Rajkummar Rao on Sourav Ganguly biopic: 'Want to meet him when we fully get into prep mode'

Rajkummar Rao is getting ready to play the role of Sourav Ganguly, the legendary Indian cricketer. The crew has decided to postpone the initial timeline of the untitled biopic, which will be directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, from July 2025 to January 2026. This will give more time for the script to be developed and for the cast to be prepared.

Sourav Ganguly endorses Rajkummar Rao for his biopic

Ganguly publicly praised Rao in June of this year, calling him "the right person" for the role. He had also said, "I don’t think anyone else can play me better than him." While the former skipper's endorsement likely boosted Rao's self-esteem, it also increased the need to show him in an honest and forthright light.

"I am relieved to hear that Dada [Ganguly] thinks I can portray him correctly on screen," Rao stated in response to Ganguly's comments. "It’s an extremely challenging role and a big responsibility. I’m nervous, but I will do my best not to let him down."

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Vikramaditya Motwane and team rework the script and timeline

Motwane is now considering how to end the story while honouring Ganguly's rich cricketing legacy and career. "Everybody is taking a lot of care in recreating Dada’s life for a theatrical experience," Rao said, confirming the time shift. "We have pushed the shooting to next year, as we needed some time for the prep. It’s a big responsibility to play one of our most iconic heroes in cricket."

Mr & Mrs Mahi (2024) featured Rao as a former cricketer who now coaches, and he had already trained with experts for the part. But he doesn't think such training will help him play Ganguly in the future film.

Physical prep begins as Rajkummar Rao waits to meet Ganguly

"While I know how to play cricket, being a left-handed batter is a different ball game altogether," he remarked. "The muscle memory is all about being a right-handed batter. So, I need some time to practice. I have deliberately not met Dada yet. I want to meet him when we fully get into prep mode."

A theatrical release in December 2026 is the target for the film.