Rajkummar Rao Unveils First Poster for Sourav Ganguly Biopic 'Dada'

On the cricketing legend’s 54th birthday, the makers revealed a striking first-look poster, officially locking in the film's theatrical release date for 2027.

KOLKATA — Actor Rajkummar Rao has officially stepped into the shoes of one of India's most iconic cricket captains, unveiling the first poster for Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The reveal, timed to coincide with Sourav Ganguly’s 54th birthday, offers fans their first glimpse of Rao’s transformation into the legendary "Prince of Kolkata."

The poster features a powerful recreation of Ganguly’s career-defining moment: the shirtless celebration on the Lord’s Cricket Ground balcony following India’s historic NatWest Series victory against England in 2002. The image captures the aggression and raw emotion that defined Ganguly’s tenure, signaling the film’s intent to document the shift in mindset he brought to Indian cricket.

A Cinematic Tribute to 'Dada'

Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the biographical drama aims to chronicle Ganguly’s journey from a young cricketing prodigy to the leader who reshaped the Indian team's international identity. The film reunites Motwane and Rao, who previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed 2016 film Trapped.

Production house Luv Films has confirmed that the biopic is currently in active development, with shooting sequences recently spotted at iconic locations such as Kolkata’s Maidan. The cast also features Tanya Maniktala as Dona Ganguly, with Saswata Chatterjee and Aparajita Adhya cast as the former captain’s parents.

Official Release and Production Details

According to official announcements made by the production team and confirmed via the actors' social media channels, Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 14, 2027. The makers have strategically planned the launch to coincide with an extended holiday weekend, anticipating significant interest from cricket fans and cinema-goers alike.

"Organizers stated that the release date was chosen to maximize audience reach during a prominent holiday window, ensuring that the legacy of the former skipper is celebrated on the biggest possible canvas," according to reports following the official poster unveil.

Why It Matters

For sports enthusiasts and cinema fans, the biopic represents a high-profile effort to capture a transformative era in Indian sports history. Ganguly’s captaincy is widely credited with instilling a "never-say-die" attitude in the Indian team, and the film is expected to serve as a cultural touchstone for that transition. For investors and the film industry, the choice of Rajkummar Rao—an actor noted for his immersive approach to roles—suggests a focus on narrative depth, which could set a new benchmark for sports biopics in the Indian market.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Film Title: Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story

• Lead Actor: Rajkummar Rao

• Director: Vikramaditya Motwane

• Release Date: May 14, 2027

• Key Scene: Recreation of the 2002 NatWest Series final celebration at Lord’s.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is directing the Sourav Ganguly biopic?

The film is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane.

2. When will the movie be released in theaters?

The makers have officially locked in May 14, 2027, as the theatrical release date.

3. Who else is in the cast?

In addition to Rajkummar Rao, the film stars Tanya Maniktala as Dona Ganguly, Saswata Chatterjee as Chandi Ganguly, and Aparajita Adhya as Ganguly’s mother.

4. Is this the first time Rajkummar Rao is doing a biopic?

No, the actor has previously appeared in several biographical projects and is known for his commitment to transformative roles, including the upcoming film Prahaar, based on public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

Source: Cinema Express, Telegraph India, Times of India, NDTV Sports.