Casting Intensifies for Sourav Ganguly Biopic as Key Roles Remain Unfinalized
Casting discussions are intensifying for Vikramaditya Motwane's upcoming biopic on former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, with multiple pivotal roles still being finalized just weeks before the film is set to go on floors. This represents an unusually tight timeline for a project of such significant scale and ambition.
Key Roles Under Consideration
According to a source close to the production, veteran actor Boman Irani is reportedly being considered to portray Ganguly's father, Chandi Ganguly, though discussions are still ongoing and nothing has been confirmed. Casting for the role of Snehasish Ganguly – Sourav Ganguly's elder brother and a former cricketer himself – remains under active discussion, with no actor finalized to date.
In other casting news, Gajraj Rao is being considered for the role of former BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya. A source indicated, "Gajraj Rao delivered a remarkable performance in Maidaan (2024), and the production house is keen to bring him on board," while clarifying that the casting process is still underway. Meanwhile, Tollywood actress Aparajita Adhya is being considered for the role of Ganguly's mother.
Casting Challenges and Unfinalized Parts
The casting process has faced several hurdles. Several other prominent Bengali actors, including Abir Chatterjee, Rudranil Ghosh, and Saswata Chatterjee, were considered for various roles during initial discussions. However, factors such as look tests and date availability created significant obstacles, according to sources. Additionally, casting for dancer and choreographer Dona Ganguly, Sourav Ganguly's wife, has yet to be finalized.
Production Timeline and Locations
The film is scheduled to begin shooting in Kolkata from March 16, with a tight 40-day schedule planned across multiple locations including Kolkata, London, and Mumbai. Director Vikramaditya Motwane recently visited Kolkata with his team for a reconnaissance trip, which included a visit to the iconic Eden Gardens stadium, as pre-production activities gather momentum ahead of the shoot.
Rajkummar Rao's Immersive Preparation
Rajkummar Rao, who has been cast to portray Sourav Ganguly in the biopic, is expected to undergo extensive and immersive preparation ahead of filming. Sources suggest he may spend considerable time in Behala – the Kolkata neighbourhood where Ganguly grew up – and visit key locations such as Eden Gardens and the coaching centre where Ganguly trained. This is part of an effort to deeply study the cricketer's on-field and off-field persona to deliver an authentic performance.
Ganguly's involvement is crucial to the project. A source close to the production emphasized, "Since everything in the film revolves around the cricketer, his consent is necessary at every step of the film's production." This was highlighted by a recent meeting between Sourav Ganguly and Rajkummar Rao in Mumbai, underscoring the collaborative nature of the biopic's development.
