The wait is finally over! After years of speculation and shifting shortlists, Rajkummar Rao has been officially confirmed to portray cricket legend Sourav Ganguly in the much-anticipated biopic. The versatile actor, known for his transformative performances, will step into the shoes of Bengal’s beloved “Prince of Kolkata” in what promises to be one of 2026’s most exciting releases.
This casting announcement has sent ripples of excitement through both Bollywood and cricket communities, with fans eager to see how Rao brings the charismatic former Indian captain’s story to life.
Table of Contents
Why Rajkummar Rao is the Perfect Choice
The selection of Rajkummar Rao wasn’t coincidental. With an impressive filmography including critically acclaimed performances in Shahid, Newton, Trapped, and recent hits like Stree 2 and Srikanth, Rao has proven his ability to completely transform for roles.
His dedication to method acting and physical transformation makes him ideally suited to capture Ganguly’s distinctive personality and leadership style. The actor has already expressed feeling “nervous” about the responsibility, showing his respect for the cricket icon’s legacy.
Project Details & Release Timeline
Here’s everything we know about the Sourav Ganguly biopic so far:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Rajkummar Rao |
| Subject | Sourav Ganguly (Former Indian Cricket Captain) |
| Director | Vikramaditya Motwane |
| Filming Start | Mid-2025 |
| Expected Release | 2026 |
| Genre | Sports Biopic |
| Production Status | Pre-production |
Sourav Ganguly: The Legend Behind the Story
Sourav Ganguly’s journey from a young Bengali cricketer to India’s most aggressive captain is nothing short of cinematic. Known for his fearless leadership, iconic shirt-waving celebration at Lord’s, and transforming Indian cricket’s mentality, Dada’s story offers rich material for a compelling biopic.
Key highlights that the film might explore:
- Leadership Revolution: Transforming Indian cricket’s defensive approach
- Historic Victories: Leading India to memorable wins against Australia and England
- The Comeback: His remarkable return to international cricket
- Administrative Role: Current tenure as BCCI President
Rajkummar Rao’s Upcoming Projects
While fans await the Ganguly biopic, Rao has an exciting lineup:
Immediate Releases:
- Bhool Chuk Maaf (April 10, 2025): Time-loop comedy co-starring Wamiqa Gabbi, set in Varanasi
- Maalik (June 20, 2025): Gangster drama produced by Tips Films and Northern Lights Films
This diverse portfolio showcases Rao’s versatility as he transitions between comedy, drama, and now sports biopic genres.
What Makes This Biopic Special
Unlike typical sports films, Ganguly’s story offers unique angles:
- Cultural Impact: His influence on Bengal’s cricket culture
- Leadership Style: Revolutionary captaincy approach
- Personal Struggles: Dealing with controversies and comebacks
- Modern Cricket: His role in shaping contemporary Indian cricket
The collaboration between Rao’s acting prowess and Motwane’s directorial vision promises an authentic portrayal that goes beyond cricket statistics to explore the man behind the legend.
Industry Reactions and Expectations
The announcement has generated significant buzz across social media platforms, with cricket fans and Bollywood enthusiasts expressing excitement. Many see this as Rao’s potential breakthrough into the sports biopic genre, following successful films like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and MS Dhoni: The Untold Story.
Given Rao’s track record with character-driven narratives and Ganguly’s compelling life story, industry experts predict this could be a game-changer for both actor and sports cinema.
This biopic represents more than just another sports film – it’s a chance to celebrate one of cricket’s most influential personalities through the lens of one of Bollywood’s most dedicated performers. With Rajkummar Rao’s commitment to authenticity and Sourav Ganguly’s larger-than-life story, 2026 can’t come soon enough for cinema lovers.
Stay updated with the latest Bollywood news and sports entertainment coverage for more exciting updates about this highly anticipated biopic.
FAQs
Q: When will the Sourav Ganguly biopic starring Rajkummar Rao be released?
A: The film is scheduled to begin filming in mid-2025 and is set for release in 2026. The exact release date hasn’t been announced yet, but given the production timeline, fans can expect it in the latter half of 2026.
Q: Has Sourav Ganguly given his approval for Rajkummar Rao to play him?
A: Yes, the casting has been officially confirmed, indicating Ganguly’s approval of the choice. The project has been officially announced as moving forward with Rao in the lead role, suggesting full cooperation from the cricket legend himself.
