Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has announced that "Bollywood blockbusters" are set to be made in the UK as a result of the new trade deal with India. Starmer made the announcement during a visit to Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

Yash Raj Films, a leading Indian film production and distribution company, has confirmed plans to bring major productions to the UK starting in early 2026. This move is expected to create over 3,000 jobs and boost the British economy by millions of pounds.

Starmer, on his first visit to India as Prime Minister, is seeking to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. He emphasized that the trade deal with India is designed to stimulate growth, strengthen cultural connections, and deliver benefits to communities throughout the UK. He also instructed officials to move quickly on the FTA signed in July after three years of negotiations.

The UK film industry currently contributes £12 billion annually to the economy and supports 90,000 jobs across the country. The UK is a popular destination for international filmmakers, boasting world-class studio infrastructure and iconic backdrops. India, as the world's largest film producer, presents a significant opportunity for UK companies to expand and grow.

Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, noted the UK's special significance to the company, highlighting that some of their most iconic films, including "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)," were filmed in the UK. Widhani expressed honor in hosting Prime Minister Starmer at YRF Studios and discussing collaborations between India and the UK to enhance the global content landscape. He also mentioned that his company is currently producing a stage adaptation of DDLJ, an English musical titled "Come Fall in Love (CFIL)" in the UK.

The British High Commission said the deal will help create over 3,000 jobs in the UK. To commemorate the announcement, Starmer visited Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai with a delegation of prominent figures from the British film industry, including representatives from the British Film Institute, the British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios.

Starmer stated, "Bollywood is back in Britain, and it's bringing jobs, investment, and opportunity, all while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for global filmmaking".

The Prime Minister is on a two-day trade mission to strengthen ties with India, one of the world's fastest-growing economies. The goal is to increase investment and finalize agreements that will promote growth in both countries. The UK High Commission has described India as one of the UK's most important economic partners.

The trade deal aims to increase two-way trade by £25.5 billion ($34 billion) by 2040 between the world's fifth and sixth-largest economies. Executives from major companies like BP, Rolls-Royce, British Telecom, Diageo, the London Stock Exchange, and British Airways are part of the delegation, aiming to maximize opportunities from the UK's most significant post-Brexit trade deal.

The British Film Institute (BFI) and the National Film Development Commission of India are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revitalize co-production and enable filmmakers from both countries to share resources and talent. Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive, said, "In the UK, we want to welcome more production from India and build more collaboration and co-production between our nations for us to benefit economically and culturally".

While in India, Starmer also called for the swift implementation of the free trade agreement (FTA) signed in July, stating that it provides "huge opportunities". He noted that trade with India had already increased significantly in the past year. The FTA will lead to India cutting tariffs on British goods like whisky, cosmetics, and medical devices, while the UK will reduce duties on clothing, footwear, and food products, including frozen prawns from India.

Despite pressure, Starmer has ruled out expanding visa access for Indian professionals, stating that it is not part of the current plan.