Karan Johar announces film on R&AW founder RN Kao, based on Nitin Gokhale's book; to release in 2028

Bollywood director and producer Karan Johar has announced a new film based on the story of Rameshwar Nath Kao, the founding chief of India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The announcement came on September 21, marking 58 years of R&AW, with Johar revealing that the film will arrive in cinemas on August 11, 2028.

Sharing the announcement on social media, Johar described Kao as the man who worked in the shadows and helped build the institution that is known today as R&AW. The film will focus on Kao and the agency’s first mission. It is based on journalist and national security analyst Nitin Gokhale’s



book RN Kao: Gentleman Spymaster.

According to Johar’s announcement, the film will explore Kao’s story and R&AW’s first mission. The project will draw from RN Kao: Gentleman Spymaster, which traces his career and the early years of the intelligence agency. Johar’s announcement also tagged Apoorva Mehta, Amritpal Bindra, Anand Tiwari, Marijke de Souza and others associated with the project, along with Dharma Productions and Gokhale.

The makers have confirmed August 11, 2028 as the theatrical release date. Further details, including the film’s cast and other members of the creative team, are yet to be announced.