For almost six months, news of Alia Bhatt's casting in the highly anticipated film YRF Spy Universe has been making waves. Akshaye Widhani, the CEO of Yash Raj Films, has now verified this momentous occurrence on March 5 at FICCI Frames.
Akshaye responded, "I'll share the worst-kept secret in the industry, which is that Alia Bhatt is headlining a Spy Universe film and that the schedule starts later this year," in response to repeated questions about a new development in the YRF Spy Universe. Speaking of this spy universe, nevertheless, we must admit that we are incredibly happy and eager to have this intellectual property (IP) in the studio.
"I believe the YRF Spy Universe to be a financial and cultural juggernaut," he continued. We are really proud of it as one of the most valuable intellectual properties. Thus, there will be a lot of developments in the spy realm. There will be an increasing number of films produced under it. However, we shall discuss it at a later time. I can only tell for now that Alia Bhatt is starring in a movie set in the spy universe.
In the untitled movie, Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh are expected to collaborate. They will appear in the action entertainer as super-agents.
Akshaye also talked about YRF's incredible success this year on Netflix with "The Railway Men," a blockbuster show about the Bhopal Gas Tragedy that has become a global phenomenon! On Netflix, it peaked at number three! "The Romantics," a documentary series about YRF and its half-century influence on popular culture, has achieved international acclaim.
"The Railway Men" trended in over 36 countries, but Akshaye stated, "You know your content is successful when people who don't speak your language are watching and enjoying it." It is a rather broad definition of success, in my opinion. As a corporation, we don't mind failing. Our goal is to be able to create material that disrupts.
"India loves films," he continued. It plays a significant role in both our team and our culture. Additionally, I believe that everyone who watched "The Romantics" went on a journey. Thus, each person has a personal YRF tale. A YRF story from Yash Ji's era belonged to my parents. I had a story from Adi's YRF days. Therefore, there are others who share my YRF story. One of the songs from a YRF movie was played during your wedding. There was a period in your life when you went to see a YRF movie with that special someone, who you may or may not be in a relationship with, but you still have happy memories of them.
"I think it's a cultural connection with audiences because of that connection and connection with this company, and the studio has had it," Akshaye continued. And for that reason, people were intrigued and drawn to watch "The Romantics," which only made them adore it more. The kids were able to relate to this place's simple nostalgia since it reminded them of a family member or a beloved movie they had seen. Not to mention that it marked Aditya Chopra's screen debut, which attracted a tonne of attention!
Salman Khan's "Ek Tha Tiger" (2012), "Tiger Zinda Hai" (2017), and "War" (2019), starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff, were the first three films in the YRF Spy Universe. The films "Pathaan," starring John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, and Shah Rukh Khan, and "Tiger 3," featuring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, advanced it. The next project, "War 2," is being directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., and Kiara Advani.
