Fresh off the release of Maalik, which has found a steady footing at the box office, Rajkummar Rao is setting his sights on his next major undertaking—a biopic on the iconic Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly. The film, which reunites Rao with Trapped director Vikramaditya Motwane, was initially planned to commence this year. However, the makers have decided to push the shoot to January 2026 to allow for meticulous preparation and script refinement.
The actor shared that portraying Ganguly, one of India’s most celebrated cricket captains, comes with its own weight of responsibility. “Everyone involved is ensuring Dada’s life is recreated authentically for the big screen. We felt we needed additional time to prepare thoroughly, which is why the filming has been shifted to next year,” Rao noted.
One of the challenges Rao is facing in his preparation is switching from a right-handed to a left-handed batting stance, aligning with Ganguly’s playing style. “I have played cricket before, but adapting to being a left-handed batsman requires a complete shift in muscle memory. It will take time and focused training,” the actor explained. He added that he has chosen not to meet Ganguly yet, preferring to connect with him only once he is deep into his preparation phase.
Ganguly, who scored over 18,000 runs in international cricket and led India through significant victories, has expressed his confidence in Rao’s ability to portray him on screen. Speaking about the casting, Ganguly said, “I believe the right person is taking on this role. I will support him in every way possible.”
Rao, reflecting on Ganguly’s endorsement, said, “It’s reassuring to know Dada trusts me to represent him on screen. It is an immensely demanding role, and while it makes me nervous, I am committed to giving it my all.”
While the biopic will take some time before hitting the floors, Rao’s calendar remains packed. He is set to begin filming a dark comedy under the direction of Aditya Nimbalkar and is also gearing up for the release of Toaster, his debut production venture with his wife, actor Patralekhaa. Sharing his vision for his production house, Rao said, “We aim to bring stories that break away from the usual patterns and offer something fresh to the audience.”
The Sourav Ganguly biopic is currently eyeing a December 2026 theatrical release, promising audiences an engaging retelling of the journey of one of India’s cricket legends, anchored by an actor known for his immersive performances.
By Sulagna Kar
