Karan Johar Sets 2028 Release for R.N. Kao Spy Thriller Based on Gentleman Spymaster

Karan Johar is bringing the story of one of India’s most influential intelligence figures to the big screen. The filmmaker has officially announced a theatrical release date for his long-awaited film based on Rameshwar Nath Kao (R.N. Kao), the founding chief of India’s external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW).

The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on August 11, 2028 and will draw inspiration from journalist and author Nitin Gokhale’s book Gentleman Spymaster. While the project has been in development for several years, the makers have yet to reveal its cast or announce several key details about the production.

Karan Johar Announces R.N. Kao Film for August 2028

Karan Johar shared the announcement on social media, putting the spotlight on R.N. Kao and his contribution to India's intelligence establishment.

Describing Kao as “The Man, The Myth, The Legend,” Karan announced that the upcoming film will explore the story of the R&AW founder and the agency's early mission.

The filmmaker also highlighted the historical significance of Kao's work, particularly his association with the establishment of R&AW and the events surrounding its first mission.

The film is now officially scheduled to reach cinemas on August 11, 2028, giving the long-running project a confirmed theatrical release date.

Film Is Based on Nitin Gokhale’s Gentleman Spymaster

The upcoming movie is based on Nitin Gokhale’s book Gentleman Spymaster, which focuses on the life and work of R.N. Kao.

According to Karan Johar's announcement, the story will look at the man behind the creation of R&AW and the early days of the organisation. The project is expected to combine Kao's personal journey with the larger historical backdrop surrounding India's intelligence operations.

With the film now having a release date, audiences can expect more information about its cast, director and production team as the project moves closer to its theatrical arrival.

Karan Johar First Announced the Project in 2020

The R.N. Kao project has been associated with Karan Johar for several years. It was first officially announced in January 2020, when Dharma Productions and Still and Still Media Collective revealed their collaboration on a film inspired by Gokhale's book.

At the time, the project was presented as the untold story of Rameshwar Nath Kao, with the makers indicating that it would explore his role in establishing R&AW and his work in international espionage.

The project has now taken another major step forward with the announcement of its August 2028 theatrical release.

However, the makers have not yet disclosed the film's cast or provided complete details regarding its director and other members of the creative team.

Who Was R.N. Kao?

Rameshwar Nath Kao (1918–2002) was an Indian intelligence officer and bureaucrat who played an important role in shaping India's intelligence apparatus.

In 1968, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appointed Kao as the founding Secretary of R&AW. He remained at the helm of the agency until 1977.

Kao's tenure is closely associated with the early development of R&AW and the creation of India's external intelligence framework. The upcoming film is expected to focus on this period, including the establishment of the organisation and its first major mission.

The project therefore has the potential to explore both the man behind the institution and the historical circumstances surrounding the agency's early years.

Another R.N. Kao Story Was Previously Planned for OTT

Karan Johar's upcoming theatrical film is not the first screen project announced around R.N. Kao.

In 2022, filmmaker Hansal Mehta was announced as the creator and showrunner of an OTT series inspired by R.K. Yadav's book Mission R&AW.

The proposed series was expected to chronicle Kao's journey and his work as the first chief of R&AW. However, there have been no major updates regarding the project since its initial announcement.

Karan Johar's film has now moved forward with something the earlier project never received publicly: a confirmed theatrical release date.

What to Expect From Karan Johar’s R.N. Kao Film

The film is expected to centre on R.N. Kao's role in establishing R&AW, the organisation's formative years and its first mission. Based on Gentleman Spymaster, the story will bring the life of the intelligence officer to the big screen while exploring the beginnings of one of India's most significant intelligence institutions.

For now, the biggest confirmed details are the source material and release date. Karan Johar's R.N. Kao film will arrive in cinemas on August 11, 2028, while information about the cast, director and other production details remains under wraps.

As the project develops, further announcements are expected to reveal who will portray R.N. Kao and how the filmmakers plan to translate his extraordinary career into a feature film.