At FICCI Frames, YRF CEO reveals Alia Bhatt's role in Spy Universe film; emphasizes success in streaming with 'The Railway Men' and 'The Romantics'. Upcoming projects include 'War 2' and 'Pathaan 2'
At the FICCI Frames event held on March 5, Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films (YRF), disclosed a much-anticipated development regarding Alia Bhatt's participation in the Spy Universe. This revelation, which had been a subject of speculation for over six months, has garnered significant attention within the industry.
During the event, Akshaye Widhani addressed the persistent inquiries by unveiling Alia Bhatt's pivotal role in an upcoming Spy Universe film slated to commence shooting later this year. Emphasizing the studio's enthusiasm for the Spy Universe intellectual property (IP), Widhani described it as a financial and cultural juggernaut, expressing YRF's pride in its association with the franchise.
He hinted at forthcoming projects within the Spy Universe while refraining from divulging specific details, promising more announcements at a later stage. In addition to Alia Bhatt, the untitled film will feature Sharvari Wagh as co-lead, portraying super-agents in an action-packed narrative.
Widhani also highlighted YRF's successful ventures in the streaming arena, citing 'The Railway Men'—a program centered on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy—as a global hit that reached the third position on Netflix. Another triumph for YRF on the streaming platform was 'The Romantics,' a documentary series exploring the studio's profound influence on pop culture over its 50-year history.
Reflecting on the global reception of 'The Railway Men,' Widhani underscored the significance of resonating with audiences beyond linguistic barriers, viewing it as a hallmark of success for content creators. He emphasized YRF's commitment to producing innovative and disruptive content, citing it as a driving force behind the studio's endeavors.
Widhani further delved into the cultural resonance of YRF's cinematic legacy, noting how it evokes personal anecdotes and shared experiences among viewers. He attributed the success of 'The Romantics' to this deep-seated connection with audiences, fostering nostalgia and appreciation for YRF's contributions to Indian cinema.
Regarding the Spy Universe franchise, Widhani traced its origins with films like 'Ek Tha Tiger' (2012) and its subsequent installments, including 'Tiger Zinda Hai' (2017) and 'War' (2019). He revealed the lineup of upcoming projects, including 'Pathaan' and 'Tiger 3,' featuring illustrious stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Salman Khan, and Katrina Kaif. Additionally, he announced 'War 2,' directed by Ayan Mukherjee and featuring Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., and Kiara Advani, as the next installment in the franchise.
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