Karan Johar announces R.N. Kao biopic: R&AW founder’s story to release in 2028

Karan Johar is set to bring the story of Rameshwar Nath Kao, the founder of India’s external intelligence agency R&AW, to the big screen. Dharma Productions has announced a new film based on Nitin Gokhale’s book R.N. Kao: Gentleman Spymaster. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on August 11, 2028.

The announcement was made on September 21, 2026, marking 58 years since the foundation of R&AW. The 2028 release is also expected to mark the agency’s 60-year milestone.

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Film Was First Announced in 2020

The project is not new for Dharma Productions. The film was first announced in January 2020, when the production house revealed plans to adapt Nitin Gokhale’s book. However, the project remained in development for several years.

After a gap of six years, the makers have now confirmed the release date. Details about the cast, director and other members of the production team have not been revealed yet.

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What Karan Johar Said?

Karan Johar shared the news on Instagram and spoke about R.N. Kao’s contribution to India’s intelligence system. He described Kao as a man who worked quietly but had a major impact on the country’s history.

The filmmaker also said that the film will be based on true events and will aim to present the story in an engaging way. According to Johar, Leo Media Collective has spent the past two years researching and developing the story.

He added that the team at Dharma Productions is excited to begin work on the project and present Kao’s story to audiences in theatres.

Who Was Rameshwar Nath Kao?

Rameshwar Nath Kao was the first chief of R&AW. He led the agency from 1969 to 1977 and played an important role in building India’s external intelligence system.

Before becoming the head of R&AW, Kao worked with the Intelligence Bureau. He also headed the Aviation Research Centre and had worked closely with former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Kao was involved in several important intelligence operations during his career. He also played a significant role in the events linked to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.

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Dharma Productions and Leo Media Team Up Again

The R.N. Kao film will bring Dharma Productions and Leo Media Collective together once again. The two companies have previously worked together on films such as Bad Newz (2024) and Kesari: Chapter 2 (2025).

With its focus on one of India’s early intelligence officers, the upcoming film will explore the life and work of a man who played a key role in the development of R&AW.

The film is currently planned for a theatrical release on August 11, 2028. More information about the cast, director and production is expected to be announced later.

- PTC PUNJABI