Bobby Deol To Play Antagonist In Alia Bhatt, Sharvari's YRF Spy Drama

Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani disclosed recently that Alia Bhatt is slated to lead a film within the esteemed YRF spy universe. The filming for this anticipated project is scheduled to kick off later this year. Widhani emphasised the significance of the spy universe, labelling it as both a financial powerhouse and a cultural phenomenon within the studio's portfolio.

He said, "I will share the worst-kept secret in the industry, which is Alia Bhatt is headlining a spy universe film and that the schedule starts later this year ... We are actually just so thrilled and excited about having this IP in the studio."

Alia Bhatt To Join Spy Universe Confirms YRF CEO 

Confirming the long-rumoured casting choice, Widhani expressed the studio's excitement and anticipation regarding Bhatt's involvement in the upcoming venture. He hinted at a plethora of forthcoming projects within the spy universe, suggesting a promising future for the franchise. Additionally, it was revealed that Bhatt will be joined by Sharvari Wagh in the yet-to-be-titled film, where they will portray super-agents in an action-packed thriller. This collaboration promises to bring a fresh and dynamic dimension to the cinematic universe.

Yash Raj Films, under the leadership of Aditya Chopra, has enlisted director Shiv Rawail for its inaugural female-led spy film featuring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari. According to a report by Pinkvilla, Shiv, known for his directorial debut with the studio’s Netflix series The Railway Men, has commenced pre-production for the untitled spy flick, slated to commence filming in the latter half of 2024. 

Before making his digital debut with The Railway Men, which premiered on Netflix in November 2023, Shiv Rawail collaborated with Aditya Chopra as an assistant director on several of his productions. The latest film in Yash Raj Films' ambitious spy universe was this year's Fighter, after Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan. and Salman Khan-led Tiger 3. 

According to the report, "Alia will take on a mission that will push her to the edge, and this gritty action film will expand the YRF spy universe further. Her inclusion in the YRF spy universe indicates that Aditya Chopra is leaving no audience segment out of the equation for this franchise. Alia is the biggest superstar amongst youth and Gen Z of India and she is also one of the most adored actresses of our generation. She playing a spy in an all-out adrenaline-pumping entertainer is a big novelty for all audience skews that she appeals to. Alia is as big as the biggest heroes of our time and she headlining a YRF spy universe film pretty much cements this perception."

Bhatt once played a spy in Raazi but this role in the YRF film will reportedly feature her in a never-seen avatar. Last year, she made her Hollywood debut with Heart of Stone, in which she played the antagonist and she appeared in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani alongside Ranveer Singh, Jaya Bachchan, and Dharmendra. 

Booby Deol Joins The YRF's Spy Drama

Moreover, Bobby Deol is set to take on the role of the antagonist in an upcoming YRF spy universe film, sharing the screen with Alia Bhatt and Sharvari. Embracing his most morally ambiguous character yet, Bobby is gearing up for a physical transformation to bring depth to his portrayal. With enthusiasm sparked during the narration, Bobby sees this character as a captivating follow-up to his recent success in 'Animal', according to IndiaToday.in.

More about YRF's spy universe

YRF's spy universe came into being with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif's 2012 film Ek Tha Tiger, followed by the sequel Tiger Zinda Hai in 2017. The next to follow was Hrithik Roshan's 2019 film War, which also had Tiger Shroff. It was then followed by this year's Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. Tiger 3 brought back Salman and Katrina again. War 2 starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger vs Pathaan starring Salman and Shah Rukh are also in the works.