SCOOP: YRF to invest Rs 150 crores in micro-dramas; Akshaye Widhani to lead new vertical for Aditya Chopra Yash Raj Films (YRF) plans to enter the fast-growing micro-drama space, alongside the development of a proprietary direct-to-consumer app aimed at bringing its content directly to audiences. This seems to be a revolutionary move by the production house, which has willingly contributed to strengthen the theatrical medium of Indian Cinema over the last 50 years. Reliable sources confirm that Yash Raj Films is investing Rs 150 crores in creation of micro-dramas over the next few years. The amount will be put into creation of content, as also building a direct to consumer application to host the content. The new vertical will be led by YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani, who produced Saiyaara, which emerged as the most profitable film in the studio’s history. Widhani has also brought on board Saugata Mukherjee, formerly of SonyLIV, to lead creative development across streaming shows, films and microdramas, and develop the new slate. Micro-drama storytelling has seen significant success in markets such as China, where the segment is estimated to be valued at RMB 35–40 billion ($5–6 billion USD), with projections of RMB 50–70 billion ($7–10 billion USD) over the next two years. The format is driven by mobile-first consumption, short-duration episodes, and scalable micropayment models, with a user base of 400–600 million viewers. YRF’s planned entry into this space reflects its contin... #Aditya_Chopra #SCOOP #Indian_Cinema #Yash_Raj #Raj_Films #Akshaye_Widhani #Chopra_Yash #app_aimed #billion_USD #content_directly
Mithoon reunites with Mohit Suri for the next Ahaan Panday - Aneet Padda starrer; composer begins work on intense love story The much-awaited collaboration between filmmaker Mohit Suri and composer Mithoon is set to continue with a new romantic project starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. The upcoming film, backed by Yash Raj Films, has already generated strong buzz, and the latest update about Mithoon joining the team has only heightened excitement among music lovers. Known for creating some of Bollywood’s most iconic romantic soundtracks, Mithoon has officially come on board the yet-untitled project, which is currently in the pre-production stage. The film is being backed by Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, who was also associated with Saiyaara. According to a source close to the development, the composer has already started work on the music for the film. “It is going to be an intense love story with YRF, and the music will reflect that emotional depth. There’s also buzz that the team is keen on introducing a new voice with this album,” the source revealed. The Mohit Suri-Mithoon partnership has long been regarded as one of Hindi cinema’s most successful filmmaker-composer collaborations. Their journey began with Zeher, which featured the unforgettable track ‘Woh Lamhe’. Over the years, the duo has consistently delivered music that connected deeply with audiences and helped define the romantic genre in Bollywood. Some of their most popular collaborations inc... #Aneet_Padda #Yash_Raj #Mohit_Suri #Raj_Films #Ahaan_Panday #Ahaan #Suri #Padda_starrer #starring_Ahaan #Mithoon_reunites
SCOOP: Abhay Pannu signed to direct the FIRST HORROR film in the history of Yash Raj Films India's leading production house Yash Raj Films (YRF) has signed filmmaker Abhay Pannu to direct a horror film for the studio. Pannu, best known for creating the critically acclaimed series Rocket Boys, has also developed the script for the project, which is scheduled to go on floors later in 2026. The yet untitled project will mark the first-ever horror film to be produced by Yash Raj Films in the last 50 years. "Yash Raj Films have made films all across the genres except for horror. Come 2027, and the banner will step into the horror space with a feature film directed by Abhay Pannu. YRF CEO, Akshaye Widhani, facilitated this conversation and the collaboration, as he gave the confidence to Aditya Chopra to explore the uncharted domain of horror for the first time in the ever-so-evolving world of cinema," a source shared with Bollywood Hungama. Post the success of Saiyaara, YRF, under the leadership of CEO Akshaye Widhani, has been actively engaging with a new generation of storytellers, including Mohit Suri, Sameer Saxena, and Abhay Pannu, with the objective of expanding the studio’s storytelling canvas across genres and formatsAs part of this strategic direction, YRF is strengthening its internal creative framework to support a dual development model. A slate of films creatively developed and produced by Aditya Chopra and a parallel slate led by Akshaye Widhani and his team, foc... #Yash_Raj #Raj_Films #Akshaye_Widhani #Abhay_Pannu #India_leading #Films_India #HORROR_film #Pannu_signed #signed_filmmaker #house_Yash
Saiyaara Team Reunites: Mohit Suri, Akshaye Widhani, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda return for an intense romance laced with heart-tugging music Earlier in the day, Bollywood Hungama broke the news about director Mohit Suri, actor Ahaan Panday and producers Yash Raj Films reuniting for another romance. The news is now confirmed by the banner. After the phenomenal success of Saiyaara that became the all-time highest grossing love story in the history of Indian cinema, the celebrated team of Mohit Suri, producer Akshaye Widhani (CEO of Yash Raj Films) and breakout Gen Z stars Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are set to reunite for an intense romance. The yet-untitled film promises a cinematic experience that blends heartfelt storytelling with unforgettable melodies. Released to unprecedented acclaim and audience love, YRF’s Saiyaara emerged as one of the defining musical blockbusters of its time. It collected a staggering close to Rs. 338 crores nett in India and about Rs. 580 crores gross worldwide — an extraordinary achievement for a romantic musical with absolute newcomers. Its soul-stirring soundtrack dominated streaming charts for months, even after its release, further reinforcing the film’s pop cultural impact in India and worldwide, especially amongst the youth of today. Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the Saiyaara pair became sweethearts of Gen Z. Ahneet, as their fans lovingly call them, are set to return with this film, bringing with them the infectious charm, authen... #Aneet_Padda #Bollywood_Hungama #Yash_Raj #Mohit_Suri #Raj_Films #Ahaan_Panday #Akshaye_Widhani #music_Earlier #Hungama_broke #director_Mohit
Mardaani 3 becomes the No. 1 movie on Netflix India; all 3 films of the blockbuster franchise trend in the Top 10 films list Yash Raj Films has yet another reason to celebrate. After a successful run in cinemas, Mardaani 3, starring Rani Mukerji, has now emerged as a massive winner on OTT as well, climbing to the No. 1 spot on Netflix India. What makes this feat even more remarkable is that the film’s streaming success has triggered a wider franchise resurgence, with all three Mardaani films now trending simultaneously in Netflix India’s Top 10 films list. As of this morning, Mardaani 3 (2026) is ranked No. 1, while Mardaani (2014) has claimed the No. 5 spot and Mardaani 2 (2019) is placed at No. 7. This is a huge achievement for a franchise that has, over the years, built a powerful emotional and commercial connection with audiences. In an industry where franchises are often male-driven and star-led in a conventional sense, the Mardaani series has carved its own unique and formidable identity. It is now firmly established as India’s only successful female-led blockbuster franchise, and also the country’s only hit female-cop film franchise. The OTT triumph of Mardaani 3 comes on the back of an impressive theatrical performance. The film collected over Rs. 53 crore nett in India, making it the highest-grossing film of the Mardaani franchise. In an era when even major films struggle to sustain momentum beyond the initial weeks, Mardaani 3 also achieved the rare dist... #India #Netflix #Yash_Raj #Raj_Films #Rani_Mukerji #franchise #films #Netflix_India #Mardaani #list_Yash
SCOOP: A mysterious romantic film in the making at Aditya Chopra's den - Yash Raj Films Yash Raj Film is among the most established banners of Indian Cinema, which is known to have delivered cults in the romantic space, ranging from Kabhi Kabhi and Silsila, to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Veer Zara, and more recently Saiyaara. A little birdie informs that a lot of movement is happening at YRF, taking a "Mysterious Romantic Film". "Yash Raj Films, in consultation with Aditya Chopra are working on a mysterious, timeless romantic saga, which could redefine the genre yet again. The script is locked, and all the things around the same are kept under wraps," a birdie from the inside confirmed to Bollywood Hungama, adding further that all the aspects around the project are moving forward at a fast pace, including the director's name as well as the casting process. Reportedly, a big star-cast is expected to come on board this epic, timeless tale of romance, and an announcement could be made on Yash Chopra's birthday - September 27. "It could be one of the most ambitious romantic films of modern times. The development and prep work is underway in full swing, and the idea is to keep all around this project under wraps till the moment of truth - the day of announcement. "While the makers may try their best to keep it all under wraps, stay tuned to us as we have activated all our sources to get us a scoop on this project. Also Read: SCOOP: Budget math stalls Krrish 4 – Hrithik’s Rs. ... #Aditya_Chopra #Indian_Cinema #Dilwale_Dulhania #Yash_Raj #Raj_Films #romantic_film #Kabhi_Kabhi #Veer_Zara #recently_Saiyaara #Raj_Film
Alia Bhatt, Sharvari starrer Alpha locks July 10, 2026 for its theatrical release The upcoming YRF Spy Universe film Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, has officially locked its theatrical release date. The much-anticipated spy thriller is scheduled to hit cinemas on July 10, 2026, marking a significant addition to the blockbuster franchise created by Yash Raj Films. Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha is expected to be the first female-led installment in the YRF Spy Universe, which previously delivered major box-office successes with films such as Pathaan and War 2. The film places two women at the centre of a high-octane espionage narrative, expanding the scope of the franchise that has so far largely revolved around male protagonists. While the makers have kept specific plot details under wraps, the film is described as a gritty, globe-trotting espionage thriller. The narrative reportedly follows Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as elite secret agents undertaking a high-stakes mission. Unlike some of the more stylised entries in the spy franchise, Alpha is said to adopt a rugged and raw aesthetic, focusing on a more grounded and intense depiction of field intelligence operations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yash Raj Films (@yrf)The film also brings together a strong ensemble cast. With Alia, Sharvari leading the narrative, Bobby Deol is set to play the primary antagonist. The actor’s role was previously teased through a brief appearance in the ... #release_date #Raj_Films #Alia_Bhatt #theatrical_release #Spy_Universe #locks_July #YRF_Spy #starrer_Alpha #Alpha_locks #officially_locked
SCOOP: Ranbir Kapoor in talks with Mohit Suri & Yash Raj Films for gangster-backed musical love saga After the historic success of Saiyaara, Mohit Suri is all set to start shooting for his next film soon. According to reliable sources, Mohit's next is an epic love story with music set against the backdrop of gangsters and assassins. "Mohit has locked a script and is looking to start shooting for the film by the end of 2026. He has full support from producer Aditya Chopra, as the duo is all set to embark on the journey of creating something as special as Saiyaara. "According to our source, Mohit Suri has approached Ranbir Kapoor to play the lead role, and a couple of rounds of meetings have already taken place. "Mohit has the dream of working with Ranbir Kapoor for the longest time. The success of Saiyaara and the support of Aditya Chopra have now given him the opportunity to cast Ranbir. Ranbir is also excited to collaborate with Mohit, but has not committed to the film yet. He is still sorting his calendar, as both Love and War and Ramayana are delayed," a source told Bollywood Hungama. The source also informed us that Ranbir has really liked the script and has informed Mohit of the tremendous theatrical potential it holds. "It has a big scope for music too, and if Ranbir does it, it could be one of the last love stories of his career. He will take a final call towards the middle of 2026. Mohit and Adi are meanwhile starting pre-production for the film. Even if Ra... #Aditya_Chopra #SCOOP #Ranbir_Kapoor #Ranbir #Yash_Raj #Mohit_Suri #Mohit #Raj_Films #gangster-backed_musical #start_shooting
