In what promises to be one of the most riveting collaborations in Bollywood, filmmaker Rohit Shetty and actor John Abraham are set to bring to life the extraordinary journey of one of Mumbai’s most respected police officers — Rakesh Maria. Known for his dedication, courage, and razor-sharp investigative skills, Maria’s real-life story is no less than a cinematic rollercoaster, and now, it’s finally making its way to the big screen.
A Life Steeped in Duty and Drama
Rakesh Maria is a name synonymous with integrity and excellence in Indian policing. From his early days in Bandra to rising through the ranks of the Mumbai Police, his journey is packed with stories of grit, suspense, and patriotism. As the officer who played key roles in solving some of India’s most challenging cases — including the 1993 Bombay blasts and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks — Maria’s life is a tapestry of real-world heroism.
The upcoming film is said to be inspired by Maria’s autobiography, Let Me Say It Now, which offers an insider’s account of decades spent in the nerve centre of India’s law enforcement. The book details not only the events but the emotional, psychological, and political toll of being at the front lines during India’s darkest hours. Rohit Shetty, known for his larger-than-life cop dramas, now ventures into a more grounded, intense narrative rooted in reality.
A Powerful Duo: Shetty and Abraham
This marks a significant departure for Rohit Shetty, who has built a cinematic universe filled with fictional yet flamboyant cops. With this film, he aims to anchor his storytelling in realism, guided by the legacy of a real-life hero. John Abraham, known for his action-packed roles and nationalistic themes, steps into the shoes of Maria, bringing his signature intensity and physicality to a character that demands both emotional depth and stoic strength.
An industry insider noted that Shetty had long harbored the desire to create a cop film steeped in truth — not just adrenaline and stunts. Maria’s life, which reads like a high-octane thriller, seemed like the perfect story to translate that vision into reality.
Real Locations, Real Stories
What sets this project apart from typical biopics is the commitment to authenticity. The filmmakers plan to shoot across nearly 40 real locations in Mumbai — each carrying the weight of history and emotion. From the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to the lanes of Dongri and the storied Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the film will visually retrace the steps of Rakesh Maria during some of the most turbulent times in India’s modern history.
These locations aren’t just backdrops; they are characters in their own right, having witnessed events that shook the nation. Their inclusion will help ground the narrative and provide audiences with an immersive experience.
What to Expect
This collaboration brings together the best of both worlds — Shetty’s flair for storytelling and John Abraham’s powerful screen presence. But more importantly, it serves as a tribute to the men and women in uniform who stand tall in the face of terror and adversity.
With the current buzz and anticipation surrounding the project, this biopic might well be a defining moment in Indian cinema — where entertainment meets authenticity, and the line between reel and real fades into one compelling narrative.
Stay tuned, because this is not just another cop film. This is the story of a man who fought the darkest shadows of crime with nothing but his badge, his brain, and his unwavering belief in justice.