India’s Missile Man on the silver screen: Dhanush to play the lead in Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam biopic announced at Cannes Film Festival 2025. Directed by Om Rawat, the film is produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Bhushan Kumar
Dhanush to play APJ Abdul Kalam biopic, official announcement made at Cannes Film Festival 2025!!
Dhanush to play APJ Abdul Kalam biopic!!
A mega biopic on the life of Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India and one of India’s most revered national icons, is officially set to be made. The film is being directed by ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’ fame director Om Rawat.
National Award-winning actor and international star Dhanush plays the role of APJ Abdul Kalam, a man whom India loves with all its heart.
Produced by Abhishek Agarwal under Abhishek Agarwal Arts, who produced ‘The Kashmir Files’, the film is co-produced by Bhushan Kumar under T-Series. The screenplay of the film is written by Saivin Quadras, who has written acclaimed biographical films like ‘Neerja’, ‘Maidan’ and ‘Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran’.
From Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Dr. Kalam’s life was a blend of rocket science and a brilliant mind. Often called ‘Missile Man of India’, he rose from humble beginnings to become a renowned space scientist, visionary and ultimately the People’s President. His ideas continue to inspire our people across generations through his best-selling memoir, ‘Agni Siragugal’.
One of India’s leading star actors, Dhanush, plays Dr. Kalam. This role will be a major milestone in his film career. Known for his unique emotional performances, Dhanush now takes on the immense responsibility of portraying one of India’s most beloved visionaries. The film will be a milestone for both an actor and Indian storytelling.
The Cannes Film Festival is a rare global platform, which is why the makers have identified the Cannes event as the venue for the debut of a story that is deeply rooted in Indian soil, but has global resonance. When Om Rawat and Dhanush met to discuss the film, they realised that they were about to make the biggest film of their lives together.
There is already a lot of anticipation in Indian cinema and international circles. This is not just a story about the past. A wonderful story that recalls the glories of Dr. Kalam’s life, when scientific service and the excellence of knowledge meet, and the future that India must create.
True to Dr. Kalam’s values, this film explores his many faces – the man behind the missile programs and the presidency, the poet, the teacher, the dreamer, his every word carrying both science and spirituality in equal measure. More than a political biography, this film will stand as an insight into leadership and nation-building.
“In a time when there was a dearth of true politicians, Kalam stood above politics and triviality. He was known for the power of education, excellence and indigenous innovation,” Rawat said in a statement, “Bringing his story to the screen is an artistic challenge and a moral and cultural responsibility. It is a story that will inspire the youth of the world, especially the youth of the global South. It is the most important experience of my life. His life is a wonderful lesson for people, whoever they are and wherever they come from.”
Producer Abhishek Agarwal added, “We are delighted to bring the epic life of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to the big screen. This is an emotional moment for us. I am proud to work with the legends of Indian cinema, Om Rawat ji, Dhanush ji and Bhushan ji of T-Series. We are privileged to tell this story and each and every one of us will do our utmost to bring the journey of our true Bharat Ratna Kalam Ji to life. This is one of the most prestigious projects in Indian cinema and will be a grand film on a global scale.”
Producer Bhushan Kumar added, “The life of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is a story that will continue to inspire millions of people across generations. At T-Series, we are proud to be a part of a film that celebrates the journey of such an extraordinary Indian. This is our third collaboration with Om Rawat.
“It is an effort. Joining Dhanush and Abhishek Agarwal in this film makes it even more special. It is not just a film, but a tribute to a man who showed how dreams, dedication and humility can shape the future of a country.”
The team has not revealed any other details about the film as of now. But with Raut’s brilliant storytelling, Agarwal’s bold production choices and Dhanush’s transformative acting, the expectations are high and it will be interesting to see National Award winner Raut and Dhanush working together.
While the world is watching, ‘Wings of Fire’ is all set to rewrite the grammar of Indian biopics for global audiences.
The film is being co-produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Bhushan Kumar and is being co-produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Bhushan Kumar, Krishnan Kumar and Anil Sunkara. It will be a film that will make the world watch.
English Press Release
India’s Missile Man on the Silver Screen: Dhanush as Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in Biopic announced at Cannes Film Festival 2025; Directed by Om Raut, Backed by Abhishek Agarwal and Bhushan Kumar
A grand biopic on Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s 11th President and one of its most revered national icons and Missile Man of India, is officially in production. The film will be directed by National award winning director Om Raut of Tanhaji : The Unsung Warrior fame.
National award winning superstar and international actor Dhanush to headline the project, playing the role of the man India unanimously loves.
Produced by Abhishek Agarwal, under Abhishek Agarwal Arts, the force behind The Kashmir Files, and produced by Bhushan Kumar under his banner T-Series, the screenplay is penned by Saiwyn Quadras, whose writing credits include acclaimed biopics Neerja, Maidaan and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran.
From Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Dr. Kalam’s life was a blend of rocket science and irrepressible spirit. Often called the ‘Missile Man of India’, he rose from modest beginnings to become a celebrated aerospace scientist, visionary, and eventually the People’s President. His legacy, encapsulated in his bestselling memoir Wings of Fire, continues to ignite minds across generations.
In one of the most powerful casting moments in recent cinema, Dhanush steps into the shoes of Dr Kalam, a role that promises to be one of the most transformative and defining performances of his career. Known for his remarkable range and emotional depth, Dhanush now takes on the monumental responsibility of portraying one of India’s most beloved visionaries, in what is poised to be a landmark moment both for him as an actor and for Indian storytelling.
Cannes Film Festival is a rare global stage for a story deeply rooted in Indian soil but universally resonant and that’s what made the makers announce it at the do. When Om Raut and Dhanush met to discuss the film, they realized they would be making the biggest film of their lives together.
Quiet anticipation has already begun to ripple across Indian cinema and international circles. This is more than just a story about the past. It is a reminder of the future India can build when science meets service and knowledge meets kindness, the values Dr Kalam lived by.
The film, staying true to the values of Dr Kalam, will explore the man behind the missile programs and the presidency the poet, the teacher, the dreamer whose every word carried both science and spirituality in equal measures. More than a political biography, the project is positioned as an insight into leadership and nation-building.
“In an era starved of true statesmen, Kalam stood above politics and pettiness. He was a man who was known for power of education, excellence and indigenous innovation,” said Raut, in a statement, adding, “To bring his story to screen is an artistic challenge and a moral and cultural responsibility. It’s a story that’s inspirational for global youth and especially the youth of Global south. It’s the most important experience of my life. His life is lesson that is bound to connect with people no matter who they are and where they come from.”
Producer Abhishek Agarwal adds, “We are excited to bring the epic life of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to the big screen. This is an emotional moment for us. I am honored to collaborate with Om Raut ji, Dhanush ji, and Bhushan ji of T-Series stalwarts of Indian cinema. We are privileged to tell this story, and each of us is giving our best to bring to life the journey of our true Bharat Ratna Kalam ji. This is one of Indian cinema’s most prestigious projects and will be a grand spectacle on a global scale.”
Producer Bhushan Kumar adds,
“Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s life is a story that continues to inspire millions across generations. At T-Series, we feel honored to be part of a film that celebrates the journey of such an extraordinary Indian. This marks our third collaboration with Om Raut, and the association grows even stronger. Teaming up with Dhanush and Abhishek Agarwal on this project makes it all the more special. This is more than just a film it’s a tribute to a man who showed us how dreams, dedication, and humility can shape a nation’s future.”
The creative team remains tight-lipped about further details, but with Raut’s scale-driven storytelling, Agarwal’s bold production choices, and Dhanush’s transformational talent, expectations are sky-high and it will be exciting to see Raut and Dhanush, two national award winners collaborate together.
As the world watches, Wings of Fire is ready to rewrite the grammar of Indian biopics for a global audience.
The film is backed by Abhishek Agarwal and Bhushan Kumar, and produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anil Sunkara, promising a movie that will make the world take notice.