Rajkummar Rao Begins Shoot for Dada, Sourav Ganguly Biopic Actor officially kicks off production on one of India's most awaited sports dramas

Cameras Roll on 'Dada'

Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao has officially begun filming Dada, the highly anticipated biopic on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. Rao confirmed the development on Instagram, writing "And it begins… The one and onlyDADA," signalling the formal start of production. The announcement, posted on April 1, set off a wave of excitement across cricket and film circles alike.

Title Locked, Team in Place

The film is officially titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story and is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, reuniting him with Rao after their acclaimed 2017 collaboration Trapped. The project is produced by Luv Ranjan under Luv Films, with Ankur Garg also on board as producer. Cinematographer Siddharth Diwan completes a creative line-up known for sharp, character-driven storytelling.

Rao's Intensive Preparation

This role has been no casual undertaking for Rao. The actor previously revealed that he had gained around 9–10 kilograms for another project and was now entering a transition phase to physically prepare for his portrayal of Ganguly. He has acknowledged feeling both excited and nervous about the responsibility, describing it as a challenge he was genuinely committed to. Beyond physical conditioning, the actor is understood to be studying Ganguly's mannerisms, leadership style, and on-field presence extensively.

Why Ganguly's Story Matters

Ganguly represented India in 113 Test matches and 311 One Day Internationals, accumulating 18,575 runs across all international formats. Known as the Prince of Kolkata, he is widely credited with transforming India into an aggressive, self-believing unit on the world stage. His tenure as captain reshaped the team's identity — both on foreign soil and at home — and remains one of the most debated and celebrated chapters in the sport's history.

Ganguly Backs the Project

The subject himself has spoken positively about the casting. In an interview with PTI in July 2025, Ganguly said Rao is the right choice to portray him in the film. Earlier reports had suggested Ranbir Kapoor might have been considered for the role, but the makers ultimately finalised Rao. That the cricket legend has publicly endorsed the casting lends the project added credibility and weight.

Industry and Public Response

The shoot announcement drew an enthusiastic response, with celebrities including Neha Dhupia, Farah Khan, and Tisca Chopra extending their support online. Fans flooded Rao's social media post with congratulatory messages within hours of it going live. The muhurat ceremony, tied to Kolkata's cricketing identity, was also marked by director Motwane through a post featuring the iconic Sourav Ganguly Stand at Eden Gardens.

Rao's Packed 2026 Calendar

Rao enters the Dada shoot on the back of a busy phase. His upcoming comedy Bhool Chook Maaf, co-starring Wamika Gabbi, is set for a theatrical release on April 10. His action film Malik follows later, scheduled for June 20. With Dada now added to his active slate, the actor has positioned himself at the centre of some of the most commercially and critically significant projects in the current Hindi film landscape.

What to Expect Next

A formal release date for Dada has not been announced yet. The makers have so far adopted a measured approach, choosing not to rush disclosures beyond the title, director, and lead cast. Given the scale of Ganguly's legacy and the creative pedigree of the team involved, the biopic is expected to remain one of the most closely watched projects in Indian cinema over the coming months.