UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Seeks Deeper UK-India Film Collaboration
The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening film industry ties between the United Kingdom and India. Accompanied by a delegation from Britain’s film ecosystem—including representatives from the British Film Institute, British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios and Civic Studios—Starmer’s visit underscores a concerted push to deepen cooperation in a thriving global entertainment market.
Launchpad at YRF Studios
Starmer was whisked to YRF Studios in Mumbai amid heightened security, where he met with a line-up of Indian producers and studio executives. The discussions touched on expanding co-productions, joint ventures, and the exchange of talent and creative resources. On hand were YRF CEO Akshaye Widhwani, YRF chairperson Aditya Chopra’s wife and actor Rani Mukerji, as well as Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films, Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment, and Apoorva Mehta of Dharma Productions, among others.
Ambition to Rebuild Bilateral Filmmaking Ties
In a statement, Starmer highlighted the potential of the partnership, saying, “Bollywood is back in Britain, and it is 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.”
The meeting, which sources described as lasting about 30 to 40 minutes, reflected a broader strategy to leverage cultural diplomacy to foster economic links. Widhani echoed the sentiment, noting that the UK holds a special place in Indian cinema history and that collaborations could amplify both nations’ film landscapes on a global stage.
From DDLJ to Future Co-Productions
Widhani recalled YRF’s iconic legacy, including the enduring classic “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” which helped shape cross-cultural ties between the UK and India. He stated that the company intends to bring major productions to the UK from early 2026, signaling a tangible expansion of transatlantic projects. The gathering also touched on a broader cultural exchange, as YRF progresses with a stage adaptation of DDLJ and the English-language musical “Come Fall in Love” in the UK, underscoring a creative dialogue that spans film, theatre and live performance.
Strategic Timing and Milestones
The visit comes as YRF Studios prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in India on October 12, highlighting two decades of production and growth since founder Yash Chopra established the studio in 2005. The India-UK collaboration narrative aligns with broader geopolitical and economic conversations, where film is seen as a catalyst for investment, tourism and cultural exchange.
Looking Ahead
Beyond immediate co-productions, industry voices hope for enhanced infrastructure, streamlined regulatory pathways, and greater access to post-production technology across borders. UK and Indian studios alike anticipate a stronger talent pipeline, with actors, writers and technicians benefiting from cross-border opportunities. As both nations chart the next chapter of their cinematic relationship, events like the YRF Studios visit illustrate how culture and commerce increasingly intertwine in the global entertainment economy.
