Rakesh Maria biopic: Rohit Shetty and John Abraham film high-intensity interrogation scenes; detail inside

Rohit Shetty has moved the shooting of his forthcoming biopic about the life of former Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria from South Mumbai to Mira Road after finishing the outdoor scenes. A fully built police station set is now being built at Ellora Studios for the film production, which is based on Maria's memoir, Let Me Say It Now.

John Abraham films intense scenes

John Abraham, who portrays the lead character, is currently shooting intense sequences with Shetty in a controlled studio setting. A source from the production team told Mid Day, "The South Mumbai portions gave the real-world texture to the story. Now, we’ve shifted to a more controlled setup. Unlike Rohit’s past cop action movies, this one is being mounted as a gritty procedural drama. We are filming the interrogation scenes of the many high-profile investigations that Maria headed. Every day, we shoot with a crowd of 50 to 100 people."

There will be a lot of dramatic moments at the police station and strong interrogation scenes throughout the two weeks that the film is currently scheduled to run. In contrast to his signature stylised action films like Singham and Simmba, Shetty seems to be trying something new here.

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Rohit Shetty takes different approach

According to the source, "The post-production will begin soon. Rohit is approaching this one differently. It’s not just an action spectacle; it will be a deep dive into the mind of a man who faced some of Mumbai’s darkest chapters."

The biopic will detail important events in Maria's career, including his involvement in high-profile cases. The yet-to-be-titled film is taking shape as a dramatic procedural grounded in reality rather than fiction, with a tone that is more realistic than Shetty's typical commercial fare.

Action sequences scheduled for later

Unit sources have confirmed that the film will have five major action set pieces, but they will not be shot until the end of August. At the moment, the team is putting greater emphasis on the story's more realistic and conversational parts.

The film, which will feature Abraham's nuanced portrayal of a real-life individual, is slated for release in 2026 and represents a major departure in tone for Shetty.

FAQs

Q: What role is John Abraham playing in Rohit Shetty’s next film?

A: John Abraham is playing Rakesh Maria, portraying the real-life top cop known for investigating high-profile criminal cases in Mumbai.

Q: When will Rohit Shetty’s Rakesh Maria biopic release?

A: The film is currently aiming for a 2026 release.

Q: What is the title of the film based on Rakesh Maria’s life?

A: The film is currently untitled.