A world-famous ashram, a legendary rock band, and an Oscar-winning director — they are all converging on Rishikesh. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami received a delegation of international filmmakers on Sunday, 18 October 2026, to discuss plans to shoot a major Beatles-themed film project at the historic Chaurasi Kutiya (Beatles Ashram) in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

What is CLOVER — and Why Rishikesh?

The project, titled 'CLOVER', is not a single film but an ambitious four-part cinematic series: 'The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event'. Each film will trace the life and musical journey of one of the four Beatles members. Directed by Sir Sam Mendes — the Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind American Beauty and the James Bond franchise — the series is being produced by Neal Street Productions for Sony Pictures Entertainment, with creative partnership from Apple Corps, the company that manages The Beatles' legacy.

The Rishikesh connection is not incidental — it is the entire point. The Beatles famously visited the ashram in early 1968, spending weeks under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and composing dozens of songs that would shape rock history. That pilgrimage gave the site its legendary status and is central to the band's story.

February 2027 Shoot: Scale and Economic Footprint

The delegation told CM Dhami that the Rishikesh shoot is scheduled for February 2027. The production will bring over 100 international crew members and approximately 150 Indian crew members to the location, alongside local technicians and support staff. India-side production coordination is being handled by 'On The Road India'.

The economic ripple is significant. The delegation flagged that the shoot would generate local employment while boosting hotels, transport operators, and allied businesses across the region. The four films are slated for a global theatrical release in April 2028.

Uttarakhand Film Policy 2024 and the State's Pitch

CM Dhami framed the development squarely within Uttarakhand's broader strategy to become a premier film destination. He pointed to the state's Film Policy 2024, which offers producers a favourable environment, single-window clearances, and logistical support for domestic and international shoots. 'Uttarakhand,' he said, 'has established itself as one of the country's foremost film destinations owing to its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse shooting locations.'

The Chief Minister added that Rishikesh carries a unique identity as a global hub for yoga and spirituality — and that The Beatles' own historical bond with the city makes this project a natural fit. He expressed confidence that the shoot would amplify Uttarakhand's cultural and spiritual heritage on a worldwide stage and accelerate international tourism to the state.

The Delegation Behind the Pitch

The filmmakers who met the Chief Minister included Ms Alexandra Derbyshire, a BAFTA-nominated British producer; Mr Dilip Singh Rathore, an Indian film producer; and Ms Emma Pill, Supervising Location Manager for the project. Their visit signals that the production is actively scouting and securing permissions well ahead of the scheduled February shoot.

Uttarakhand is now competing in a crowded field — states including Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan have also rolled out film-friendly incentive regimes in recent years. But few can match the combination of Himalayan scenery and a certified rock-and-roll landmark. If the shoot proceeds as planned, Chaurasi Kutiya will not just be a piece of music history — it will be the centrepiece of one of the most anticipated global cinema events of 2028.