New Delhi: Dharma Productions and Leo Media Collective have joined hands for a feature film on Rameshwar Nath Kao, the founder of R&AW. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on August 11, 2028.
After 'Kesari', 'Raazi', 'Shershaah', and 'Kesari: Chapter 2', Karan Johar is all set to bring the story of another unsung legend to the big screen. Reliable sources confirm that Dharma Productions is teaming up with Leo Media Collective for a big-scale theatrical feature film on Rameshwar Nath Kao, the founder of R&AW in 1968.
Currently 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, marking 58 years since the foundation of R&AW, with a theatrical release planned for 2028 to honour the 60-year legacy of India’s external intelligence agency.
Also Read:
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 to the floor by mid-2026. The casting, director, and other details are being 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 its first-ever mission in the 1971 war against Pakistan. For those unaware, RN Kao is considered a legend in the world of spycraft and is credited with bringing Indian espionage to the global front.
Over the years, several R&AW chiefs have spoken highly of R N Kao, honouring his professionalism and strategic mindset. The RN Kao film will mark the reunion of Dharma Productions with Leo Media Collective after the success of 'Bad Newz' (2024) and 'Kesari: Chapter 2' (2025).
