Sourav Ganguly Endorses 'Dada' Biopic First Look

The cricket icon celebrated his 54th birthday by praising Rajkummar Rao’s transformation in the upcoming film's newly released poster.

MUMBAI — Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly has officially endorsed the first look of his biographical drama, Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story, featuring actor Rajkummar Rao in the lead role. The film’s production team unveiled the poster on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, coinciding with the cricketing legend’s 54th birthday.

The first-look poster recreates one of the most iconic moments in international cricket: Ganguly’s defiant shirtless celebration from the Lord’s Cricket Ground balcony after India’s victory in the 2002 NatWest Series final against England. The image, which features Rao mirroring the former captain’s historic gesture, has already generated significant buzz across social media and film circles.

Ganguly’s Reaction and Endorsement

Moments after the poster’s release, Ganguly took to social media to share the image and express his excitement. Calling the film’s first look "the best gift ever," the veteran cricketer, who has scored over 18,000 international runs, shared a personal message for the lead actor.

"The Best Gift Ever! Can't wait to see you play my cover drive!" Ganguly wrote on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, tagging Rajkummar Rao. The endorsement adds a layer of authenticity to the project, which is currently in active production.

Biopic Production and Creative Vision

Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the biographical sports drama seeks to chronicle Ganguly’s journey from a promising young talent in Kolkata’s Behala neighborhood to one of India’s most influential and successful captains. The film is produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under the banner of Luv Films.

The production team has emphasized that the film is not merely a highlight reel of cricketing victories but an exploration of the "grit, resilience, and conviction" that defined Ganguly’s era. The cast also features Tanya Maniktala as Dona Ganguly, alongside notable Bengali actors Saswata Chatterjee and Aparajita Adhya, who portray Ganguly’s parents.

Official Sources

According to press releases from Luv Films and official production notes, the film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on May 14, 2027. The project is presented by Gulshan Kumar, Bhushan Kumar, T-Series, and DBL.

"Organizers stated that the release date was selected to align with a major holiday weekend, allowing fans across the nation to celebrate the legacy of the former skipper," according to a release issued by the production desk.

Why It Matters

For cricket fans and cinema enthusiasts, the collaboration between Motwane and Rao represents a high-stakes effort to capture the psychological shift in Indian cricket during the early 2000s. Ganguly’s leadership is often cited as the catalyst for the aggressive, fearless brand of cricket that India currently plays. By securing the direct endorsement of the subject himself, the project has established a strong sense of credibility, potentially making it one of the most anticipated sports biopics in recent years.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Film Title: Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story

• Starring: Rajkummar Rao as Sourav Ganguly

• Key Director: Vikramaditya Motwane

• Theatrical Release: May 14, 2027

• Defining Moment: Recreation of the 2002 Lord’s NatWest balcony celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is playing Sourav Ganguly in the biopic?

Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao has been cast to portray the former Indian captain in the upcoming film.

2. How did Sourav Ganguly react to the poster?

Ganguly shared the poster on social media, calling it the "best gift ever" and specifically mentioning his excitement to see Rajkummar Rao replicate his signature "cover drive."

3. What is the film’s release date?

Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story is officially slated to hit theaters on May 14, 2027.

4. Where is the biopic being filmed?

The film has been shot in several iconic Kolkata locations, including Eden Gardens, the Maidan, and the historic East Bengal Club.

Source: ANI News, The Hindu, Luv Films Corporate Communications, Sourav Ganguly’s Official Social Media.