Bollywood actor and director Farhan Akhtar is set to make his Hollywood debut in Sam Mendes’ upcoming four-part cinematic series focused on The Beatles. Akhtar will take on the role of the iconic sitar player and composer Pt Ravi Shankar, who became a significant cultural figure in the 1960s through his collaborations with the band. The series is scheduled to premiere in cinemas in April 2028.
The official Sony Pictures X account released the casting details, confirming Farhan Akhtar’s participation along with other notable actors. The post stated,
New casting announced for The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, directed by Sam Mendes. Farhan Akhtar will star as Ravi Shankar, Lucy Boynton will star as Jane Asher, Morfydd Clark will star as Cynthia (Powell) Lennon, Harry Lawtey will star as Stuart Sutcliffe. In cinemas April 2028.
Industry and Celebrities Respond to Akhtar’s Role
Farhan Akhtar’s casting as Pt Ravi Shankar has been met with enthusiasm from colleagues and friends. His wife, actress Shibani Akhtar, expressed her pride on social media, sharing,
Here comes the sun So proud of you @faroutakhtar always.
Fellow Bollywood stars also reacted positively: Hrithik Roshan simply wrote, Wow !!!, Dia Mirza commented, Wonderful, and Rasika Dugal shared,
Oh wow ! This is super @faroutakhtar (sic).
Details on The Beatles Film Series Including Cast and Narrative Focus
The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event will explore the lives of the band members who shaped the trajectory of pop music history. Each film will center on one member of the Fab Four: Harris Dickinson portrays John Lennon, Paul Mescal is Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn takes the role of George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan plays Ringo Starr. Alongside Farhan Akhtar’s role as Pt Ravi Shankar, Lucy Boynton, Morfydd Clark, and Harry Lawtey round out the key cast, representing significant people linked to the band.
The series aims to deliver an in-depth look at both the personal and artistic journeys of The Beatles, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sam Mendes. With a slated release in April 2028, the cinematic event promises to offer fans a fresh perspective on the legendary group’s story and cultural impact.
New casting announced for The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, directed by Sam Mendes.
Farhan Akhtar will star as Ravi Shankar
Lucy Boynton will star as Jane Asher
Morfydd Clark will star as Cynthia (Powell) Lennon
Harry Lawtey will star as Stuart SutcliffeIn cinemas… pic.twitter.com/VWTbE3gteA
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) February 12, 2026
