India’s premier movie production company, Yash Raj Films (YRF), has announced its intention to produce its major films in the United Kingdom from the beginning of 2026. The ground-breaking decision is set to generate more than 3,000 jobs and put millions of pounds into the UK economy. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement in Mumbai today as part of a high-profile trade mission to further UK-India relations.
The Prime Minister paid a visit to Yash Raj Studios, the 20th anniversary of which falls on October 12, along with a British delegation of film industry leaders such as the British Film Institute (BFI), British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios and Civic Studios. The visit reflects increased cooperation between the two countries’ flourishing creative industries.
Bollywood is back in Britain,” declared Prime Minister Starmer. “It’s bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, all while promoting the UK as a world-class destination for global film-making. This is precisely the sort of partnership our trade agreement with India is set to unlock.
The UK’s film industry, worth £12 billion annually and supporting 90,000 jobs, is a popular destination for international filmmakers due to its state-of-the-art studio infrastructure and iconic landscapes. YRF’s return to filming in the UK, after an eight-year hiatus, signals renewed confidence and opportunity following the UK-India trade deal negotiations.
YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani was bubbling with enthusiasm over reviving the links with the UK, as some of the company’s most legendary films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) were shot there. “It is really wonderful to revive YRF and UK’s filming relationship on DDLJ’s 30th anniversary,” he added. The company has also produced an English musical adaptation of the film, Come Fall in Love, in the UK.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, on her part, was pleased with the partnership, which she noted conforms to the UK’s Creative Industries Sector Plan to drive growth and worldwide impact.
Furthermore, a new cooperation deal between the BFI and India’s National Film Development Corporation will enhance co-productions and promote talent exchange between the two countries.
This partnership not only enhances cultural and economic ties but is also an extension of previous successes such as Slumdog Millionaire, which added £300 million to the UK economy. As India’s film industry keeps expanding, partnerships such as this one pledge a colorful, mutually rewarding future for Indian and UK cinema.
