Dharma Productions is set to collaborate with Leo Media Collective for a feature film on Rameshwar Nath Kao, the founder of India’s external intelligence agency R&AW. The yet-untitled project is being planned as a large-scale theatrical espionage actioner.
The film was announced on September 21, 2026, with the makers targeting August 11, 2028, for its theatrical release. The date falls during the Independence Day weekend and is also being positioned around the 60-year legacy of R&AW.
Karan Johar backs the project
The collaboration marks another project from Dharma Productions centred on a real-life figure and events from India’s history. The banner has previously backed films including ‘Kesari’, ‘Raazi’, ‘Shershaah’ and ‘Kesari: Chapter 2’.
Speaking about the upcoming project, Karan Johar said, “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 film is currently in development and is based on Nitin Gokhale’s book Gentleman Spymaster. Details about the director and cast are being kept under wraps. According to insiders, an A-Lister is expected to lead the film.
Story spans Kao’s early years and R&AW’s formation
The narrative will cover the period from 1955 to 1971, tracing the developments that led to the creation of R&AW in 1968 and its early operations.
The story will also focus on the agency’s first major mission during the 1971 war with Pakistan. Kao, who served as R&AW’s first chief, is widely associated with the development of India’s external intelligence apparatus.
The film will explore his journey and the circumstances surrounding the establishment of the agency, with the makers aiming to bring his work to the big screen as part of the espionage-action narrative.
Dharma and Leo reunite
The project also brings Dharma Productions and Leo Media Collective together again after their collaborations on ‘Bad Newz’ (2024) and ‘Kesari: Chapter 2’ (2025).
The makers are keeping further details about the film, including its title, director and casting, under wraps for now.