When the first look of Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story dropped on Sourav Ganguly’s birthday, it immediately became one of the biggest talking points across both cricket and cinema. Featuring Rajkummar Rao recreating Ganguly’s unforgettable shirt-waving celebration from the Lord’s balcony after India’s iconic 2002 NatWest Trophy triumph, the poster was enough to send fans into a frenzy. The film is slated for a theatrical release on May 14, 2027.
The person who seemed happiest, however, was Ganguly himself.
Sharing the poster, the former Indian captain called it “the best birthday gift ever”, adding that he was excited to watch Rajkummar Rao recreate his signature cover drive on the big screen. His warm endorsement immediately boosted anticipation for the film and delighted fans who have waited years to see his life adapted for cinema.
Social media quickly filled with admiration for Ganguly’s legacy. Many users echoed the film’s tagline, writing that “He didn’t just play the game. He changed it.” Others reflected on how Ganguly transformed Indian cricket after the match-fixing era, backed young players, and instilled a fearless mindset that reshaped the national team for years to come.
Not every reaction, however, was entirely positive.
A section of fans felt the first-look poster did not quite capture Ganguly’s likeness. Some described the promotional artwork as overly edited, while others questioned whether Rajkummar Rao physically resembled the former captain closely enough. Several users even suggested the poster looked “AI-generated” or “photoshopped,” hoping future promotional material would better reflect the stature of one of Indian cricket’s greatest leaders.
At the same time, many others urged audiences not to judge the project based solely on a poster. Supporters pointed to Rajkummar Rao’s reputation as one of India’s finest actors and expressed confidence that his performance, combined with Vikramaditya Motwane’s direction, would ultimately do justice to Ganguly’s extraordinary journey.
While numerous cricket fans, commentators, and sports pages have celebrated the announcement online, there have not yet been many verified public reactions from prominent current or former cricketers. Much of the conversation so far has been driven by fans, film enthusiasts, and Ganguly himself.
Whether people loved the first look or debated its execution, one thing is undeniable: Dada has already succeeded in reigniting conversations about Sourav Ganguly’s remarkable legacy. More than two decades after that iconic moment at Lord’s, the captain who taught India to play fearless cricket is once again at the centre of the national conversation.
And when Dada finally reaches theatres in May 2027, audiences won’t just be watching the story of a cricketer.
They’ll be watching the story of the captain who changed the mindset of Indian cricket forever.
