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After Kesari, Raazi, Shershaah and Kesari: Chapter 2, Karan Johar is all set to bring forward the story of another unsung legend to the big screen. Dharma Production is teaming up with Leo Media Collective for a big-scale theatrical feature film on Rameshwar Nath Kao, who founded R&AW (Research & Analysis Wing as the Indian intelligence service is named) in 1968.
Presently in the development stage, the yet-untitled film is looking at a theatrical release on August 11, 2028, which coincides with the Independence Day weekend and sees 60 years of R&AW. The makers have announced the film on September 21, 2026, which marks 58 years since the foundation of R&AW.
Speaking about the film, Karan Johar shared, “Leo Media has painstakingly been researching and dramatizing this narrative with passion for the past two years. We want this film to be a gripping story based on true facts to pay homage to R&AW and honor their milestone year with a solid motion picture. All of us at Dharma Productions are so excited to get going.”
The big-scale espionage actioner is based on the book Gentleman Spymaster by Nitin Gokhale, and the makers are scheduled to take it on floors by mid-2026. The casting, director and other details are kept under wraps for now, but insiders confirm that an A-lister will spearhead the project.
The film chronicles the journey from 1955 to 1971, establishing the need of R&AW, leading to the formation and the first-ever mission in the 1971 war against Pakistan.
Over the years, several R&AW chiefs have spoken highly of Kao, honoring his professionalism and strategic mindset. The RN Kao film will mark the reunion of Dharma Productions with Leo Media Collective after Bad Newz (2024) and Kesari: Chapter 2 (2025).
Kao was born in Benaras in 1918 to a Kashmiri Pandit family. He passed away in 2002, after leading a very private life after retiring. He held several key positions in his career and is considered among the topmost names in espionage in the world. For those unaware, R.N. Kao is considered to be a legend in the world of spy craft.
