Rajkummar Rao to Portray Sourav Ganguly in Biopic: “I’m Nervous… It’s a Huge Responsibility”

In one of the most exciting announcements from Bollywood this year, Rajkummar Rao has officially confirmed that he will be playing the iconic former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in an upcoming biographical film. The news has created a huge buzz among cricket lovers and cinema fans alike, as both personalities are respected in their respective fields.

The Sourav Ganguly biopic, long awaited by fans, finally seems to be moving forward. With Rajkummar Rao stepping into the shoes of the “Prince of Kolkata”, the project is being viewed as not just another cricket film, but a tribute to one of India’s most fearless and impactful leaders in cricket history.

Confirmed! Rajkummar Rao Officially Announces He Will Play Sourav Ganguly in Upcoming Biopic

During a recent media interaction, Rajkummar Rao officially announced his involvement in the biopic. Speaking about the role, the actor said:

“Yes, it’s confirmed. I am playing Dada (Sourav Ganguly) in his biopic. I am nervous and excited at the same time. It’s a huge responsibility to play someone like him.”

Known for his versatility and deep character work, Rajkummar has always taken on challenging roles — from real-life personalities like Shahid Azmi in Shahid to intense fictional characters in Trapped, Newton, and Omerta. However, portraying a living legend like Ganguly, who is still very much in the public eye, is a challenge of a different level.

Sourav Ganguly Says Rajkummar Rao Is the Right Choice for the Biopic

Reacting to the announcement, Sourav Ganguly himself has praised the casting of Rajkummar Rao in his role.

“I have seen Rajkummar’s work. He is a brilliant actor. I believe he has the depth and intensity needed to portray my journey. I wish him all the best,” said Ganguly during a recent interview.

This endorsement from Dada himself has given a huge boost to the film’s credibility, and fans are now even more curious to see how Rajkummar brings Ganguly’s life, struggles, and triumphs to the big screen.

The Biopic: What to Expect from Sourav Ganguly’s Story

The Sourav Ganguly biopic is expected to cover all major aspects of his life — from his early struggles in Kolkata, his controversial debut in international cricket, the iconic Lord’s Test century, his battles with authority, his comeback story, and his ultimate legacy as the man who revolutionised Indian cricket’s attitude.

Key Moments Likely To Be Shown:

• His emotional debut and rise to the national team
• His leadership during the 2001 Test series against Australia
• The shirt-waving moment at Lord’s — a symbol of Indian aggression
• His fallout with Greg Chappell and dramatic ouster from the team
• His comeback in 2006 and eventual retirement
• His role as a mentor, BCCI President, and icon beyond cricket

The film will also show the personal side of Ganguly, including his relationship with family, wife Dona Ganguly, and how he balanced pressure, expectations, and national pride during tough times.

Rajkummar Rao Confirms Playing the Lead in Sourav Ganguly’s Biopic: “It’s a Huge Responsibility”

For Rajkummar Rao, this role is not just another assignment — it’s a personal mission. In his own words:

“Ganguly is not just a cricketer. He is a symbol of Indian pride, leadership, and self-belief. To play him on screen means carrying the emotions of millions of fans.”

Rao has already begun preparations for the role. According to sources close to the production, he is:

• Taking batting and cricket training with former Ranji players
• Watching hours of Ganguly’s matches and interviews
• Working on perfecting the Bengali accent
• Studying Ganguly’s body language, especially his style as captain

The dedication is serious, and fans can expect a nuanced, layered portrayal rather than a typical commercial caricature.

Actor Rajkummar Rao Nervous to Play Sourav Ganguly in Biopic, Says It’s a Huge Responsibility

It’s not often that Rajkummar Rao admits to being nervous. But in this case, he’s honestly shared his fears:

“There’s pressure, of course. This is not just a sports film — it’s a story of resilience, attitude, and India’s cultural shift in cricket. I hope I do justice to it.”

This emotional vulnerability and commitment is exactly what makes Rao the right actor for this role. He’s someone who doesn’t just act — he becomes the character.

Biopics in Indian Cinema: Riding the Cricket Wave

Indian cinema has seen several successful cricket biopics in the past decade, including:

• MS Dhoni: The Untold Story
• 83 (based on India’s 1983 World Cup win)
• Shabaash Mithu (based on Mithali Raj)
• Azhar (based on Mohammad Azharuddin)
• The Sourav Ganguly biopic is expected to be more intense and political, focusing not just on sports but on power dynamics, team politics, and individual courage in the face of systemic barriers.

Unlike Dhoni’s calm approach, Ganguly’s firebrand leadership style changed the way India played and viewed cricket — and this difference could give the film its unique edge.

Director, Release Date & Other Details

While the full cast is still under wraps, insiders say that the film will be directed by Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth, who has previously worked on intense emotional dramas. The script is said to be in the final stages, with the shooting expected to begin by early 2026.

Release is tentatively planned for mid-2027, with a pan-India release in multiple languages including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, and Tamil.

Production is being handled by Luv Films, the same banner behind films like Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, in collaboration with Ganguly’s team for authenticity.

Why This Biopic Matters More Than Just Cricket

While most articles focus on cricket and casting, here’s a perspective not often shared:
Sourav Ganguly’s story is the story of modern India’s rise in confidence.

He came into the team when India was still shy and apologetic on the global stage. His aggression — once misunderstood — was actually the start of a cultural shift where Indians began demanding respect, not asking for it.

This biopic can inspire a generation not just to play cricket, but to believe in their inner Dada — to take a stand, to lead fearlessly, and to bounce back from setbacks.

It’s not just a film. It’s a symbol of what India became post-2000s — bold, proud, and unapologetically ambitious.

Rajkummar Rao Takes the Field as Sourav Ganguly

As Rajkummar Rao confirms playing Sourav Ganguly in the upcoming biopic, expectations are sky-high. The film has the potential to be both a box-office hit and a national conversation starter, much like Ganguly’s career itself.

With cricket, emotion, leadership, and politics all wrapped into one cinematic package, this film may go beyond just fans and become a cultural moment.