling and global fanbase offering vast opportunities for cross-border collaboration. The upcoming productions are expected to revitalise the creative corridor between London and Mumbai, building on a rich legacy that dates back decades.
For Yash Raj Films, the UK has always been more than a location — it’s been a cinematic muse. The company’s CEO, Akshaye Widhani, reflected on this deep connection:
“The UK holds a very special place in our hearts. Some of our most iconic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, were shot here. It is truly special to reignite YRF’s filming ties with the UK on the 30th anniversary of DDLJ — a film synonymous with the UK–India relationship,” he said.
“We are thrilled to return to filming in a country that has always been so hospitable to us. The UK’s infrastructure, technology, and creative talent are unmatched, and this collaboration reaffirms our shared commitment to pushing the global content landscape forward.”
YRF is also currently producing “Come Fall in Love”, the English-language musical adaptation of DDLJ, in the UK — another symbol of the enduring creative connection between the two nations.
Strengthening the Creative Bridge
As part of this renewed engagement, the British Film Institute (BFI) and India’s National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster co-productions and facilitate the sharing of talent, resources, and ideas.
Lisa Nandy, UK Culture Secretary, highlighted the potential of this partnership:
“The UK’s and India’s film industries are truly world-class, entertaining billions around the world. By bringing these Bollywood blockbusters to Britain, we are driving growth in our creative industries and deepening our cultural ties as we set out in our Creative Industries Sector Plan.”
The collaboration builds on a history of successful Indo–British productions, most notably Slumdog Millionaire, which earned global acclaim and generated approximately £300 million in box office revenue on a modest £12 million budget — a testament to the powerful synergy between British filmmaking expertise and Indian storytelling.
A Shared Cinematic Vision
Leaders from across the UK’s film ecosystem echoed their enthusiasm for the partnership:
Ben Roberts, CEO of the British Film Institute, said:
“The UK and India are two great filmmaking nations with deep cultural ties. Working closer together will unlock opportunities to strengthen cultural diversity, drive industry growth, and expand audiences across both countries.”
Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission, added:
“The UK enjoys a deep and rich relationship with India in film. Partnering with leading Indian film companies such as Yash Raj Films will open doors to even greater creative collaboration and economic opportunity.”
Andrew M. Smith OBE DL, Corporate Affairs Director at Pinewood Group, expressed optimism about future partnerships:
“This mission to Mumbai allows us to share perspectives, build relationships, and find new ways to collaborate on films that resonate with audiences worldwide.”
Rebecca Hawkes, Head of Elstree Studios, also underscored the historical moment:
“As Elstree celebrates its centenary, there couldn’t be a better time to connect with India — a nation with an equally rich cinematic heritage. This partnership celebrates the shared legacy of two great film powerhouses.”
Anushka Shah, CEO of Civic Studios, concluded:
“As a UK–India media company, we’re proud to be part of this historic delegation. We believe the future of storytelling — from social impact cinema to climate-focused narratives — lies in uniting the creative forces of the global north and south.”
The Final Take
With Yash Raj Films returning to British shores, the UK once again becomes a stage for stories that transcend borders. Beyond the promise of jobs and investment, this collaboration celebrates a shared cultural heritage and reaffirms cinema’s timeless role as a bridge between nations.
As Bollywood comes back to Britain, the world can look forward to a new wave of cinematic magic — where London streets, Scottish landscapes, and English countryside once again serve as the backdrop for Indian dreams, retold for a global audience.
