Rohit Shetty wraps Maria IPS starring John Abraham, based on officer Rakesh Maria.

Maria IPS
What happens when India’s most successful action filmmaker decides to stop blowing up cars and starts breaking down the psyche of a legendary detective?
The upcoming biographical drama, reportedly titled Maria IPS, marks a fascinating pivot for Rohit Shetty.
While the world expects the high-octane explosions synonymous with his brand, this new project aims to capture the life of Rakesh Maria, one of Mumbai’s most decorated and formidable police officers.
Starring John Abraham in the titular role, the film is currently wrapping its final stages, promising a version of Shetty that audiences haven’t seen before.
Interrogations and Real-World Grit
The production moved away from the sanitized sets of film cities for a significant portion of its schedule.
By filming in real-life locations across South and Central Mumbai, Shetty is grounding the narrative in the very streets Maria once policed.
However, the heartbeat of the film was captured within a specialized police station set built at Ellora Studios near Mumbai.
During a rigorous two-week schedule in July and August, John Abraham and Shetty focused on “intense police station scenes” and “high-stakes interrogation sequences.”
This suggests a film that relies on dialogue, psychological tension, and intellectual sparring rather than just physical brawls.
Key Production Takeaways:
- A New Aesthetic: Insiders reveal that Shetty is debuting a “new style of commercial filmmaking” that balances his mass-market sensibilities with a more refined, realistic edge.
- John Abraham’s Performance: Early reports suggest Abraham has delivered a standout performance, moving away from pure muscle to portray the sharp, investigative mind of Maria.
- The Commercial Vibe: The team chose the title Maria IPS specifically because it felt “apt” for a biography while maintaining the punchy, commercial appeal required for a blockbuster.
The Trap of the “Cop Universe”
Fans might assume Maria IPS is a secret entry into Shetty’s sprawling “Cop Universe” (alongside Singham and Simmba). This is a mistake.
To approach this film expecting colorful sing-alongs and gravity-defying stunts is to miss the point of a biographical tribute.
The real value here is the authenticity. By focusing on a specific individual’s legacy, the film must trade the “superhero” tropes for the “human” struggles of law enforcement.
The choice to keep the title simple and professional—Maria IPS—signals that the story intends to respect the gravity of the officer’s real-life career.
The Road Ahead
As Shetty prepares to transition into the slapstick comedy of Golmaal 5 this February, Maria IPS stands as his “serious” masterpiece.
A final decision on the title and release date is expected within the month. If the rumors regarding the “new style” are true, this won’t just be a movie about a cop; it will be a masterclass in how to make the truth look cinematic.
Summary:
Rohit Shetty and John Abraham are nearing the finish line of Maria IPS, a biographical actioner that promises to trade stylized stunts for high-stakes interrogation and real-world Mumbai grit.

लेटेस्ट इंडियन सेलिब्रिटी न्यूज़, एक्सक्लूसिव अपडेट्स और ट्रेंडिंग गॉसिप का आपका डेली डोज़। बॉलीवुड और उससे आगे भी जुड़े रहें!
