
UK Prime Minister announces landmark Bollywood production deal — three blockbuster films will be shot in Britain as part of a new UK-India collaboration.
Bollywood comes to Britain
In a major development for the UK-India film partnership, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that three Bollywood films will be produced in the United Kingdom starting in 2026.
The announcement aims to strengthen creative and economic ties between the two countries, with the chosen productions expected to create around 3,000 jobs across film, technical and support sectors.
A new chapter in UK-India cinema
This move marks the return of Yash Raj Films — one of Bollywood’s biggest production houses — to filming in Britain after an eight-year break.
The decision comes in tandem with broader trade agreements and cultural collaborations, positioning Britain as a major hub for international filmmaking and attracting investment in the creative industries.
Starmer emphasised that the deal not only supports film production but also symbolises a deeper commitment to cultural exchange and mutual growth between the UK and India.
Implications and expectations
Film insiders believe the UK could benefit from increased studio usage, location shooting, local crew employment, and tourism of film fans. The move is also expected to encourage further collaboration on training, co-productions, and distribution networks.
Some observers see this as a strategic soft power play — amplifying British creative credentials while engaging Bollywood’s vast global audience.
Still, challenges remain: aligning production costs, navigating regulatory frameworks, and blending cinematic styles across markets will be key.