September 21, 2026: NEW DELHI: Filmmaker Karan Johar has announced a feature film based on the life of Rameshwar Nath Kao, the founder of India’s external intelligence agency, R&AW.
The announcement was made on the 58th foundation day of the Research and Analysis Wing. The film is adapted from Nitin Gokhale’s book Gentleman Spymaster and is slated for a theatrical release on August 11, 2028.
The project is a joint venture between Dharma Productions and Leo Media Collective. It is currently in the development stage, and production teams have not yet disclosed the director or the cast.
According to studio statements, pre-production and research have been underway for the past two years to ensure historical accuracy. The plot will trace the period from 1955 to 1971, highlighting the intelligence gaps that led to the formation of R&AW and its operations during the 1971 war.
Karan Johar Announces Biopic on R&AW Founder RN Kao for August 2028 Release
RN Kao served as the first chief of R&AW, shaping India’s external intelligence apparatus from its inception.
Sharing the details on his instagram Karan Johar wrote: He built the invisible…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.
This film marks the latest collaboration between Dharma Productions and Leo Media Collective, following previous projects including Bad Newz and Kesari: Chapter 2.