Why is Yash Raj Films opening its doors to new writers?

WEB DESK: For decades, Yash Raj Films (YRF) has been synonymous with some of Bollywood’s most iconic films. From the sweeping romance of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) to the grit of Dhoom and the larger-than-life spectacle of Pathaan, the studio has consistently set benchmarks for storytelling on the big screen. But behind the glamour of its stars and the scale of its productions, there has always been one essential yet often under-acknowledged force: the writers.

Now, in a rare move for Bollywood, YRF has formally announced the launch of its Script Cell, a dedicated initiative to find and nurture new voices in storytelling. The call is open to aspiring writers who may have powerful, original ideas but lack access to industry gatekeepers.

Indian couple files for divorce because their pets didn’t get along

“It is our endeavour to discover fresh creators who have a story to tell but lack the access of reaching out to us and our directors,” YRF stated in its announcement. Writers are being invited to submit their registered story synopses online, and if the idea strikes a chord, YRF’s team will take the process forward and request full screenplays.

This marks an important cultural shift. In an industry where star power has historically overshadowed the role of writers, YRF’s move acknowledges that great cinema begins with the page. The Script Cell recognises writers not as invisible contributors, but as the foundation upon which every successful film rests. Also one does wonder if Chat GPT has anything to do with it as many are distancing themselves from LLM models owing to authenticity.

With The B***ds of Bollywood, Aryan Khan proves he’s no star kid cliché

Bollywood has often been criticised for recycling formulas and over-relying on star-led vehicles. By actively reaching out to new writers, YRF is signalling a willingness to experiment and to let ideas, rather than only box office math, drive future projects. It also sets a precedent: if India’s biggest production house can give writers this platform, the rest of the industry may finally begin treating storytelling talent with the seriousness it deserves. But someone also felt that giant production houses may also benefit from fresh scripts by rejecting them and quietly using them later, thus leaving the writers without any chance.

For aspiring screenwriters, this is more than just an open call, it is a once-in-a-generation chance to shape the future of Hindi cinema with stories that inspire, provoke, and endure.