Rajkummar Rao has finally addressed the criticism surrounding the first poster of Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story, the upcoming biopic on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. The poster, unveiled on July 8, recreated Ganguly's iconic shirtless celebration at Lord's after India's famous NatWest Trophy victory in 2002. However, several viewers criticised its execution, with some questioning whether the image looked authentic or appeared AI-generated.
Speaking about the controversy during promotions for his upcoming courtroom drama Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story, Rajkummar acknowledged that the team had learnt an important lesson. He said there was no need to rush promotional material and stressed that Ganguly's popularity had made the reaction particularly strong.
Rajkummar Rao Says Dada Poster Team Has Learnt Its Lesson
Rajkummar responded directly when asked about the backlash over the film's first poster. He explained that the people responsible for creating it had understood the criticism and recognised the importance of taking more time before releasing promotional material. The actor's remarks suggest that the team has taken the audience's response seriously.
Rather than dismissing the criticism, he acknowledged that the poster could have been handled more carefully. Rajkummar also pointed out that the reaction demonstrated the enormous fan following Sourav Ganguly enjoys. For a cricketer whose achievements have left a lasting mark on Indian cricket, expectations surrounding a biopic are naturally high.
Rajkummar Rao Reveals What He Learnt From Sourav Ganguly
Beyond the poster controversy, Rajkummar spoke about his interactions with Ganguly while preparing to portray the former India captain. He revealed that they had met several times and that he had spent considerable time with the cricketer in Kolkata. The actor also shot at Ganguly's residence and at Eden Gardens, gaining opportunities to understand the man beyond his public image.
Their conversations reportedly included personal experiences that Rajkummar believes are important to understanding someone's mindset. He described Ganguly as a legend who helped lay the foundation for the Indian team that audiences know today. These interactions are expected to help Rajkummar approach the role with a deeper understanding of the cricketer's personality and journey.
Why Sourav Ganguly's Iconic Lord's Celebration Matters
The first poster recreated one of the most memorable moments in Indian cricket history. During the 2002 NatWest Trophy final against England, India chased down a target of 326 runs, with Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif playing crucial roles in the victory. Ganguly's shirtless celebration from the Lord's balcony became an enduring image of that triumph.
The moment symbolised the captain's aggressive leadership and the growing confidence of Indian cricket at the time. Recreating such a familiar image was always likely to invite close scrutiny. While the concept connected the film to a defining chapter in Ganguly's career, the criticism showed how carefully fans expect the makers to handle his legacy.
Dada Biopic Builds Anticipation Ahead Of Its Release
Titled Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story, the biopic is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under Luv Films. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on May 14, 2027.
The story will follow Ganguly's journey from a young cricketer to one of India's most influential captains, exploring his career, challenges and contribution to the national team. With Rajkummar taking on the lead role, expectations remain high despite the early promotional setback.