On June 25, 2025, Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao officially confirmed his role as former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in a highly anticipated biopic, putting an end to months of speculation.
The announcement, first hinted at by Ganguly himself earlier this year, has sparked excitement among fans of both cinema and cricket.
Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Luv Films, the film promises to bring the “Prince of Kolkata’s” remarkable journey to life, from his early struggles to his transformative leadership of Indian cricket.
Rao, known for his transformative performances, expressed both nervousness and excitement about the role, highlighting the immense responsibility of portraying a national icon.
This article explores the biopic’s development, Rao’s preparation, Ganguly’s legacy, and what fans can expect from this cinematic tribute.
- Rajkummar Rao’s Confirmation: Rao officially announced he will play Sourav Ganguly in the biopic, confirming Ganguly’s earlier statement.
- Film Details: Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film is set to begin shooting in January 2026 with a theatrical release planned for December 2026.
- Ganguly’s Endorsement: The former captain praised Rao as the “right person” for the role and pledged to assist with the film’s authenticity.
- Rao’s Preparation: The actor is learning Bengali and studying Ganguly’s mannerisms to authentically portray the cricketing legend.
- Ganguly’s Legacy: The biopic will cover Ganguly’s journey from his Kolkata roots to leading India to the 2003 World Cup final and his BCCI presidency.
The Journey to the Biopic
The Sourav Ganguly biopic has been in development since 2021, generating buzz with rumors about potential leads like Ranbir Kapoor and Ayushmann Khurrana.
In February 2025, Ganguly confirmed Rao as the lead, citing scheduling conflicts as a reason for the delayed production. Rao’s confirmation on June 25, 2025, in an exclusive NDTV interview, solidified the casting, dispelling earlier speculation.
Ganguly, affectionately known as “Dada,” is one of India’s most iconic cricket captains, celebrated for his aggressive leadership and transformative impact on the Indian team.
The biopic, backed by Luv Films, aims to capture his journey from a young boy in Kolkata to a global cricketing legend. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, known for films like Udaan and Trapped, the project promises a nuanced portrayal of Ganguly’s life, blending personal struggles with professional triumphs.
Rajkummar Rao’s Casting: A Perfect Fit?
Rajkummar Rao, a National Award-winning actor, is no stranger to portraying real-life figures.
His performances as Shahid Azmi in Shahid (2013), Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh in Omerta (2017), and Srikanth Bolla in Srikanth (2024) have showcased his ability to embody complex characters with authenticity.
In the Ganguly biopic, Rao faces the challenge of portraying a living legend whose persona is deeply etched in India’s collective memory.
Rao admitted to being “extremely nervous” about the role, describing it as a “huge responsibility” but also “a lot of fun.”
His confidence stems from his familiarity with Bengali culture, thanks to his wife, actress Patralekhaa, who is Bengali. Rao has been honing his Bengali accent and even demonstrated his skills during the NDTV interview, delighting fans.
Additionally, he is studying Ganguly’s mannerisms and cricketing style to ensure an authentic portrayal.
Ganguly himself endorsed Rao, stating, “I don’t think anyone else can play me better than him.”
The former captain, who played 113 Tests and 311 ODIs, scoring 18,575 runs with 38 centuries, is closely involved in the project to ensure its accuracy.
He has promised to assist Rao with “everything,” from understanding his cricketing career to capturing his personal nuances.
Sourav Ganguly: The Prince of Kolkata
Born on July 8, 1972, in Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly debuted for India in 1992 but rose to prominence with a century at Lord’s in 1996.
As captain from 2000 to 2005, he transformed Indian cricket with his bold, aggressive approach, leading the team to the 2003 World Cup final and victories in the 2002 NatWest Trophy and 2002 Champions Trophy.
His iconic shirt-waving celebration at Lord’s remains a defining moment in cricket history.
Off the field, Ganguly’s tenure as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cemented his legacy as a visionary administrator.
However, his career was not without controversy, including his ousting from the team in 2005 and later disputes during his BCCI presidency, which some fans hope the biopic will address.
The biopic will trace Ganguly’s journey from his privileged Kolkata upbringing to his rise as a cricketing icon, highlighting key moments like his debut century, leadership in the 2002 NatWest final, and his role in nurturing talents like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
It will also explore the challenges of the era, including match-fixing scandals and intense India-Pakistan rivalries, which shaped Ganguly’s captaincy.
Challenges and Expectations
Portraying Ganguly presents unique challenges for Rao. Fans on X have expressed mixed sentiments, with some praising Rao’s versatility while others question his physical resemblance to the 6-foot-tall, athletically built Ganguly.
Comments like “Rajkummar doesn’t have that kind of personality or aura” reflect concerns about capturing Ganguly’s larger-than-life presence.
However, Rao’s track record in transformative roles, such as in Srikanth, suggests he can overcome these doubts through meticulous preparation.
The film’s pre-production, including story writing and scripting, is underway, with shooting set to begin in January 2026.
The lengthy process reflects the complexity of depicting Ganguly’s multifaceted career, from his on-field heroics to his off-field controversies.
Fans hope the biopic will not shy away from sensitive topics, such as Ganguly’s alleged role in BCCI politics or his stance on controversial issues, though these may be tempered to maintain a celebratory tone.
The Team Behind the Biopic
Vikramaditya Motwane, known for his nuanced storytelling, is an ideal choice to helm the project. His previous collaboration with Rao in Trapped (2016) demonstrated their ability to create compelling narratives.
Luv Films, led by Luv Ranjan, brings a track record of successful commercial films, ensuring the biopic’s broad appeal. While the title and supporting cast remain undisclosed, the involvement of Ganguly himself adds authenticity to the project.
Rao’s Busy Schedule
Rao’s commitment to the Ganguly biopic comes amidst a packed schedule. He recently starred in Bhool Chuk Maaf, a romantic comedy with Wamiqa Gabbi, and is set to appear in Maalik, releasing on July 11, 2025, alongside Manushi Chhillar and Prosenjit Chatterjee.
He is also shooting a Netflix-backed dark comedy directed by Aditya Nimbalkar, expected to wrap before the Ganguly biopic begins.
Rao’s ability to juggle diverse roles underscores his versatility, but the Ganguly biopic may be his most high-profile project yet.
Broader Implications
The Ganguly biopic joins a growing list of cricket biopics, following MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and Sachin: A Billion Dreams. It reflects Bollywood’s fascination with sports narratives, particularly cricket, which resonates deeply with Indian audiences.
The film’s success could pave the way for more biopics on cricketing legends, though some fans on X argue that Ganguly’s story, while compelling, may not match the universal appeal of Sachin Tendulkar or MS Dhoni.
The biopic also highlights Rao’s rising stature in Bollywood. His ability to portray real-life figures with depth and authenticity positions him as a leading choice for such roles, though it raises questions about typecasting.
For Ganguly, the film offers a chance to cement his legacy as a transformative figure in Indian cricket, appealing to both nostalgic fans and younger audiences.
Rajkummar Rao’s casting as Sourav Ganguly in the upcoming biopic is a testament to his acting prowess and the cricketer’s enduring legacy.
Set to begin filming in January 2026 and slated for a December 2026 release, the film promises to capture Ganguly’s journey from Kolkata’s streets to the pinnacle of Indian cricket.
With Vikramaditya Motwane directing and Ganguly’s personal involvement, the biopic is poised to be a cinematic milestone.
As Rao prepares to embody the “Prince of Kolkata,” fans eagerly await a film that celebrates one of India’s greatest captains while showcasing Rao’s transformative talent.
