Karan to adapt RN Kao book; story spans 1955 to 1971

Filmmaker Karan Johar has unveiled a new project based on Rameshwar Nath Kao, who served as the founding chief of R&AW, India's external intelligence agency. The announcement came via social media, timed with the agency's 58th anniversary.

Johar referred to Kao as someone who worked 'in the shadows' while laying the foundation for what would become R&AW, adding that the upcoming film will spotlight the organisation's very first mission.

Based on Nitin Gokhale's book

The film draws from journalist and strategic affairs analyst Nitin Gokhale's 2019 book, 'R.N. Kao: Gentleman Spymaster,' which traces Kao's career journey and the origins of India's external intelligence setup.

Karan Johar's announcement post

Karan shared the post and 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."He added, "The biggest release of 2028 coming to you on August 11, 2028 - an Independence Day weekend big-screen release! Dharma Productions and Leo Media Collective come together to bring the story of R&AW founder RN Kao to cinemas, based on Nitin Gokhale’s book Gentleman Spymaster."

RN Kao's journey before R&AW

Before becoming R&AW's first chief upon its founding in 1968, Rameshwar Nath Kao had already made his mark in the Intelligence Bureau, taking on several key intelligence assignments. Gokhale's book delves into his contribution to establishing R&AW alongside pivotal moments in India's security and foreign-policy landscape. Currently in development, the yet-untitled film is eyeing a theatrical release on August 11, 2028, timed to coincide with the Independence Day weekend, marking yet another effort to bring India's largely hidden intelligence world to the big screen.

Story to span 1955 to 1971

The film's narrative will unfold across 1955 to 1971, tracing the events leading up to R&AW's creation and its debut mission during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Pre-production on the still-untitled project is expected to kick off soon.