Kalam: The Missile Man of India
Kalam: The Missile Man of India is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language biographical drama film directed by Om Raut and written by Saiwyn Quadras. The film stars Dhanush as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, India’s former president and renowned aerospace scientist, known as the "Missile Man of India." Produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Anil Sunkara under T-Series and Abhishek Agarwal Arts, the film was announced at the Cannes Film Market on 21 May 2025. It draws inspiration from Kalam’s memoir Wings of Fire and aims to chronicle his journey from Rameswaram to the presidency, focusing on his contributions to India’s missile programs, leadership, and nation-building.
Plot
The film traces the life of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, from his humble beginnings in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to his pivotal role as a scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and his tenure as India’s 11th President from 2002 to 2007. It explores Kalam’s contributions to India’s missile and nuclear programs, his advocacy for education and innovation, and his identity as a poet, teacher, and visionary leader. The narrative emphasizes his rise above political divides, portraying him as a figure of humility, science, and spirituality.
Cast
* Dhanush as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Production
Development
The project was announced on 21 May 2025 at the Cannes Film Market, with a title poster featuring a silhouette of Kalam intersected by a missile, symbolizing his contributions to India’s defense programs. Directed by Om Raut, known for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, the film is produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anil Sunkara under T-Series, Abhishek Agarwal Arts, and AK Entertainments. The screenplay, penned by Saiwyn Quadras (Neerja, Maidaan), draws from Kalam’s memoir Wings of Fire. Raut described the film as a tribute to Kalam’s legacy of education, innovation, and leadership, emphasizing its global relevance. Producer Abhishek Agarwal called it “one of Indian cinema’s most prestigious projects,” aiming for a grand-scale spectacle.
Casting
Dhanush was cast as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, with producers praising his “remarkable range and emotional depth” for the role, describing it as a career-defining performance. Dhanush expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating he felt “blessed and humbled” to portray the inspirational leader. The casting was announced alongside the film’s unveiling at Cannes, generating significant anticipation.
Filming
Filming is scheduled to begin soon after the Cannes announcement, with no specific start date or locations confirmed as of May 2025. Dhanush is expected to undergo a comprehensive makeover to authentically portray Kalam, including physical and emotional preparation.
Marketing
The film’s announcement at the 2025 Cannes Film Market included the release of a title poster, featuring a missile and Kalam’s silhouette, shared by director Om Raut and Dhanush on social media. The poster, captioned “Dream big. Rise higher,” generated significant buzz, with fans praising Dhanush’s casting and expressing excitement for the project.
Reception
Pre-release
The announcement of Kalam garnered widespread attention, with fans lauding Dhanush’s casting as a fitting choice for Kalam’s multifaceted persona. Celebrities like Bhumi Pednekar and Mrunal Thakur also expressed enthusiasm. However, some skepticism emerged regarding Om Raut’s involvement, with netizens referencing the criticism of Adipurush and urging the team to deliver a “blockbuster.” The film’s global unveiling at Cannes was praised as a bold move to position Indian biopics on an international stage.
Plot
The film traces the life of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, from his humble beginnings in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to his pivotal role as a scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and his tenure as India’s 11th President from 2002 to 2007. It explores Kalam’s contributions to India’s missile and nuclear programs, his advocacy for education and innovation, and his identity as a poet, teacher, and visionary leader. The narrative emphasizes his rise above political divides, portraying him as a figure of humility, science, and spirituality.
Cast
* Dhanush as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Production
Development
The project was announced on 21 May 2025 at the Cannes Film Market, with a title poster featuring a silhouette of Kalam intersected by a missile, symbolizing his contributions to India’s defense programs. Directed by Om Raut, known for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, the film is produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anil Sunkara under T-Series, Abhishek Agarwal Arts, and AK Entertainments. The screenplay, penned by Saiwyn Quadras (Neerja, Maidaan), draws from Kalam’s memoir Wings of Fire. Raut described the film as a tribute to Kalam’s legacy of education, innovation, and leadership, emphasizing its global relevance. Producer Abhishek Agarwal called it “one of Indian cinema’s most prestigious projects,” aiming for a grand-scale spectacle.
Casting
Dhanush was cast as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, with producers praising his “remarkable range and emotional depth” for the role, describing it as a career-defining performance. Dhanush expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating he felt “blessed and humbled” to portray the inspirational leader. The casting was announced alongside the film’s unveiling at Cannes, generating significant anticipation.
Filming
Filming is scheduled to begin soon after the Cannes announcement, with no specific start date or locations confirmed as of May 2025. Dhanush is expected to undergo a comprehensive makeover to authentically portray Kalam, including physical and emotional preparation.
Marketing
The film’s announcement at the 2025 Cannes Film Market included the release of a title poster, featuring a missile and Kalam’s silhouette, shared by director Om Raut and Dhanush on social media. The poster, captioned “Dream big. Rise higher,” generated significant buzz, with fans praising Dhanush’s casting and expressing excitement for the project.
Reception
Pre-release
The announcement of Kalam garnered widespread attention, with fans lauding Dhanush’s casting as a fitting choice for Kalam’s multifaceted persona. Celebrities like Bhumi Pednekar and Mrunal Thakur also expressed enthusiasm. However, some skepticism emerged regarding Om Raut’s involvement, with netizens referencing the criticism of Adipurush and urging the team to deliver a “blockbuster.” The film’s global unveiling at Cannes was praised as a bold move to position Indian biopics on an international stage.
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