Alia Bhatt, a prominent Bollywood actress, is set to make history as the first woman to lead a film in Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe, according to Variety. The movie, slated to begin production in 2024, will feature Bhatt in the role of a “super agent.”
Bhatt enjoyed tremendous success in 2022 with several notable films. Her portrayal of the title character in “Gangubai Kathiawadi” garnered critical acclaim and achieved commercial success. The film premiered at the Berlinale gala and emerged as the top non-English film on Netflix in 25 countries. Additionally, her role in “RRR” contributed to the film’s massive box office success and its subsequent accolades, including an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
Not only an accomplished actress, Bhatt also ventured into production with her debut project, “Darlings,” which became a hit on Netflix. She also starred in the Disney magnum opus “Brahmastra Part One: Shiva,” which garnered considerable success.
Bhatt’s upcoming projects include Karan Johar’s “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani” and her Hollywood debut in the Skydance/Netflix production “Heart of Stone,” directed by Tom Harper, where she will share the screen with Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan.
The spy universe, conceptualized by producer Aditya Chopra, commenced with the Tiger franchise, featuring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, beginning with “Ek Tha Tiger” (2012) and “Tiger Zinda Hai” (2017). The universe expanded with “War” (2019), starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. The latest entry in the series, “Pathaan,” featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham, emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of the year, amassing $130 million. Together, the four films have generated approximately $300 million in box office revenue.
The next installment in the spy universe, “Tiger 3,” is set for release in November during the Diwali festival season. It will showcase Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan in the lead roles, and production for “Tiger vs Pathaan” will commence in January 2024. Ayan Mukerji, the filmmaker behind “Brahmastra,” will direct “War 2.”
A trade source revealed to Variety that Bhatt’s inclusion in the spy universe demonstrates Aditya Chopra’s commitment to catering to a diverse audience. They stated that Bhatt, being a beloved actress among the youth and Gen Z demographic, will portray a spy in an exhilarating action film that will captivate various audience segments. The source also emphasized that Bhatt’s prominence as an actress places her on par with the biggest male stars of the industry, showcasing the studio’s confidence in her ability to anchor and expand the spy franchise.