Vicky Kaushal in talks to join YRF's spy universe as lead of espionage thriller

Vicky Kaushal

With Alpha, Alia Bhatt is the latest entrant in the YRF Spy Universe, joining Salman Khan's Tiger, Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan, and Hrithik Roshan's Kabir Dhaliwal. Even as we wait to see what the banner's first female-led espionage thriller has in store for us, another new recruit may soon join the ever-expanding universe. Sources tell mid-day that Vicky Kaushal is in talks to headline Yash Raj Films' next spy thriller. A trade source reveals, "Conversations have been happening for a while, and Vicky is keen to be part of this ambitious franchise. It's still in the early stages, but the idea is to introduce a fresh narrative thread within the existing world."

(L to R) Salman Khan's Tiger, Hrithik Roshan's War, Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan, and Alia Bhatt's Alpha are part of the ever-expanding universe. Pics/Instagram

The banner's spyverse has already become one of Bollywood's most lucrative franchises. War 2, which is slated for an August release, is the sixth instalment in the on-screen universe. Kaushal's addition is seen as a natural move given his rising box-office clout after Chhaava. "The makers believe he has the charisma and acting chops to lead a standalone story," adds the insider.

If things go as planned, Kaushal's film will go on floors next year, and the director will be chosen in the coming months.

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Films in the banner's spyverse, including the upcoming War 2 and Alpha