Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Karan Johar Film To Chronicle R&AW Founder RN Kao
Karan Johar is making a movie about Rameshwar Nath Kao.
Kao founded India’s external intelligence agency, called R&AW.
He became its first chief when it was created in 1968.
The movie will show important parts of his work before and during R&AW’s early years.
It is based on a book about Kao called Gentleman Spymaster.
Kao was connected to India’s intelligence support for the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
He also worked with Indian leaders and helped build intelligence organisations.
The actors and director have not been announced, and reports differ about the movie’s release date.
Karan Johar, Dharma Productions and Leo Media Collective announced a film about Rameshwar Nath Kao, R&AW’s founder and first chief.
The film is based on Nitin Gokhale’s 2019 book R.N. Kao: Gentleman Spymaster.
Its story will cover Kao’s career from 1955 to 1971, including R&AW’s formation and early operations.
Kao led intelligence efforts during the 1971 India-Pakistan War, including support for the Mukti Bahini.
One report lists an August 11, 2028 theatrical release, while another says the release date remains undisclosed; the cast and director have not been announced.
- Who
- Karan Johar, Dharma Productions and Leo Media Collective announced a film about Rameshwar Nath Kao, the founder and first chief of R&AW.
- What
- A film based on Nitin Gokhale’s book R.N. Kao: Gentleman Spymaster will dramatise Kao’s career and R&AW’s origins and early operations.
- When
- The announcement was made on September 21, R&AW’s 58th Foundation Day; the film is reported by one source to be scheduled for August 11, 2028.
- Where
- The film will be released in theatres, according to one report; no specific announcement location was stated.
- Why
- The producers said they want to tell a gripping story based on true facts, pay tribute to R&AW and honour its milestone year.
- Subject
- Rameshwar Nath Kao, also known as RN Kao or R.N. Kao
- Agency
- Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India’s external intelligence agency
- Film collaborators
- Dharma Productions and Leo Media Collective
- Source book
- Nitin Gokhale’s 2019 book R.N. Kao: Gentleman Spymaster
- Story period
- 1955 to 1971
- R&AW formation
- The agency was established in 1968, with Kao as its first chief
- Release information
- One report gives August 11, 2028; another says the release date has not been revealed
- Unannounced details
- The cast and director have not been announced
