National Award-winning actor Dhanush has been officially announced as the lead in a forthcoming biopic on Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s revered former President and renowned aerospace scientist. The film, titled ‘Kalam: The Missile Man Of India’, was launched at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, drawing significant attention from the global film community.
Directed by Om Raut, known for his acclaimed works such as ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’ and ‘Adipurush’, ‘Kalam’ will trace Dr Kalam’s extraordinary life. The narrative will follow his rise from humble beginnings in Rameswaram to his pivotal role as the ‘Missile Man of India’ and eventually to the Rashtrapati Bhavan as the country’s 11th President. The film aims to go beyond a political biography, delving into Kalam’s contributions as a scientist, teacher, poet, and visionary, and highlighting his deep connection with young people and his philosophical approach to nation-building.
‘Kalam’ is being produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Anil Sunkara, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar, representing a collaboration between Abhishek Agarwal Arts, AK Entertainments, and T-Series Films. The screenplay is penned by Saiwyn Quadras, known for his work on acclaimed biopics such as ‘Neerja’ and ‘Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran’. The project is being presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal and Gulshan Kumar.
Dhanush, a two-time National Award winner, is expected to undergo a significant transformation for the role, both physically and emotionally. The actor has acknowledged the responsibility of portraying one of India’s most respected figures and is set to undertake extensive preparation to authentically capture Dr Kalam’s life, values, and vision.
The title poster for ‘Kalam’, unveiled at Cannes, features the silhouette of Dr Kalam with a missile soaring through the image, symbolising his monumental role in advancing India’s missile technology. The announcement of Dhanush in the lead has been widely praised, with industry observers and fans alike expressing confidence in his ability to deliver a memorable and inspiring performance.
Further details regarding the supporting cast and technical crew will be revealed in due course. ‘Kalam’ is positioned as a grand tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s enduring legacy and is anticipated to be one of Indian cinema’s most significant biographical projects.
