By Rajkummar Rao has officially revealed the title of the most anticipated sports biopic in Bollywood right now — and it’s as bold as the man it’s named after.
The film is titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story. Rao announced the news on Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes photos from the sets — including the production clapperboard and the Sourav Ganguly stand at Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata.
Shooting has officially begun. And the cricket world — along with Bollywood — is paying close attention.
The Title Is Finally Here
Rao’s Instagram caption read: “And it begins… The one and only #DADA.” Simple. Punchy. Exactly the kind of statement this project deserves.
The title Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story captures the essence of the man — his nickname, his legacy, and the emotional journey fans have followed for decades. The film is being produced by Vikramaditya Motwane and Luv Ranjan, along with producer Ankur Garg.
The announcement ends months of speculation about when — and whether — the cameras would finally roll.
Rajkummar Rao Steps Into Dada’s Shoes
Rajkummar Rao confirmed his casting in a conversation with NDTV, saying: “Now that Dada has already said it, let me also make it official — yes, I am playing him in his biopic.”
He didn’t downplay the pressure. Rao called it a “huge responsibility” and admitted he was “nervous” about stepping into the role.
He does have one personal advantage, though — his wife, actress Patralekhaa, is Bengali. Rao has been learning the language and is confident about nailing the Bengali accent on screen.
Why This Biopic Has Been Years in the Making
The Sourav Ganguly biopic has been in development for a long time. Various Bollywood actors — including Ayushmann Khurrana and Ranbir Kapoor — were previously rumoured to be in contention for the lead role before Rajkummar Rao was officially locked in.
Ganguly addressed the delay himself, citing date-related challenges and noting that scheduling conflicts would push the timeline back.
Now, with the cameras rolling and a title confirmed, those delays are firmly in the past.
Shooting Locations: Lord’s and Eden Gardens
The makers have identified Lord’s Cricket Ground and Eden Gardens as key locations to authentically recreate defining chapters from Ganguly’s career.
The choice of Lord’s is particularly significant. Ganguly made his Test debut at Lord’s in 1996, scoring 131 — one of the most celebrated debut innings in Indian cricket history.
Permissions for the Lord’s shoot are currently being worked out. If all goes as planned, the crew will shoot across Kolkata, Mumbai, and London. The production is clearly sparing no expense to get the details right.
What the Film Will Cover
Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story promises to be comprehensive. The film will chronicle Ganguly’s journey from the narrow streets of Kolkata to the grand stage of international cricket, where he scored over 18,500 runs and led India to several historic victories.
The film is expected to cover his cricketing career, captaincy era, and his defining role in shaping modern Indian cricket.
Sourav Ganguly himself is closely involved in the creative process, ensuring the story is told with accuracy and personal insight.
Rajkummar Rao’s Biopic Track Record
Rajkummar Rao is no stranger to real-life roles. He has previously impressed with biographical performances as Shahid Azmi in Shahid, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh in Omerta, and Srikanth Bolla in Srikanth.
His performance in Srikanth was widely appreciated by audiences, reinforcing his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most committed transformative actors.
Ganguly himself endorsed the casting, saying: “I think the right person is doing it. I don’t think anyone else can play me better than him.”
That kind of endorsement — from the man himself — says everything.
The Verdict
Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious sports films India has ever produced. With Rajkummar Rao’s proven biopic credentials, Vikramaditya Motwane’s directorial vision, and iconic filming locations locked in, expectations are sky-high.
Cricket fans and cinema lovers alike now have something serious to look forward to — and the countdown has officially begun.
Follow this space for the latest updates on Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story as production unfolds.
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