The highly anticipated biopic on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has officially locked in its lead! National Award-winning actor Rajkummar Rao has confirmed he will portray the iconic “Dada” on the big screen, putting months of speculation to rest. The announcement comes after Ganguly himself dropped a major clue in February, sparking buzz around what promises to be a landmark biographical film.
Rajkummar Rao Officially Confirms Role as Sourav Ganguly in Biopic
In a recent conversation with NDTV, Rao expressed his excitement and the weight of the responsibility he now carries. “With Dada already sharing the news, I can finally say it too — I’m playing him in the biopic,” Rao revealed.
This confirmation comes after Sourav Ganguly himself had revealed Rao’s involvement during an interaction in Bardhaman in February, stating that Rajkummar Rao would portray him and that he felt the “right person” was doing it. Rao’s proven track record of delivering nuanced and powerful performances in biographical roles, such as in “Shahid” and “Srikanth,” makes him an ideal choice to embody the complex persona of one of India’s most influential cricket captains.
Filming to Commence in January 2026, Aiming for December 2026 Release
The ambitious biopic will commence principal photography in January 2026. The production team has set a target release date of December 2026, aiming to bring Ganguly’s inspiring journey to theatres within the same year of filming. Sourav Ganguly himself has provided insights into the timeline, mentioning that while pre-production, including story writing and scripting, takes considerable time, the actual shooting period will be comparatively shorter, around three months, followed by extensive post-production.
While the film’s official title and director remain under wraps, industry reports suggest that Vikramaditya Motwane might direct the project. Motwane has previously collaborated with Rajkummar Rao on the critically acclaimed film “Trapped,” indicating a strong creative synergy if this pairing materializes. Ganguly is reportedly actively involved in the script and creative development of the film, ensuring authenticity and accuracy in portraying his life story.
Rajkummar Rao Prepares for a Challenging Yet Rewarding Role
Taking on the role of a living legend like Sourav Ganguly presents a unique challenge for any actor. Rajkummar Rao, known for his meticulous preparation, is already immersing himself in the world of “Dada.” He has reportedly been learning Bengali, aided by his wife, actress Patralekhaa, to perfectly capture Ganguly’s accent and linguistic nuances.
The biopic will likely delve into Ganguly’s transformative journey, from his early days in cricket to his rise as India’s aggressive and successful captain, his battles with injuries and controversies, and his eventual foray into cricket administration. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing Rao bring Ganguly’s unique blend of elegance and aggression to life on the big screen.
Riding High: Rajkummar Rao’s Recent Successes and Upcoming Projects
His recent film, “Bhool Chuk Maaf,” has garnered positive reviews and performed well, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and bankable star. Adding to his promising lineup, his upcoming movie “Maalik,” a gangster action drama, is also slated for release on July 11, 2025.
These projects showcase Rao’s diverse acting range, from comedy to intense drama, preparing him for the multifaceted demands of portraying Sourav Ganguly. His continuous work on varied narratives keeps him in the public eye and maintains high anticipation for his performances.
The official confirmation of Rajkummar Rao as Sourav Ganguly has generated immense excitement among both cricket and cinema enthusiasts. With filming set to begin early next year, the biopic promises to be a compelling tribute to one of India’s most beloved sporting icons, brought to life by one of the country’s finest actors.
