Cinema VinesRohit Shetty, who has delivered hits like Singham Again (2024), is now turning to a new project that chronicles the life of decorated police officer Rakesh Maria. The film, titled Maria IPS, was first announced by Bollywood Hungama in January, and it promises to span almost four decades of Maria’s career, following him from his twenties into his sixties.
The story’s breadth has led to an unprecedented physical makeover for lead actor John Abraham. According to a source speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Abraham will portray Maria at multiple life stages, requiring him to bulk up for scenes set in his 20s and 30s and then shed weight to achieve a leaner, fitter appearance for the later 50s and 60s. The actor has never undertaken such a dual transformation for a single film, and the source said the change will “take audiences by surprise.”
Principal photography for Maria IPS kicked off in July 2025, with the first schedule shot at Ellora Studios near Mumbai. There, a detailed police‑station set was built, and Abraham and Shetty performed a series of high‑intensity interrogation scenes that were filmed over a two‑week period.
In addition to the studio work, the film’s production team captured footage at several Western Railway locations. Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, confirmed that Abraham filmed at the WR Headquarters in Churchgate, as well as at Lower Parel and Mumbai Central railway stations.
With its ambitious timeline and the actor’s dramatic physical changes, Maria IPS is shaping up to be a significant addition to the Bollywood action genre, offering viewers a rare look at a police officer’s life across four decades.
