One of India’s most iconic cricket captains is finally getting the big-screen treatment he deserves, and it’s none other than Sourav Ganguly. And bringing Dada’s inspiring journey to life will be the versatile and much-loved actor Rajkummar Rao. After months of speculation, the actor has officially confirmed his involvement in the highly anticipated biopic, much to the delight of fans of both cinema and cricket.
The film, which is currently untitled, will be directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Luv Films. The project promises to be more than just a sports movie; it’s a celebration of grit, leadership, passion, and the rise of a young boy from Kolkata’s streets to the captaincy of the Indian national cricket team.
The Official Confirmation
In a recent exclusive interview with NDTV, Rajkummar Rao finally broke his silence and confirmed the rumors. “Now that Dada has already said it, let me also make it official—yes, I am playing him in his biopic,” the actor announced with a mixture of pride and nervousness. “It’s a huge responsibility, but it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he added.
Famous for his in-depth preparation and natural performances, Rajkummar also shared that he is learning Bengali for the role with the assistance of his wife, actor Patralekhaa, who happens to be Bengali. Indeed, as it happened, Rao even demonstrated his Bengali-speaking skills during the interview, a gesture that melted many hearts and showed just how dedicated he is to doing justice to the character.
Ganguly’s Stamp of Approval
Sourav Ganguly himself seems thrilled with the casting choice. In an earlier conversation, he praised Rajkummar Rao as the “right person” to portray him on screen. “Rajkummar has been locked for the film. I don’t think anyone else can play me better than him,” Ganguly said, offering full support for the actor. “I’ll help him with everything,” he added, highlighting his active involvement in the film’s creative process.
The former Indian skipper also shared some exciting details: the film is set to go on floors in January 2026 and will release theatrically in December 2026. Since Ganguly is very much part of the narration, viewers can look forward to a very real-life portrayal of his life both on and off the ground.
A Proven Track Record
This is not Rajkummar Rao’s first venture in biopics or based-on-real-life characters. He has already delivered outstanding performances as human rights lawyer Shahid Azmi in Shahid, as terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh in Omerta, and in Srikanth recently, where he essayed visually challenged industrialist Srikanth Bolla.
His sensitive and committed portrayal of characters has consistently pleased critics and viewers alike. His talent for vanishing into a character makes him an ideal candidate for capturing Ganguly’s fiery temperament, serene nature, and distinctive leadership.
Additional Projects on the Horizon
Even as excitement brews around the Ganguly biopic, Rajkummar Rao isn’t slowing down. He will soon be seen in Maalik, an action drama set against the backdrop of Allahabad, co-starring Manushi Chhillar and veteran actor Prosenjit Chatterjee. Directed by Pulkit and backed by producers Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani, the film tells the story of a gangster’s rise through the criminal underworld and is slated for release on 11 July 2025.
Coming off the success of the comedy-drama Bhool Chuk Maaf, where he starred opposite Wamiqa Gabbi, Rao continues to show the diversity in his filmography that makes him one of the most exciting talents in Bollywood today.
A Tale Worth Telling
Sourav Ganguly’s journey is not just about cricket. It’s a story of grit. From being dropped from the team at the beginning of his career to pulling off one of the greatest comebacks and later captaining India to record victories, his life is an inspiration to anyone who has experienced failures. Led by him, India became a fearless cricketing nation, winning matches at home and away, and some glorious ones too, including the unforgettable NatWest Series win in 2002 at Lord’s.
The biopic is expected to capture the emotional, political, and competitive landscape of Indian cricket during Ganguly’s reign, from clashes with the cricket board to his bond with teammates and the formation of a new era for Indian cricket.
With Vikramaditya Motwane at the helm, known for his visually rich and emotionally deep storytelling—and Rajkummar Rao in the lead, the stage is set for a powerful cinematic tribute to one of India’s greatest sporting icons.
Final Thoughts
The Rajkummar Rao-Sourav Ganguly collaboration is not just a casting choice; it’s a match made in storytelling heaven. Both the actor and the cricketer share a reputation for being unconventional, determined, and fearless. As fans gear up for the 2026 release, this project is already shaping up to be more than just a film; it’s a legacy in the making.
Cricket lovers, cinephiles, and every Indian who has grown up watching Dada wave his shirt from the Lord’s balcony, get ready for a nostalgic, inspiring, and thrilling ride.