In a moment that stirred both nostalgia and national pride, the 2025 Cannes Film Festival played host to the unveiling of one of Indian cinema’s most anticipated biopics: Kalam, a cinematic retelling of the life of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s beloved "Missile Man" and former President. Helmed by acclaimed director Om Raut and led by National Award-winning actor Dhanush, the film promises to be both an emotional tribute and a powerful historical drama.
Dhanush, known for his transformative performances and cinematic versatility, will portray the iconic figure of Dr. Kalam. The announcement was accompanied by the release of a striking title poster, featuring a missile arching over the silhouette of a contemplative Kalam — a nod to the scientist’s visionary work in India’s defence and aerospace sectors.
Dhanush shared the first look on his social media account and wrote, "I feel truly blessed and deeply humbled to be portraying the life of such an inspirational and magnanimous leader — our very own Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam sir"
The biopic, titled Kalam: The Missile Man of India, aims to go beyond the public persona of Kalam to explore the personal journey of a boy from Rameswaram who went on to ignite the minds of a generation. The film will chronicle key chapters from his life — from his humble beginnings to his leadership in India’s missile and space programs, and ultimately, to Rashtrapati Bhavan as the 11th President of India.
Directed by Om Raut, best known for Tanhaji and Adipurush, the film marks a confluence of major creative forces in Indian cinema. Produced by Abhishek Agarwal (The Kashmir Files), Bhushan Kumar (T-Series), and Anil Sunkara (AK Entertainments), Kalam is positioned as a global-scale production designed to reach audiences far beyond Indian borders.
The screenplay, penned by Saiwyn Quadras (Neerja, Maidaan, Parmanu), draws inspiration from Dr. Kalam’s own memoir Wings of Fire, promising a script that is both intimate and inspiring. It will delve into lesser-known aspects of Kalam’s personality — the quiet poet, the eternal student, the tireless mentor.
Dhanush is expected to undergo a significant transformation to embody Kalam authentically, including voice modulation, physical training, and character immersion.
With production slated to begin later this year, Kalam is set for a grand release in 2026, aligning with the 15th anniversary of Dr. Kalam’s passing. The film is already being touted as a landmark project — not just for Indian cinema, but for biographical storytelling on the world stage.