Why Dhanush Was Chosen For APJ Abdul Kalam Biopic, Reveals Director
Stating that Dhanush was the "perfect fit" to play Kalam, filmmaker Om Raut has now thanked the actor for choosing to be an integral part of his upcoming film, Kalam: The Missile Man of India.
Currently at Cannes 2025, filmmaker Om Raut announced his next directorial venture, a monumental biopic on India's most dearly loved President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. The film's title was unveiled at the prestigious film festival, where Raut also delved into the much-anticipated project and shared insights on casting Dhanush in the lead role.
Speaking about the film, Raut said, 'The teachings of Dr. Kalam are instilled in every youth. I read his book 'Wings of Fire' when I was in college, and I can say that everything I am doing today, and everything I aspire to be, is inspired by the teachings in that book. It changed my perspective on life and that is exactly why I am standing here today.'
He continued, 'I've always been deeply inspired by Dr. Kalam's journey. From what I've observed, his life was anchored in three key aspects. The first is education. He was a great teacher who placed immense value on quality learning. Second is innovation, particularly indigenous innovation. He encouraged us to develop within our country. And the third is resilience. The willpower to stay committed to our purpose. I always wanted to make a film based on these principles. By God's grace, producer Abhishek Agarwal approached me with the same idea. When he asked if I'd be interested, I told him I was already working on something similar. He flew from Hyderabad to Mumbai, and we discussed it in detail. Eventually, T-Series and Bhushan Kumar, with whom I've worked on two previous films, came on board for this as well. This marks our third collaboration, and we're moving ahead with full force.'
Explaining the decision to cast Dhanush, Raut said, 'When portraying Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, it's essential to capture not just his achievements, but also his spiritual journey and teachings. That's the most challenging part of a biopic like this. And I don't think there could have been a better choice than Dhanush to bring this spiritual and intellectual depth to life on screen. He is the perfect fit, and on behalf of my entire team, I thank him for choosing to be a part of this important project.'
Known for directing acclaimed films like Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, Lokmanya, and others, Om Raut steps into the director's chair for Kalam: The Missile Man of India.
The film is headlined by Dhanush and produced by Abhishek Agarwal, the driving force behind The Kashmir Files and Parmanu. The screenplay is written by Saiwyn Quadras, known for his work on impactful biopics like Neerja and Maidaan.
With anticipation running high, Kalam: The Missile Man of India promises to delve deep into the life of Dr. Kalam from his humble beginnings in Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan, as a celebrated aerospace scientist, visionary, teacher, and ultimately, the people's president.
Widely known as the Missile Man of India, his legacy, immortalized through Wings of Fire, continues to inspire generations.
More than just a film, this project is positioned as a powerful exploration of leadership, nation-building, and integrity a cinematic tribute to a man who shaped the dreams of a nation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
MrBeast is growing so fast that YouTube has created a new award just for him
MrBeast has achieved a monumental milestone, surpassing 400 million subscribers on YouTube, making him the first individual creator to reach this mark. YouTube honored this achievement with a custom Play Button, presented by CEO Neal Mohan. Despite fan celebration, the award's design faced criticism, while MrBeast reflected on his journey and now leads T-Series by over 100 million subscribers. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast , has made history once again by becoming the first individual creator to surpass 400 million subscribers on YouTube . The platform marked the moment by presenting him with a custom-designed Play Button, a special award created exclusively to celebrate this unprecedented honor the achievement, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan personally handed Donaldson the new award—a departure from the platform's traditional Gold, Diamond, or Ruby Play Buttons. This unique trophy features a metallic frame and a striking blue gemstone centerpiece, designed to reflect the one-of-a-kind nature of the 400 million subscriber landmark.'You're growing so fast we made a new award just for you!' Mohan posted on X. MrBeast shared a photo of the award on Instagram, captioning it: '400,000,000 Subscriber Play Button! Thank you YouTube.'While fans applauded MrBeast's massive accomplishment, the award itself sparked criticism. Many online users called it uninspired, with some saying it looked like a reused version of earlier trophies. One Redditor commented, 'It's just a 10 million button with a blue center,' while others speculated the design looked 'AI-generated.' A few fans defended the piece, suggesting the blue stone might be crafted from precious minerals like lapis lazuli or azurite, but the overall sentiment remained a heartfelt post, Donaldson reflected on his decade-long grind: '400,000,000 subscribers! A decade ago, before I blew up, everyone in my life told me I was too obsessed and constantly told I'd never make it. I literally told my mom I'd rather be homeless than do anything else. The greatest gift in life is being able to wake up every day with a purpose, and thanks to YouTube and you guys, I have that.'Beyond YouTube, MrBeast has grown into a full-fledged business empire. As of May 2025, Celebrity Net Worth estimates his fortune at $1 billion, making him the youngest self-made billionaire under 30. His company, Beast Industries , reportedly generated $473 million in 2024 and is projected to double its revenue this year. He runs multiple ventures—from burger chains and snack brands to tech investments and charity initiatives.
News18
11 hours ago
- News18
Dream-come-true moment, honoured: National Film Award winners
Mumbai, Aug 1 (PTI) Actors Rani Mukerji and Vikrant Massey, who won top honours at the 71st National Film Awards on Friday, expressed gratitude for winning the prestigious honour for the first time in their careers. Mukerji won the best actress award for 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway", while Shah Rukh Khan and Massey shared the best actor award for 'Jawan" and '12th Fail", respectively. The Vidhu Vinod Chopra-directed '12th Fail" was named the best feature film. 'I'm overwhelmed to have won the National Award….For me, this award is also a validation of my 30-year body of work, my dedication to my craft with which I feel a deeply spiritual connection and my passion for cinema and this beautiful film industry of ours," Mukerji said. Massey said winning the National Award was a dream-come-true moment for him. 'I'm eternally grateful to the audiences for honouring my performances….It is a privilege to be sharing my first National Award with an icon like Shah Rukh Khan," the actor said. Vidhu Vinod Chopra said, 'Winning National Award is a moment of immense pride for the entire team. A huge congratulations to the whole team who poured their heart and hard work into it…..a big congratulations to Vikrant for his win and for embodying the spirit of the film." Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt-starrer 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Kahaani" was named the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment, and the film also got the best choreography award for the song 'Dhindhora Baaje', by choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant. 'I'm ecstatic and overwhelmed to win the national award for a film exceptionally close to my heart, 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'. I'm grateful to the jury and continue to be humbled by the enormous love the film continues to receive," Johar, who has achieved a third consecutive National Award after 'Shershaah" (2022) and 'Brahmastra" (2023), said. Singh took to Instagram and wrote, 'Feeling proud, feeling blessed, and feeling grateful." Meghna Gulzar-directorial 'Sam Bahadur" was recognised as the best film promoting national, social and environmental values, and also named in categories for make-up and costume. The director said winning three National Awards for 'Sam Bahadur" is 'special" as it fulfils the long-cherished dream of her parents – lyricist-poet-filmmaker Gulzar and actor Rakhee. 'Immense honour and gratitude, there's serenity in me. I know how much my parents, particularly my father, were missing this (National award) for me. So, for me, this is something that has been filled for him. For me, that's what makes it so special, and for it to happen on 'Sam Bahadur' is all the more special," Meghna told PTI. 'They both were secretly hoping 'Sam Bahadur' should get validated, and I would always try to not get their hopes up too much because I don't want them to be disappointed. They both are so elated," she added. Producer Bhushan Kumar, Chairman, T-series, said he is honoured that his production banner has won multiple National Film Awards. The banner won three awards – best music direction, Special Mention (re-recording mixer) and sound design for Ranbir Kapoor-led 'Animal", Shilpa Rao won best playback singer for 'Jawan" whose music rights are with T-series, and best debut film director Ashish Bende for their home production Marathi movie, 'Aatmapamphlet". 'It's a moment of immense pride for all of us at T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures. Being honoured with multiple National Awards for our films' music is a true validation of the stories we've backed and the talent we've collaborated with. From 'Animal' to 'Aatmapamphlet', and Shilpa Rao's win for 'Jawan', each recognition reflects the dedication and creative spirit of our teams," the producer said in a statement. Co-producer Aanand L Rai said he feels proud to be associated with 'Aatmapamphlet". 'There is tremendous pride and lasting joy in watching a debutant filmmaker find his voice. To see Ashish win the National Award for Best Debut Director for Aatmapamphlet is that joy in its purest form," the filmmaker said. Sanya Malhotra-starrer 'Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery" was named the best Hindi film, and the movie's director, Yashowardan Mishra, said he is in a state of disbelief about this honour. The film was produced by Ektaa Kapoor and Guneet Monga Kapoor. 'I did not expect to win the National award. My idea was to tell a good story with good people that will connect with people. We didn't think about awards. It is heartening and validating for the kind of stories that we choose to tell. The hard work of the entire cast and crew has paid off. I'm over the moon…I feel I'm living a dream, and I'm going to wake up and all this will vanish," Mishra told PTI. 'It gives a lot of energy to do the kind of work that I want to do. 'Kathal' is a special film, and it talks about a subject which I feel deeply passionate about," the director added. Sanya Malhotra said, 'This recognition encourages me to continue choosing meaningful cinema. A heartfelt thank you to the jury and everyone who supported 'Kathal'." Producers Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain of Sikhya Entertainment and Ektaa Kapoor thanked the jury for the recognition. Filmmaker Sudipto Sen won the best director award for his film 'The Kerala Story", which also bagged the honour for best cinematography. 'The feeling of winning the National Award is overwhelming. We expected 'The Kerala Story' to get the National award in the best film or technical award category, but my winning the award was unexpected," Sen told PTI. PTI KKP KRK (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 01, 2025, 23:00 IST News agency-feeds Dream-come-true moment, honoured: National Film Award winners Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
11 hours ago
- News18
Overwhelmed, says GV Prakash on second national award
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Chennai, Aug 1 (PTI) Musician G V Prakash on Friday said he was 'blessed" and 'overwhelmed" over winning the National Award for a second time. He won the Best Music Director award for the second time, having bagged a similar honour earlier for the actor Surya-starrer Soorarai Potru. The 71st National Film Awards were announced on Friday. 'A blessing for the second time. I'm truly overwhelmed and deeply grateful to receive the 71st National Film Award for Best Music Director for the film Vaathi," he said in a statement on 'X.' 'Vaathi' starring national award winner Dhanush is the story of a teacher bringing transformation in the lives of a set of students in a rural area. Dhanush played the titular role. Kumar extended a 'special thanks to my brother Dhanush," who chose him for the film and recalled their collaboration in films from 'Pollathavan' to the upcoming 'Idly Kadai'. He also thanked the film's director Venky Atluri and the producers. He said he was 'immensely grateful" to his family, team of musicians, lyricists, technicians, friends and fans 'who have supported me and believed in me." Actor Harish Kalyan, the lead actor in the critically acclaimed Tamil film 'Parking' which won three awards including the best supporting role for MS Bhaskar, lauded his co-star. '3 National Awards for the film we put all our honesty, heart and hope into #Parking. Congratulations to my director @ImRamkumar_B on the 'Best Screenplay" Award, Our very own #MSBhaskar sir on 'Best Supporting Actor" Award, and to the entire team of our film #Parking on 'Best Tamil Film" award," he said on 'X.' 'Words can't justify my gratitude and love towards our Tamizh makkal (people) & the audience, my team, the jury and everyone who believed in this film! Thank you for all the love," he said. Tamil film 'Parking' portrays two men's relations gone sour over a dispute regarding a parking space in their rented accommodation. Bhaskar is known to be a versatile actor. PTI SA ADB view comments First Published: August 01, 2025, 22:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
