Sourav Ganguly biopic starring Rajkummar Rao to go on floors in January 2026; actor reveals team needed more time to prep

Rajkummar Rao, who is currently basking in the success of his latest gangster drama ‘Maalik’, has given fans something else to look forward to. The talented actor recently revealed that the much-awaited biopic on cricket legend Sourav Ganguly, in which he plays the lead, will start filming next year.The actor’s update comes as ‘Maalik’ continues to enjoy a positive run at the box office. With audiences appreciating his intense performance, Rao has now turned his attention towards prepping for his next big challenge, stepping into the shoes of one of Indian cricket’s most iconic captains.Filming pushed to next yearSpeaking to Mid-day, Rajkummar shared that the team has decided to delay the shoot to ensure every aspect of the film does justice to Ganguly’s remarkable journey.

The film, which is still untitled, was earlier expected to go on floors this year. However, considering the scale of preparation required, the makers have decided to commence filming in 2026.“Everybody is taking a lot of care in recreating Dada’s life for a theatrical experience. 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," Rajkummar said.

According to Mid-day, the filmmakers want to ensure the script, currently in the final stages of development, captures every detail of the cricketer’s storied career. They believe it deserves meticulous treatment, both for the subject’s stature and for the expectations of millions of fans.Learning to bat left-handedFor Rajkummar, preparing to portray Sourav Ganguly is no small feat. While he is comfortable playing cricket, embodying a natural left-handed batter like Ganguly poses a fresh challenge.“While I know how to play cricket, being a left-handed batter is a different ball game altogether. The muscle memory is all about being a right-handed batter. So, I need some time to practise," the actor explained.Interestingly, Rajkummar also revealed he has not yet met Ganguly. “I have deliberately not met Dada yet. I want to meet him when we fully get into prep mode," he added. Fans of both cinema and cricket will no doubt be eager to see how Rao transforms himself into ‘Dada’ on the big screen.“It’s a huge responsibility”Earlier, in a chat with NDTV, Rajkummar confirmed he would indeed be playing Sourav Ganguly in the film. Opening up about his excitement and nerves, he said, “Now that Dada has already said it, let me also make it official – yes, I am playing him in his biopic. I am nervous… It’s a huge responsibility, but it’s going to be a lot of fun."