Bollywood actorFarhan Akhtaris set to make hisHollywood acting debutas the legendary sitar maestroRavi Shankarin a four-part film series onThe Beatles, directed by acclaimed filmmakerSam Mendes, Sony Pictures announced.
Shankar’s collaboration withGeorge Harrisonin the 1960s brought Indian classical music and spiritual influence into the band’s compositions, shaping iconic songs with sitar and Eastern elements. Akhtar will portray this pivotal figure in a project that promises both musical and historical authenticity.
The ambitious series will consist offour standalone films, each chronicling the life of a Beatles member, from their meteoric rise to global fame to the eventual breakup in 1970. The filmmakers have acquired the full life story and music rights from the band, ensuring rare access to authentic content. All four films are scheduled fortheatrical release in April 2028.
The ensemble cast includes:
Paul Mescalas Paul McCartney
Harris Dickinsonas John Lennon
Barry Keoghanas Ringo Starr
Joseph Quinnas George Harrison
Supporting roles featureLucy Boynton(Jane Asher),Morfydd Clark(Cynthia Lennon),Harry Lawtey(Stuart Sutcliffe),Saoirse Ronan(Linda McCartney),Anna Sawai(Yoko Ono),Aimee Lou Wood(Pattie Boyd),Mia McKenna-Bruce(Maureen Starkey),James Norton(Brian Epstein), andHarry Lloyd(George Martin).
Farhan Akhtar, who has appeared in theMarvel series Ms. Marvel, marks his most significant international acting assignment to date with this role. The announcement also coincides with domestic attention on Akhtar’s upcoming project,Don 3, amid casting updates.
The series promises a deep dive into the Beatles’ musical journey and cultural exchanges, with Akhtar’s portrayal of Ravi Shankar highlighting a unique chapter in global music history where East met West.
