21 September,2026 12:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Karan Johar, Rameshwar Nath Kao (Pics/Instagram, Special Arrangements)
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 Productions is teaming up with Leo Media Collective for a big-scale theatrical feature film on Mr. Rameshwar Nath Kao, the founder of R&AW 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. The makers announced the film today, September 21, 2026, which marks 58 years since the foundation of R&AW, with a theatrical release aimed for 2028 to honour the 60-year legacy of India's external intelligence agency.
Announcing the film, Karan shared a video on his Instagram handle and wrote, "He built the invisibleâ¦but history remembers his impact. Today marks 58 years of R&AW and we're thrilled to announce our film on the story of RN Kao, the man who operated in the shadows & brought to light an institution we know today as R&AW - and its first mission. Based on the book Gentleman Spymaster by Nitin Gokhale, his story comes alive on big screens on 11 August, 2028."
Speaking about it, Karan Johar shared, "Leo Media has painstakingly been researching and dramatising 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 RAW and honour their milestone year with a solid motion picture⦠all of us at Dharma 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 for R&AW, leading to its formation and the first-ever mission in the 1971 war against Pakistan. For those unaware, RN Kao is considered to be a legend in the world of spycraft and is responsible for bringing Indian espionage to the global front. Over the years, several R&AW chiefs have spoken highly of RN Kao, honouring his professionalism and strategic mindset.
