Cannes Film Festival 2025: Dhanush to play former Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in biopic

Actor Dhanush is all set to portray the "Missile Man of India" and India's 11th President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, in a biopic, its makers announced at the Cannes Film Festival 2025.

The biopic will be helmed by director Om Raut, who is known for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior.

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The screenplay is penned by Saiwyn Quadras, whose writing credits include the acclaimed Bollywood biopics Neerja, Maidaan and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran.

"In an era starved of true statesmen, Kalam stood above politics and pettiness," Raut said in a statement. "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," he said. "...His life is a lesson that is bound to connect with people no matter who they are and where they come from."

Producer Abhishek Agarwal, too, shared his excitement.

However, not much details have been shared by the makers of the biopic.

The film is backed by Agarwal and Bhushan Kumar, and produced by Agarwal, Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anil Sunkara.