Yash Raj Films (YRF) is one of the most iconic and influential film production and distribution companies in the Indian entertainment industry. Founded in 1970 by legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, the studio has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Hindi cinema. Headquartered in Mumbai, India, YRF is known for producing some of the most memorable and commercially successful films in Bollywood history.
🎬 Classic & Iconic Films of Yash Raj Production:
Daag: A Poem of Love (1973) – Yash Chopra’s first film under YRF.
Kabhi Kabhie (1976) – A poetic love story starring Amitabh Bachchan and Raakhee.
Silsila (1981) – A bold take on love and relationships, featuring a stellar cast.
Chandni (1989) – A turning point for romantic cinema in Bollywood.
Lamhe (1991) – Ahead of its time, exploring unconventional love.
Romantic Hits of the 90s & Early 2000s:
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) – A cultural phenomenon and one of the longest-running films in Indian cinema.
Mohabbatein (2000) – A generational love story starring Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.
Mujhse Dosti Karoge! (2002)
Hum Tum (2004) – A modern romantic comedy with animated elements.
Veer-Zaara (2004) – An Indo-Pakistani love story spanning decades.
Blockbusters & Contemporary Hits Dhoom Series:
Dhoom (2004)
Dhoom 2 (2006)
Dhoom 3 (2013)
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008)
Band Baaja Baaraat (2010) – A breakthrough for Ranveer Singh.
Ek Tha Tiger (2012) – Action-packed spy thriller.
Sultan (2016) – Wrestling drama starring Salman Khan.
War (2019) – High-octane action with Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff.
Pathaan (2023) – A mega comeback for Shah Rukh Khan and part of the YRF Spy Universe.
Tiger 3 (2023) – Continuation of the spy franchise with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif.
🎥 Recent & Upcoming Films (as of 2025)
The Great Indian Family (2023)
Tiger vs Pathaan (Upcoming) – A highly anticipated crossover in the YRF Spy Universe.
Maharaj (2024) – Netflix original under YRF Entertainment banner.
Alpha (Announced) – Part of YRF’s expansion into female-led action films.
Yash raj Film hits and flops:
| Movie | Year | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge | 1995 | All-Time Blockbuster |
| Mohabbatein | 2000 | Super Hit |
| Hum Tum | 2004 | Hit |
| Veer-Zaara | 2004 | Blockbuster |
| Dhoom | 2004 | Hit |
| Dhoom 2 | 2006 | Blockbuster |
| Chak De! India | 2007 | Blockbuster |
| Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi | 2008 | Blockbuster |
| Band Baaja Baaraat | 2010 | Hit |
| Ek Tha Tiger | 2012 | Blockbuster |
| Dhoom 3 | 2013 | All-Time Blockbuster |
| Sultan | 2016 | Blockbuster |
| War | 2019 | Blockbuster |
| Pathaan | 2023 | All-Time Blockbuster |
| Tiger 3 | 2023 | Hit |
| Movie | Year | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Jhoom Barabar Jhoom | 2007 | Flop |
| Laaga Chunari Mein Daag | 2007 | Flop |
| Tashan | 2008 | Flop |
| Pyaar Impossible! | 2010 | Flop |
| Kill Dil | 2014 | Flop |
| Befikre | 2016 | Below Average |
| Thugs of Hindostan | 2018 | Disaster |
| Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar | 2021 | Flop (critically praised, poor box office) |
| Jayeshbhai Jordaar | 2022 | Flop |
| The Great Indian Family | 2023 | Flop |
| Movie | Year | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Fan | 2016 | Average (critically appreciated) |
| Mardaani | 2014 | Average |
| Mardaani 2 | 2019 | Semi-Hit |
| Shamshera | 2022 | Flop (high budget loss) |
| Dil Bole Hadippa! | 2009 | Average |
Yash Raj Film VS Dharma Production:
| Aspect | Yash Raj Films | Dharma Productions |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Yash Chopra (1970) | Yash Johar (1979) |
| Current Head | Aditya Chopra | Karan Johar |
| Legacy | Rooted in timeless romance, family values, and grand storytelling | Known for glamor, urban youth-centric stories, and emotional drama |
| Reputation | Traditional + Mass appeal | Modern + Class appeal |
| Aspect | YRF | Dharma |
|---|---|---|
| Blockbusters | DDLJ, Dhoom 2, Ek Tha Tiger, Sultan, War, Pathaan | Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Student of the Year, Raazi, Brahmāstra |
| Flops | Thugs of Hindostan, Shamshera | Kalank, Drive, Liger |
| Highest Grosser | Pathaan (₹1000+ Cr worldwide) | Brahmāstra Part 1 (₹400+ Cr worldwide) |
| Aspect | YRF | Dharma |
|---|---|---|
| Stars Launched | Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh, Vaani Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor | Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor |
| Talent Agency | YRF Talent (in-house agency) | Dharma Cornerstone Agency (DCA) |
| Aspect | YRF | Dharma |
|---|---|---|
| OTT Platform Projects | Maharaj (Netflix), planning own streaming arm | Guilty, Lust Stories, Ajeeb Daastaans, The Fame Game |
| Streaming Partnerships | Netflix, Amazon Prime | Strong Netflix collaboration |
| YRF | Dharma |
|---|---|
| National Awards for Chak De! India, Veer-Zaara, Lamhe | Acclaim for My Name Is Khan, Raazi, Kapoor & Sons |
| Strong track record in both commercial and content-driven cinema | More urban-niche films; praised for emotional storytelling and social themes |
- Overall Position in Bollywood Yash Raj Films: More versatile in genres, bigger in scale, and controls massive IPs (e.g., Spy Universe). Known for balancing legacy and blockbuster power.
Dharma Productions:
More youth and fashion-centric, trend-setting in style and music, stronger presence in OTT and Gen Z content.
🏁 Verdict:
If legacy, mass appeal, and big-screen spectacles are the focus → YRF leads.
If you prefer urban dramas, youth culture, and OTT success → Dharma is ahead.
🎬 Saiyaara (2025):
Directed by Mohit Suri
Produced by Akshaye Widhani (YRF)
Starring: Ahaan Panday (as Krish) and Aneet Padda (as Vaani)
📝 Story & Genre:
Saiyaara is a soulful romantic drama about a troubled young musician and a shy, poetic girl who fall in love under life’s most challenging circumstances. It’s an emotional adaptation of the Korean film A Moment to Remember, and focuses on love, memory, and healing.
📈 Box Office Performance:
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Day 1 Collection: ₹20 crore net in India
Day 2: ₹26.25 crore
Day 3: ₹35.75 crore
Total by Day 4: Crossed ₹100 crore
Day 7 (1st Week): ₹170 crore net in India
Worldwide Gross: ₹250–255 crore
It became the highest-grossing romantic film of 2025 and surpassed several big films in its first week.
🌟 Critical & Public Response:
Widely praised for debut performances by Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda
Direction and screenplay appreciated for emotional depth and subtle storytelling
Received positive word-of-mouth and high repeat viewership
Strong social media buzz despite limited promotions
Supported by clever strategies like discounted weekday ticket pricing
Industry veterans like Ranveer Singh and Anupam Kher praised the film for its sincerity and performances.
🎶 Music
The music became a nationwide hit, with songs like:
Saiyaara
Tum Ho Toh
Barbaad
Humsafar
Dhun
The album features seven tracks by multiple composers—an unusual move for YRF—and was credited with boosting the film’s popularity among young audiences.