Farhan Akhtar is set to make his big-screen Hollywood debut with Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes' ambitious four-part film series on The Beatles, stepping into the role of legendary Indian classical musician Pandit Ravi Shankar.
The announcement was made as part of a fresh casting reveal by Sony Pictures, confirming Farhan's entry into a global project that will chronicle the journey of one of the most influential bands in music history.
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Farhan's casting as Pandit Ravi Shankar is seen as a crucial addition to the narrative, given the deep musical and spiritual connection the sitar maestro shared with The Beatles. His friendship with George Harrison introduced the band to Indian classical music and Eastern philosophy, an influence that went on to shape some of their most iconic work. Shankar also hosted the group during their visit to India, a moment that became a defining chapter in the band's cultural journey.
This will be Farhan's first international film project, following his brief appearance in the Marvel series Ms. Marvel in 2022. Known in Hindi cinema for balancing acting, directing, producing and music, Farhan now joins a large international cast in what is being mounted as one of the most ambitious music biopics ever attempted. The project is currently being shot in the UK and is expected to complete filming by the end of the year. All four films are scheduled for a simultaneous global theatrical release in April 2028 after an extensive post-production schedule.
The upcoming films will be told from the individual perspectives of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, with each part focusing on one member of the band. Harris Dickinson will play Lennon, Paul Mescal will portray McCartney, Joseph Quinn will appear as Harrison and Barry Keoghan will take on the role of Starr. The ensemble cast also includes Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono and James Norton as the band's manager Brian Epstein.
The development also comes at a time when Farhan has been in the news back home over the ongoing Don 3 stalemate with Ranveer Singh.
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