The cameras are finally rolling on one of the most anticipated sports biopics in Indian cinema history. National Award-winning actor Rajkummar Rao officially commenced filming for Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story this week, marking the start of a production that aims to capture the life and legacy of India’s most transformative cricket captain.
Rao shared the milestone with his millions of followers on Instagram, posting a glimpse from the set with a caption that echoed the sentiment of a billion cricket fans. The announcement confirms that the project, which has been in the works for years, is finally moving from the boardroom to the pitch.
A project of this magnitude requires a delicate balance of grit and cinematic flair. Acclaimed director Vikramaditya Motwane, known for his masterful storytelling in Sacred Games, Udaan and Jubilee, takes the helm to navigate Ganguly’s complex journey. Produced by Luv Films, the biopic promises to go beyond the scoreboard to explore the man who taught Indian cricket how to look the opposition in the eye.
The film focuses on the 16-year international career of Sourav Ganguly, a journey that began in the bylanes of Kolkata and reached the hallowed turf of Lord’s. The narrative highlights Ganguly’s staggering 18,575 international runs, but more importantly, it spotlights his reputation for transforming the “attitude” of the Indian dressing room.
The biopic meticulously recreates the era of the early 2000s, a time when Indian cricket moved away from a defensive mindset toward a more assertive, winning culture. From his debut at Lord’s to the historic NatWest Series final and the 2003 World Cup journey, the film aims to be a definitive record of the “Ganguly Era.”
To capture the authenticity of “Prince of Calcutta’s” life, the production team has mapped out an extensive global schedule:
- Kolkata: The heart of the film. Shooting will take place at iconic locations including the Eden Gardens and the Ganguly ancestral home.
- Mumbai: Capturing the boardrooms of the BCCI and the intense training sessions that defined his comeback.
- London: Recreating the historic matches in the UK, specifically focusing on the 1996 debut and the 2002 NatWest victory.
Rajkummar Rao is no stranger to transformative roles. To play Sourav Ganguly, Rao reportedly underwent months of rigorous cricket training to master the legendary “God of the Off-Side” square cut. Beyond the physical mechanics, Rao spent time studying Ganguly’s unique body language and his famous “aggressive” leadership style.
“It is an honour to portray a man who changed the DNA of Indian sports,” Rao stated in his social media update. His commitment to the role has already created a “buzz-heavy” atmosphere on digital platforms, with fans eager to see how he captures the essence of the left-handed icon.
As filming continues through the summer of 2026, Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story stands out as more than just a sports movie. It is a chronicle of a leader who refused to back down. With Rajkummar Rao’s acting pedigree and Vikramaditya Motwane’s directorial vision, the film looks set to be a “sixer” at the box office. Fans should keep a close eye on social media for more “behind-the-scenes” glimpses as the team moves from the heat of Kolkata to the overcast skies of London.
