Dhanush has collaborated with filmmaker Om Raut for a biopic on India's former president and aerospace scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The film is titled Kalam: The Missile Man of India, which was unveiled at the Cannes Film Market of the ongoing film festival.
The National Film Award-winning star will play Kalam and Om Raut (Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, Neerja and Maidaan) will direct the biopic, with screenplay written by Saiwyn Quadras. It is inspired from Abdul Kalam’s bestselling memoir Wings of Fire.
Announcing the upcoming film on his Instagram handle, Raut wrote, "From Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the journey of a legend begins…
India’s Missile Man is coming to the silver screen. Dream big. Rise higher. 🌠#KALAM - 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 (sic)".
Abhishek Agarwal of Abhishek Agarwal Arts and T-Series’ Bhushan Kumar are serving as the producers of Abdul Kalam biopic.
As per Variety, on Dhanush's casting, the producers said, “This is one of the most transformative and defining performances of his career,” and added, “Known for his remarkable range and emotional depth, Dhanush now takes on the monumental responsibility of portraying one of India’s most beloved visionaries.”
Raut called the film more than a political biography, “an insight into leadership and nation-building”. He said it 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.”
“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,” he added.
"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.”
