On what would have been Sourav Ganguly's 54th birthday, the makers of the upcoming biopic 'Dada - The Sourav Ganguly Story' unveiled the official first-look poster, confirming a theatrical release on May 14, 2026. The poster features Rajkummar Rao in a cinematic recreation of Ganguly's iconic jersey-waving moment at the Lord's balcony, following India's historic NatWest Trophy triumph over England in 2002.
Poster Captures Defining Moment in Indian Cricket
The image, widely regarded as a symbol of a fearless new era in Indian cricket, shows Rao waving Ganguly's jersey from the Lord's balcony. According to a release from the filmmakers, the celebration came to epitomize confidence, defiance, and belief under Ganguly's captaincy. The poster was shared on social media by Rao, with the caption celebrating the cricketer's legacy.
Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, known for films like 'Lootera', 'Jubilee', and 'Black Warrant', the biopic is produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg. It is presented by Gulshan Kumar, Bhushan Kumar, T-Series, and DBL, and is a Luv Films production.
Film Chronicles Ganguly's Transformative Journey
'Dada - The Sourav Ganguly Story' traces the extraordinary journey of the man who, according to the makers, didn't just play the game but changed it. The film follows his rise from a talented young cricketer to one of India's most influential captains, highlighting the grit, resilience, and conviction that redefined Indian cricket and inspired a generation.
The NatWest Trophy final in 2002 remains one of India's most memorable cricket victories. Chasing a target of 326, India won by two wickets, with Ganguly's unbeaten 60 and Mohammad Kaif's 87 not out leading the charge. Ganguly's shirt-waving celebration on the Lord's balcony became an enduring emblem of Indian cricket's newfound assertiveness.
Rajkummar Rao Steps into Ganguly's Shoes
Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatility in films like 'Newton', 'Stree', and 'Badla', takes on the role of the former Indian captain. The actor shared the poster on Instagram, writing, 'Honoured to bring the story of a man who taught us to believe. #DadaTheSouravGangulyStory in cinemas 14th May 2026.' The post garnered widespread attention from fans and cricket enthusiasts.
Vikramaditya Motwane, in a statement, expressed his excitement about the project, saying, 'Sourav Ganguly's journey is not just a cricket story; it's a story of leadership, resilience, and changing the narrative. I'm thrilled to bring this to the big screen with Rajkummar, who has immersed himself in the role.'
Release Date and Production Details
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 14, 2026. The announcement was made on July 8, 2026, aligning with Ganguly's birthday. The poster reveal has generated significant buzz, with fans eagerly awaiting the biopic that promises to delve into the personal and professional life of the cricketer-turned-administrator.
Sourav Ganguly, who later served as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), remains a towering figure in Indian sports. His tenure as captain from 2000 to 2005 is credited with laying the foundation for India's rise in world cricket, including the historic Test series win in Australia in 2001 and the World Cup final appearance in 2003.
'Dada - The Sourav Ganguly Story' joins a growing list of cricket biopics in Indian cinema, following films like 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story' and 'Sachin: A Billion Dreams'. The film is expected to offer an intimate look at Ganguly's life, from his early days in Kolkata to his captaincy and beyond.
