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NDTV
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Why Dhanush Was Chosen For APJ Abdul Kalam Biopic, Reveals Director
Chennai: 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.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Om Raut on casting Dhanush in Kalam: 'I don't think there could have been a better choice than him'
Chennai: 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.
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Why is Dhanush playing APJ Abdul Kamal in biopic? Director Om Raut reacts
Filmmaker Om Raut recently answered why he cast actor Dhanush in his next film, 'Kalam: The Missile Man of India', a biopic on Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, India's 11th President, and a celebrated scientist. He unveiled the film's poster while attending the 78th Cannes International Film Festival. Raut shared his vision for the biopic on India's former president and aerospace scientist and the reason behind casting Dhanush in the lead thanked Dhanush for choosing to do the biopic. In a statement, he appreciated the 'Raanjhana' actor for his acting prowess and highlighted what he brings on the table as an artiste."When portraying Dr APJ 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," he said. The statement was shared by the filmmaker's team. Raut expressed his admiration for Dr Kalam, and 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."advertisementHe underscored the importance of the values and learnings that Dr Kalam stood for. Raut shared that the late former president encouraged the idea of 'India first' in his work. The director said, "I've always been deeply inspired by Dr. Kalam's journey. From what I've observed, his life was anchored in three key aspects. 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 have 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," he filmmaker has previously directed historical epics like 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior,' 'Lokmanya,' and 'Adipurush'.Raut's 'Kalam: The Missile Man of India' is produced by Abhishek Agarwal, who earlier backed films like 'Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran' and 'The Kashmir Files.' The screenplay for the biopic is being penned by 'Neerja' and 'Maidaan' fame Saiwyn The Missile Man of India' will delve into the life of Bharat Ratna Dr Kalam from his humble beginnings in Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan, as a celebrated aerospace scientist, visionary, teacher, and India's eleventh president. The biopic explores his leadership, nation-building, and integrity as he was popularly known as the 'Missile Man of India.'Dhanush, who plays the protagonist, will next be seen in 'Kuberaa' (2025) and 'Idly Kadai' (2025).The remaining cast of 'Kalam: The Missile Man of India' is yet to be Watch
India.com
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
KALAM Biopic: Dhanush To Play Former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Announces At Cannes 2025
Cannes: Actor Dhanush is all set to portray the Missile Man of India and the 11th President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, in a biopic, announced at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. The biopic, which is officially in production, will be helmed by director Om Raut, who is known for "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior'. The screenplay is penned by Saiwyn Quadras, whose writing credits include acclaimed biopics Neerja, Maidaan and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) The ace director talked about the biopic. "In an era starved of true statesmen, Kalam stood above politics and pettiness. He was a man who was known for the power of education, excellence and indigenous innovation," he said in a statement. "To bring his story to the 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 the Global South. It's the most important experience of my life. His life is a lesson that is bound to connect with people no matter who they are and where they come from," Raut added. The film, "staying true to the values of Dr Kalam, 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. More than a political biography, the project is positioned as an insight into leadership and nation-building," as per the press release. Producer Abhishek Agarwal also expressed his excitement, saying, "We are excited to bring the epic life of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to the big screen. This is an emotional moment for us." "Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's life is a story that continues to inspire millions across is more than just a film it's a tribute to a man who showed us how dreams, dedication, and humility can shape a nation's future," added Bhushan Kumar. However, not much details have been shared by the makers of the biopic. The film is backed by Abhishek Agarwal and Bhushan Kumar, and produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anil Sunkara.
India Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Dhanush is APJ Abdul Kalam in Om Raut-directed biopic, film launched at Cannes
Actor Dhanush will headline the biography of Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, titled 'Kalam'. The film, which was launched at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, will be directed by Om Raut of 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior' and 'Adipurush' fame. The big-budget film will be backed by Abhishek Agarwal and Bhushan Kumar of biography on the life of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, fondly called the 'Missile Man of India', will chronicle his life from Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan. A statement from the makers indicates that the film will share insights into his leadership and the poster: More than a political biography, the film will also showcase the man behind the missile programs, the poet, the teacher and the politician. While Dhanush will play the titular role, the makers are tight-lipped about the rest of the cast and a statement, director Om Raut said, "In an era starved of true statesmen, Kalam stood above politics and pettiness. He was a man who was known for the power of education, excellence and indigenous innovation. To bring his story to the 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 the Global South. It's the most important experience of my life. His life is a lesson that is bound to connect with people no matter who they are and where they come from.'advertisementCalling it an emotional moment, producer Abhishek Agarwal said, "I am honoured to collaborate with Om Raut ji, Dhanush ji, and Bhushan ji of T-Series stalwarts of Indian cinema. We are privileged to tell this story, and each of us is giving our best to bring to life the journey of our true Bharat Ratna Kalam ji. This is one of Indian cinema's most prestigious projects and will be a grand spectacle on a global scale.'Bhushan Kumar of T-Series stated that this was their third association with Om Raut. "Teaming up with Dhanush and Abhishek Agarwal on this project makes it all the more special. This is more than just a film, it's a tribute to a man who showed us how dreams, dedication, and humility can shape a nation's future," he said in a screenplay of the biopic is written by Saiwyn Quadras, who has worked on acclaimed biopics including 'Neerja, 'Maidaan' and 'Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran'.Must Watch
