Rajkummar Rao has officially confirmed he will play former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in an upcoming biopic. The actor called it a “huge responsibility” and shared his excitement about the role.
In an interview with NDTV, Rao said, “Now that Dada has already said it, let me also make it official – yes, I am playing him in his biopic.” He admitted feeling nervous but also excited about the challenge.
Ganguly, one of India’s most successful cricket captains, praised Rao’s casting. He said, “I think the right person is doing it… I’ll help him with everything.” The film is set to start shooting in January 2026 and release in December 2026.
The biopic will be directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Luv Films. Key scenes will be shot in Kolkata and England, though full plot details remain undisclosed.
Rao has been preparing for the role, including learning the Bengali accent. His wife, actress Patralekhaa, who is Bengali, has been helping him. Ganguly’s life as a cricketer and administrator will be the film’s focus.
The internet had mixed reactions. Some fans welcomed Rao’s casting, while others expressed fatigue over biopics. A Reddit user commented, “Don’t know if we needed another sports biopic but I’m sure Rajkummar will do a good job.” Another said, “Enough biopics now please!”
This won’t be Rao’s first real-life role. He previously played lawyer Shahid Azmi in Shahid (2013) and visually impaired entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla in Srikanth (2024). Ganguly’s biopic adds to a list of cricket films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and 83.
Before Rao, late actor Sushant Singh Rajput had reportedly wanted to play Ganguly. Rajput famously portrayed MS Dhoni in his biopic.
Rao is currently promoting his upcoming film Maalik, releasing on July 11. He was last seen in Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, a cricket-themed drama.
Also Read: Rajkummar Rao Prepares for Intense Action Role in Upcoming Film; Poster Reveals Dramatic First Look
Ganguly played for India from 1992 to 2008, leading the team to the 2003 World Cup final. Post-retirement, he served as BCCI President and CAB President. His biopic is expected to cover his career highs and leadership impact.
