Karan Johar to Bring R.N. Kao's Spy Story to the Big Screen in August 2028
Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions has announced a new theatrical feature based on Rameshwar Nath Kao, the founder and first chief of India’s external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The film is being developed in collaboration with Leo Media Collection and is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 11, 2028, just ahead of India’s Independence Day.
The announcement was made on September 21, marking 58 years since the establishment of RAW.
Film To Explore R.N. Kao’s JourneyThe upcoming film is currently untitled and remains in development. It will be based on journalist and author Nitin Gokhale’s book Indian Spymaster
The story will cover the period from around 1955 to 1971, focusing on Kao’s career, the circumstances surrounding the formation of RAW and his contribution to building the organisation. The narrative will also highlight RAW’s first mission against Pakistan in 1971.
Who Was R.N. Kao?Rameshwar Nath Kao, widely known as R.N. Kao, was the founding father and first chief of RAW. He was appointed to lead the organisation by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Kao served as RAW chief from its establishment on September 21, 1968, until 1977. During his career, he played a key role in identifying intelligence gaps that emerged during major conflicts, including the 1962 Indo-China War and the 1971 India-Pakistan War.
He was also associated with the formation of an elite group of around 250 officers from the Intelligence Bureau, popularly known as the “Kao Boys”. The group became an important part of RAW’s initial structure.
Cast And Director Yet To Be RevealedDetails about the director and cast of the upcoming biopic have not been announced yet. The makers are reportedly keeping the project under wraps, with further information about the team and the actors expected to be revealed later.
For now, the film remains in the development stage, with its August 11, 2028 theatrical release date already announced.