Om Raut to Direct Dhanush in Kalam Biopic, Celebrating APJ Abdul Kalam's Legacy

Mumbai, Aug 29 (PTI) Director Om Raut is thrilled to collaborate with Dhanush on "Kalam: The Missile Man of India," recognizing the south superstar as the perfect choice to portray APJ Abdul Kalam onscreen. “There could be nobody better than him. Dhanush is a phenomenal actor. I’m glad that he has accepted to do the part. He is someone I really admire, and I’m looking forward to working with him on this film,” Raut, known for directing films like “Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior” and “Adipurush,” shared in an interview with PTI.

The film's first look, which will chronicle Kalam's journey as a renowned scientist and as the President of India, was unveiled at the Cannes Film Market in May. Raut, who made his directorial debut with “Lokmanya: Ek Yugpurush” (2015), a biopic on social reformer and freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Marathi, later ventured into Hindi cinema with Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare's story in “Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior”.

Raut expressed his passion for crafting biopics while acknowledging their challenges. “It's always difficult to make a film on any personality. The episodes of their life that you select to go in the film, versus the episodes of their life that you choose not to put is important. You let go of a few things and realize that whatever you’ve selected is good, and what’s omitted is even better. Having said that, one wants to make the best effort to tell the story and make it inspirational.”

With “Kalam,” the filmmaker aims to honor Kalam’s enduring vision for India and his significant influence on the youth. “Dr. Kalam is an inspiration. He was an inspiration to me when I was growing up. His books have actually changed my life. If I can tell the story in a way that it becomes an inspiration to a lot of people, predominantly youngsters, (it would be great). He believed in youngsters, just like Lokmanya Tilak."

"Kalam" is produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar of T-Series and Abhishek Agarwal and Anil Sunkara of Abhishek Agarwal Arts. Meanwhile, Raut's home production film, “Inspector Zende,” starring Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh, is set to release on September 5.