Rajkummar Rao Gears Up for Epic Sourav Ganguly Biopic; Shoot Starts March 2026
Production on the highly anticipated biographical film about Indian cricket icon Sourav Ganguly is officially set to commence in March 2026, with Rajkummar Rao locked in to portray the former India captain. Helmed by visionary filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane and backed by producers Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg, the film is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious sports dramas in recent Indian cinema.
Lord’s Cricket Ground in London
Lord’s Cricket Ground holds legendary status in global cricket lore and holds a deeply emotional connection to Sourav Ganguly. It was here in 1996 that Ganguly scored a memorable Test debut century, and it was again at Lord’s where his iconic shirt-waving celebration after India’s 2002 NatWest Series win became one of cricket’s most enduring images. Filming at Lord’s is meant to recreate these pivotal moments with real atmosphere and historic texture.
Eden Gardens in Kolkata
In Kolkata, Eden Gardens is more than a stadium; it was Ganguly’s home fortress. This iconic venue witnessed India’s dramatic 2001 Test victory against Australia, a series that cemented Ganguly’s leadership legacy. Shooting crucial scenes here will help immerse audiences in those euphoria-filled days of Indian cricket.
In addition to these, Mumbai studio sets are also planned to recreate interior spaces with precision.
Crew’s Groundwork and Pre-Production Plans
Director Vikramaditya Motwane, praised for his meticulous filmmaking style, recently wrapped up a detailed pre-shoot recce in Kolkata. The crew explored significant Ganguly inspired locations including the cricket academy where he trained and his childhood neighborhood in Behala, Kolkata.
Motwane’s vision for this film is clear: he aims to merge cinematic spectacle with factual authenticity. Sources say that permissions for shooting complex sequences at the historic venues are currently in motion. Multiple international and domestic locations including London, Kolkata and Mumbai will be filmed across the primary schedule.
Rajkummar Rao’s Transformative Preparation
Rajkummar Rao is known for his chameleon-like transformations and nuanced portrayals, and taking on the role of Ganguly is no exception. The actor is currently undergoing an intense physical shift to embody the cricket’s great athletic build from his late 90s prime.
Rao is also practicing left-handed batting routines to mimic Ganguly’s distinctive “God of the Off-Side” style, a trait that remains iconic in cricketing circles.
In a recent viral appearance at a Mumbai event, Rao’s altered physique sparked fan speculation. While that transformation was linked to another biopic (Nikam), Rao has confirmed he’s shedding those kilos to prepare for “Dada mode”.
What the Film Promises to Capture
Rather than a mere rundown of cricket statistics, the film aims to chronicle the rise of Sourav Ganguly, from a talented young batsman to a fearless leader who transformed Indian cricket in the early 2000s. The narrative will explore:
- Ganguly’s formative years in Kolkata and rise through domestic cricket
- His leadership style and bold strategy as captain
- Key historic matches that defined Indian cricket
- His clashes and camaraderie with teammates and administrators
- The cultural shift he brought to India’s cricketing identity
Insiders also hint at a powerful supporting cast with veteran actors like Kumud Mishra in pivotal roles, amplifying the dramatic scope of the project.
Filming Timeline & Expected Release
Production is about to begin in March 2026, stretching through summer and involving complex international shoots across multiple iconic venues.
Though an official release date hasn’t yet been confirmed by the studio, early estimates from industry buzz suggest a late 2026 or early 2027 theatrical debut, perfectly timed to catch award season and cricket fan fervor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is playing Sourav Ganguly in the biopic?
Rajkummar Rao will play Sourav Ganguly.
2. When does filming begin?
The shoot is set to start in March 2026.
3. Is Sourav Ganguly himself involved in the project?
Yes, Ganguly has publicly supported the casting and the film’s vision.
4. What era of Sourav Ganguly’s life will the film cover?
It will span his early cricketing days through his captaincy era and historic matches of the early 2000s.
Final Thoughts
With filming set to begin across cricket’s most sacred arenas, the Sourav Ganguly biopic promises more than nostalgia, it aims to capture the fire, defiance and fearless leadership that redefined Indian cricket in the 2000s.
Backed by Vikramaditya Motwane’s sharp storytelling vision and Rajkummar Rao’s intense transformation, this ambitious sports drama is poised to deliver an emotionally charged big-screen tribute to one of India’s most influential captains.
If executed right, it could become one of Bollywood’s most powerful cricket biopics to date.
