The 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2025 was a vibrant celebration of global cinema, where India’s presence shone brightly with a blend of cultural pride and artistic ambition. Among the festival’s most electrifying announcements was the unveiling of Kalam: The Missile Man of India, a biopic on Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s 11th President and revered aerospace scientist. Headlined by National Award-winning actor Dhanush and directed by Om Raut, known for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, the film promises to chronicle Kalam’s extraordinary journey from Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Launched at the Cannes Film Market, this ambitious project, produced by Abhishek Agarwal Arts and T-Series, has sparked widespread excitement, positioning itself as a landmark in Indian cinema. This blog explores the significance of Dhanush’s casting, Om Raut’s vision, Kalam’s enduring legacy, and the cultural and global impact of this biopic, set to redefine storytelling on the silver screen.
A Role of a Lifetime: Dhanush as Dr. Kalam
Dhanush, a Tamil cinema icon celebrated for his versatility and emotional depth, steps into what producers describe as “one of the most transformative and defining performances of his career.” Known for films like Raanjhanaa, Asuran, and Raayan, Dhanush has consistently pushed boundaries, blending raw intensity with nuanced portrayals. His casting as Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a figure cherished as the “People’s President” and “Missile Man of India,” is a bold and inspired choice. Dhanush expressed his reverence on Instagram, writing, “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.” Fans echoed this sentiment, with posts on X proclaiming, “Dhanush as APJ Abdul Kalam is going to be a great film,” and “This is legendary, Sir!” from actress Mrunal Thakur.
Kalam’s life, marked by humility, innovation, and unwavering dedication, demands an actor capable of capturing both his scientific brilliance and spiritual depth. Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam rose from modest beginnings—his father was a boat owner and imam—to become a pioneering scientist at DRDO and ISRO, instrumental in India’s missile and nuclear programs. As President from 2002 to 2007, he inspired millions with his simplicity and vision for a developed India. Dhanush, a fellow Tamil Nadu native, brings a cultural and emotional connection to the role, with his proven ability to embody complex characters making him an ideal fit. As one X user noted, “Dhanush stepping into the shoes of Dr. Kalam is one of the most powerful casting moments in recent cinema.”
Om Raut’s Vision: Beyond a Political Biography
Director Om Raut, a National Award winner for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, brings his flair for grand, emotionally resonant storytelling to Kalam. His previous work, including the controversial Adipurush (2023), has sparked mixed reactions, with some netizens expressing skepticism, commenting, “Can we trust Om Raut after Adipurush debacle?” and “Don’t make another Adipurush.” Yet, Raut’s passion for Kalam’s story is undeniable. He describes the biopic as “more than a political biography,” emphasizing its focus on “leadership and nation-building.” In a statement, he said, “In an era starved of true statesmen, Kalam stood above politics and pettiness. He was a man known for the power of education, excellence, and indigenous innovation. To bring his story to screen is an artistic challenge and a moral and cultural responsibility.”
Raut’s vision is to explore “the man behind the missile programs and the presidency—the poet, the teacher, the dreamer whose every word carried science and spirituality in equal measures.” Drawing inspiration from Kalam’s bestselling memoir Wings of Fire, the film will trace his journey from selling newspapers to support his family to leading India’s Agni and Prithvi missile programs and inspiring generations as a teacher and author. The screenplay, penned by Saiwyn Quadras (Neerja, Maidaan), promises a nuanced narrative that balances Kalam’s scientific achievements with his personal values. Raut’s ambition to make this “the biggest film of their lives,” as he and Dhanush discussed, underscores the project’s scale, with a first-look poster featuring a missile soaring over Kalam’s silhouette, symbolizing his visionary legacy.
A Powerhouse Production: Collaboration and Ambition
Kalam: The Missile Man of India is a high-profile collaboration between Abhishek Agarwal Arts (The Kashmir Files) and T-Series, led by Bhushan Kumar, marking their third project with Raut. Producers Abhishek Agarwal, Anil Sunkara, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar are committed to creating a “grand spectacle on a global scale.” Agarwal called it “an emotional moment,” stating, “I am honored 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.” Bhushan Kumar added, “Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s life is a story that continues to inspire millions across generations. 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.”
The production’s unveiling at the Cannes Film Market, a hub for international film deals, signals its global ambitions. The poster, shared by Raut on X with the caption “From Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the journey of a legend begins… Dream big. Rise higher,” garnered lakhs of likes and comments, reflecting the anticipation. The involvement of Quadras, whose biopics are known for their authenticity, further elevates expectations. While the rest of the cast and crew remains under wraps, the creative team’s track record suggests a film that will resonate both in India and abroad, particularly among the youth of the Global South, as Raut noted, “His life is a lesson that is bound to connect with people no matter who they are and where they come from.”
Kalam’s Legacy: The Missile Man and People’s President
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s life is a tapestry of inspiration, woven from resilience, intellect, and compassion. Born into financial hardship, he excelled in academics, studying aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. His four-decade career at DRDO and ISRO included pivotal contributions to India’s ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology, earning him the moniker “Missile Man.” His role in the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests solidified India’s defense capabilities, while his leadership at ISRO advanced space exploration. As President, Kalam was beloved for his accessibility, often engaging with students to ignite their dreams, famously saying, “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.”
Kalam’s writings, including Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds, reflect his blend of science and spirituality, making him a poet and philosopher as much as a scientist. His death on July 27, 2015, from a heart attack at age 84, left a void, but his teachings continue to inspire. The biopic aims to capture this multifaceted legacy, exploring his personal struggles—supporting his family as a child, overcoming societal barriers—and his public triumphs, from missile launches to addressing the nation. As one X post stated, “India’s Missile Man on the Silver Screen! A tribute to the People’s President,” the film is poised to reignite Kalam’s message for a new generation.
Cannes 2025: India’s Cultural Moment
The announcement of Kalam at Cannes 2025 was part of a robust Indian presence at the festival, underscoring the country’s growing cinematic influence. India’s contingent included filmmaker Payal Kapadia on the jury, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound in Un Certain Regard, and a restored print of Satyajit Ray’s Aranyer Din Ratri presented by Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal. Actresses like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, in a Banarasi saree, and Kannada star Disha Madan, in a 70-year-old Kanjeevaram, celebrated Indian textiles, while Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter attended for Homebound. The unveiling of Kalam at the Cannes Market, a platform for global distribution, amplified India’s soft power, with the film’s universal themes of education and innovation resonating internationally.
The timing of the announcement, amidst India’s recent Operation Sindoor (May 7–8, 2025), a military strike named after the vermillion symbol of sacrifice, added a layer of national pride. While unrelated, the biopic’s focus on Kalam’s defense contributions aligned with the sentiment, as fans on X noted, “Dhanush as APJ Abdul Kalam is a fitting tribute to our nation’s strength.” The festival’s strict 2025 dress code, banning nudity and oversized ensembles, also highlighted the elegance of Indian stars, making Kalam’s launch a fitting capstone to India’s cultural showcase.
Challenges and Expectations
The project is not without challenges. Om Raut’s Adipurush faced criticism for its execution, leading to netizen concerns like, “Hope this project brings you glory… unlike your previous project.” The pressure to authentically portray Kalam, a national icon, is immense, with fans urging, “Bro, he’s our legend, don’t ruin the film.” Dhanush’s physical transformation and ability to capture Kalam’s distinct mannerisms—his iconic hairstyle, gentle demeanor, and Tamil-accented Hindi—will be scrutinized. The film’s pan-India ambitions, aiming for a late 2026 release, require balancing regional and global sensibilities, a challenge given the diverse expectations of Kalam’s admirers.
Moreover, the biopic must navigate the fine line between hagiography and authenticity. Kalam’s life, while inspiring, included complex moments—debates over his nuclear stance, his presidency’s political nuances—that the film may need to address to avoid a one-dimensional portrait. Quadras’s experience with layered biopics offers hope, but the creative team’s tight-lipped stance on details fuels speculation. As one X user wrote, “Looking forward to see Dhanush in and as Dr. Kalam,” the anticipation is tempered by cautious optimism.
Dhanush’s Career Trajectory: A New Milestone
For Dhanush, Kalam marks his fifth Hindi film after Raanjhanaa, Shamitabh, Atrangi Re, and Tere Ishk Mein (upcoming). His recent projects, including the action drama Raayan and the trilingual Kuberaa (releasing June 20, 2025), showcase his range, while his directorial venture Idly Kadai (October 1, 2025) highlights his creative ambition. Playing Kalam is a career-defining moment, aligning with his National Award-winning legacy and international appeal, seen in films like The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir. His collaboration with Raut, a director known for spectacle, promises a performance that could redefine his stardom, with producers noting, “When Om Raut and Dhanush met, they realized they would be making the biggest film of their lives together.”
Cultural and Global Impact
Kalam: The Missile Man of India is more than a biopic—it’s a cultural milestone. By bringing Kalam’s story to the screen, the film aims to inspire youth worldwide, particularly in the Global South, where his emphasis on education and self-reliance resonates. Its Cannes launch positions it for international distribution, with potential to elevate Indian cinema’s global footprint. The film’s focus on indigenous innovation—Kalam’s push for self-reliant defense technology—offers a timely narrative in an era of technological competition, as one X post noted, “A story that’s inspirational for global youth.”
Domestically, the biopic reinforces Kalam’s values at a time when India grapples with educational and scientific challenges. His vision of a developed India by 2020, though unrealized, remains a rallying cry, and the film could spark renewed interest in STEM education. For Indian cinema, Kalam joins a lineage of impactful biopics like Neerja and Sardar Udham, proving the genre’s power to educate and inspire. As producer Agarwal said, “This is one of Indian cinema’s most prestigious projects,” the film’s scale and ambition aim to rewrite the grammar of Indian storytelling.
The Human Element: Kalam’s Enduring Appeal
At its heart, Kalam is a tribute to a man whose life transcended accolades. Kalam’s interactions with students, his love for the veena, and his poetic writings revealed a soul driven by curiosity and compassion. His famous quote, “You have to dream before your dreams can come true,” encapsulates his belief in possibility, a theme the film will likely emphasize. Dhanush’s ability to channel this warmth, coupled with Raut’s cinematic vision, could make Kalam a deeply emotional experience, as Bhushan Kumar noted, “It’s a tribute to a man who showed us how dreams, dedication, and humility can shape a nation’s future.”
The film also arrives in a polarized world, where Kalam’s ability to unite across divides—religious, political, generational—feels more relevant than ever. His Muslim identity, rooted in Rameswaram’s syncretic culture, and his universal appeal as a scientist and leader, offer a narrative of unity. As Raut said, “His life is a lesson that is bound to connect with people no matter who they are,” the biopic has the potential to bridge cultural gaps, both in India and globally.
Conclusion
The announcement of Kalam: The Missile Man of India at Cannes 2025 marks a defining moment for Indian cinema, with Dhanush and Om Raut poised to bring Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s inspiring journey to life. From his humble roots in Rameswaram to his transformative contributions to India’s defense and presidency, Kalam’s story is a beacon of hope and ambition. Dhanush’s casting, Raut’s visionary direction, and the powerhouse production by Abhishek Agarwal Arts and T-Series set the stage for a biopic that transcends borders, celebrating a man who ignited minds and shaped a nation’s future. As fans on X declared, “From Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the journey of a legend begins,” Kalam promises to be a cinematic spectacle that honors a true Bharat Ratna, reminding the world to dream big and rise higher.
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