September 21, 2026: Karan Johar is taking Dharma Productions into the world of espionage with a new film centred on RN Kao, the founding figure associated with India’s external intelligence agency, R&AW.
The announcement came on the 58th foundation day of R&AW, with Johar revealing that the film will explore Kao’s journey and the early chapter of the organisation’s history. The project is currently scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 11, 2028.
The makers have drawn inspiration from journalist Nitin Gokhale’s book Gentleman Spymaster, which chronicles Kao’s life and work. While the project has been announced under Johar’s banner, it is yet to be confirmed whether Johar himself will take on directing duties.
Sharing the news on social media, Johar described Kao as a figure who worked away from the public gaze while leaving behind an institution whose role would eventually become a significant part of India’s modern history. The filmmaker also teased that the movie will cover R&AW’s first mission alongside Kao’s story.
In a statement, Johar said Leo Media has spent the last two years researching and developing the narrative. According to him, the intention is to turn the material into a gripping feature rooted in documented events, while also marking the milestone year of R&AW through a theatrical production.
RN Kao’s Story Heads To The Big Screen In Karan Johar-Backed Film, Release Date Revealed
For Dharma Productions, the project marks a move into a subject far removed from the studio’s more familiar terrain of romance, family dramas and mainstream entertainers. With a real-life intelligence figure at its centre, the film is expected to explore the man behind the institution as well as the circumstances surrounding its early years.
For now, details about the cast, director and other members of the creative team remain under wraps. What is confirmed is the theatrical date: August 11, 2028, when RN Kao’s story is set to make its way from the pages of Gentleman Spymaster to the big screen.
