Actor-director Farhan Akhtar is poised to embark on his Hollywood debut with filmmaker Sam Mendes’ ambitious four-part biographical series centered on “The Beatles”. Akhtar will portray the iconic sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, known for his close bond with the British band and hosting them during their memorable trip to India in the late 1960s.
The casting news was officially confirmed by Sony Pictures in a recent announcement for “The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event”. Alongside Akhtar, the ensemble includes Lucy Boynton as Jane Asher, Morfydd Clark as Cynthia Powell, and Harry Lawtey as Stuart Sutcliffe, the band’s original bassist.
This role marks Farhan Akhtar’s first major appearance in an international feature film, following a brief cameo in the 2022 Disney+ series Ms. Marvel. Specifics regarding his filming schedule for the Beatles project have not yet been revealed.
Under the direction of Sam Mendes, the four-part cinematic endeavor will delve into the lives of the Fab Four, with each segment narrated from the perspective of a different band member. The cast includes Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr.
Additionally, the supporting ensemble boasts Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, James Norton as Brian Epstein, and Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, among others. The script has been crafted by Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne.
Upon the initial announcement of the project, Mendes expressed excitement about introducing a fresh storytelling approach to the band’s legacy, aiming to redefine the cinematic experience for global audiences.
Currently in production, the films are scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in April 2028.