John Abraham to Star in Rakesh Maria Biopic: Rohit Shetty’s Next Cop Drama Takes Shape
The action star will portray the legendary Mumbai Police Commissioner in this ambitious biographical project
The Power-Packed Collaboration
In what promises to be one of Bollywood’s most anticipated projects, director Rohit Shetty is bringing the extraordinary life story of former Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria to the big screen. Recent industry reports confirm that action star John Abraham has been cast in the lead role, with production already underway across Mumbai’s iconic locations.
The biopic, based on Maria’s autobiography “Let Me Say It Now,” aims to capture the essence of the decorated officer’s 36-year career, from his beginnings as a Bandra boy to becoming one of India’s most respected law enforcement officials.
Star-Studded Cast Takes Shape
While John Abraham will step into the shoes of the fearless police officer, the film has also secured Tamannaah Bhatia to play Preeti Maria, Rakesh’s supportive wife who stood by him through his dangerous career battles. This marks the second collaboration between Abraham and Bhatia following their 2024 film “Vedaa.”
“The casting process was particularly challenging,” an industry insider reveals, “as the narrative spans decades of Maria’s life, requiring an actor who could convincingly portray the officer from his younger days to his fifties.”
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Behind the Lens: Rohit Shetty’s Vision
For Rohit Shetty, known for his successful cop universe including the “Singham” franchise, this project represents a natural evolution—moving from fictional police heroes to a real-life legend. Shetty is both directing and producing the biopic in collaboration with Reliance Entertainment.
“This isn’t just another cop film,” a production source shares. “Shetty is approaching this with immense respect for Maria’s legacy, balancing his signature high-octane style with the biographical elements that make this story so compelling.”
Production Underway: Mumbai Becomes the Canvas
The cameras officially started rolling on April 18, 2025, with an ambitious shooting schedule spanning nearly 40 locations across Mumbai. Key filming sites include the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and other locations significant to Maria’s career.
With a reported budget exceeding Rs 100 crore, the production team is sparing no expense to recreate pivotal moments from Maria’s life with authenticity and scale. Production is expected to wrap by August 2025, with a theatrical release targeted for early 2026.
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The Man Behind the Badge
Rakesh Maria’s reputation precedes him in both law enforcement circles and popular culture. As an IPS officer from the 1981 batch, his career highlights include cracking the 1993 Bombay serial blasts case and personally interrogating Ajmal Kasab following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Maria’s investigative prowess and leadership during some of Mumbai’s darkest hours have previously inspired characters in films like “The Attacks of 26/11” and series such as Netflix’s “Scoop.” However, this biopic aims to be the most comprehensive portrayal of his life and career to date.
What to Expect
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to cover Maria’s transformation from a young officer to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, highlighting his fearless approach to tackling terrorism and organized crime.
“The narrative will blend personal and professional aspects,” a source close to the production reveals. “It’s not just about the high-profile cases, but also about the human being behind the uniform—his sacrifices, challenges, and the impact his career had on his family life.”
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Looking Ahead
As production continues across Mumbai, excitement is building for what could become a defining biographical drama in Bollywood cinema. An official announcement with additional cast details and possibly the film’s title is expected in the coming weeks.
For fans of John Abraham, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Rohit Shetty’s directorial style, this project represents an intriguing departure from their typical work, promising a grounded yet dramatic portrayal of one of India’s most respected law enforcement officers.
The biopic is scheduled to hit theaters in early 2026, offering audiences a glimpse into the extraordinary life and career of a man who dedicated his life to protecting Mumbai.
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