Filmmaker Rohit Shetty is preparing to produce a biographical film about Rakesh Maria, the former Mumbai Police Commissioner, featuring John Abraham in the role of the distinguished officer. This film draws inspiration from Maria’s memoir, Let Me Say It Now, published in 2020, and will explore his significant contributions to the investigations of the 1993 Bombay blasts and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Rohit Shetty, renowned for his captivating and polished police dramas such as ‘Singham’, ‘Simmba’, and ‘Sooryavanshi’, is now embarking on a new direction. This time, the narrative is based on actual events. An insider revealed to the portal, “Rohit has always aspired to create a cop film grounded in reality. Rakesh Maria’s life unfolds like a thriller, filled with intensity and numerous pivotal moments, including his investigations into the 1993 Bombay blasts and the 26/11 attacks, as well as his encounters with the underworld. Maria and Shetty have been in discussions for some time, and the project is finally coming to fruition.”
The initial phase of the filming will concentrate on Maria’s formative years within the police force. A committed team of approximately 150 crew members, comprising prosthetic experts, research personnel, and action coordinators, will be present on set to guarantee authenticity in both narrative and visual presentation. The crew is also in the process of constructing an intricate replica of the Maharashtra ATS headquarters, which was crucial to Maria’s actual experiences.
Shetty’s team has arranged to film at nearly 40 authentic locations throughout Mumbai. These sites include culturally and historically significant landmarks such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Dongri, and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, all of which are linked to events from Maria’s career.
This collaboration represents a notable transition for Shetty, who is recognized for his fictional police narratives. The project is characterized as an independent endeavor, distinct from his earlier works, and centers around a real-life hero. Filming is set to begin in mid-2025, with a theatrical release planned for 2026.
Shetty has a long-standing partnership with Rakesh Maria, who has played a crucial role in providing research support for Shetty’s previous police films. This biopic is intended as a homage to Maria’s significant contributions to law enforcement.
John Abraham, celebrated for his powerful performances, is eager to take on the role of the iconic cop. The film aspires to merge gritty realism with Shetty’s trademark high-energy storytelling, promising an exhilarating cinematic experience. Audiences can look forward to a captivating depiction of one of India’s most esteemed law enforcement figures when the film premieres in 2026.
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