The long-awaited cinematic journey of India’s most iconic cricket captain, Sourav Ganguly, is finally ready to move from the pavilion to the field. After months of speculation and intense preparation, the biopic starring Rajkummar Rao is officially scheduled to go on floors in March 2026.
Directed by the acclaimed Vikramaditya Motwane (Lootera, Udaan) and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg, the film promises to be a sprawling sports drama that captures the rise, the grit, and the legendary captaincy of “Dada.”
Real Venues for a Real Legend
In a move to maintain absolute authenticity, the production team has secured permissions to shoot at some of the world’s most hallowed cricket grounds. Rather than relying solely on CGI, key sequences will be filmed on-site to recreate the atmosphere of Ganguly’s most famous victories.
Lord’s Cricket Ground (London): The “Mecca of Cricket” will serve as the backdrop for the historic 2002 NatWest Series final—a defining moment in Indian cricket history. Eden Gardens (Kolkata): The soul of the film lies in Ganguly’s hometown. Major portions of his early career and his reign as the “King of Kolkata” will be captured here.
Mumbai Studios: While exterior shots will span continents, a massive set is being constructed in Mumbai to recreate the interior of Ganguly’s famous Behala residence.
The Transformation: From “Nikam” to “Dada”
Known for his “chameleon-like” ability to inhabit characters, Rajkummar Rao is currently undergoing a massive physical transition. Having recently gained nearly 10kg for his role in the biopic Nikam, the actor is now on a strict regimen to slim down and achieve the athletic, lean frame Ganguly possessed during the late 90s.
Beyond the scales, Rao is tackling the most difficult challenge of the role: batting left-handed. A natural right-hander, the actor has been spending hours daily in the nets to mirror Ganguly’s elegant off-side play.
“It’s a huge responsibility to play one of our most iconic heroes,” Rao shared in a recent interview. “The muscle memory is all about being a right-handed batter, so I need time to unlearn and practice until it feels natural.”
Production Timeline and Cast
While the search for the actress to play Dona Ganguly continues—with rumors suggesting a fresh face or a prominent Bengali actress might be cast—the primary technical team is already in place. Director Vikramaditya Motwane recently completed a final recce in Kolkata, visiting the Dukhi Ram Memorial Cricket Academy where Ganguly first started his training.
With the script finalized and “Dada” himself reportedly giving his nod to the draft, the film is expected to be a highlight of the 2026 cinematic calendar. Fans are eager to see if the movie will cover the more controversial chapters of Ganguly’s career, including the infamous Greg Chappell era, or focus primarily on his “Phoenix-like” comeback. To
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