Bollywood and cricket fans are in for a treat as Sourav Ganguly, one of India’s most celebrated cricket captains, has officially confirmed that acclaimed actor Rajkummar Rao will play him in his forthcoming biopic.
The announcement was made during Ganguly’s interaction with the media in West Bengal’s Bardhaman. With Rao’s proven versatility and Ganguly’s legendary cricket journey, expectations are soaring for this cinematic tribute.
Sourav Ganguly’s Revelation and Film Timeline
During a media briefing on Thursday, Ganguly stated, “From what I’ve heard, Rajkummar Rao will play the role (the titular role)…but there are issues of dates…so it will take more than a year to hit the screens.” While the project’s official release date remains undetermined, this update has stirred immense excitement among cricket enthusiasts and moviegoers alike.
The biopic aims to capture Ganguly’s illustrious cricketing journey, highlighting his leadership qualities and iconic moments on the pitch.
A Look at Sourav Ganguly’s Glorious Career
Known as the “Prince of Kolkata,” Ganguly’s impact on Indian cricket is unparalleled. His career statistics are a testament to his brilliance:
- International Appearances: 113 Tests and 311 One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Total Runs: 18,575 across all formats
- Test Leadership: Led India to 21 victories, reshaping the team’s competitive spirit
- World Cup Feat: Guided the team to the 2003 World Cup final, solidifying his reputation as a fearless leader
Beyond his playing days, Ganguly’s involvement in cricket administration has been noteworthy. He served as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and was later appointed president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in October last year. His contributions extended to roles on the BCCI’s technical committee and the Cricket Advisory Committee alongside legends Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman.
Rajkummar Rao’s Upcoming Films
Rajkummar Rao, known for his compelling performances and versatility, is no stranger to portraying complex characters. His casting as Ganguly is seen as a fitting choice, with fans eager to see how he embodies the cricketing legend’s charisma and leadership.
On the work front, Rao is currently making waves with several exciting projects:
While details remain under wraps, expectations are high given Rao’s track record of choosing diverse and challenging roles.
Bhool Chuk Maaf:
- Co-star: Wamiqa Gabbi
- Director: Karan Sharma
- Production: Maddock Films in association with Amazon MGM Studios
- Plot Teaser: The film’s teaser showcases a quirky time loop scenario where Rao’s character relives the Haldi ceremony repeatedly. Set against the nostalgic backdrop of Chor Bazaari from Love Aaj Kal (2009), the teaser promises humor, romance, and a dash of mystery.
Maalik:
- Producers: Kumar Taurani (Tips Films) and Jay Shewakramani (Northern Lights Films)
- Release Date: June 20, 2025
Why Rajkummar Rao is the Perfect Choice
Rajkummar Rao’s dedication to his craft is well-known. His ability to seamlessly slip into varied roles, from intense dramas to lighthearted comedies, makes him an ideal pick for portraying a figure as iconic as Sourav Ganguly. Fans anticipate that Rao will bring both the aggression and composure that defined Ganguly’s captaincy era.
Moreover, portraying a living legend adds its own set of challenges. Rao’s past performances, where he’s convincingly played real-life personalities, give confidence that he will do justice to the role.
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