Rajkummar Rao Addresses Criticism of Sourav Ganguly Biopic Poster

Rajkummar Rao is currently promoting his upcoming courtroom drama, Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story, set for release on October 16. During this promotional period, he also discussed the criticism surrounding the poster of the biopic Dada, which depicts former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly. In his comments, Rao remarked that the team behind the film has taken important lessons from the backlash in regard to their approach.

In an interview with Mashable India, Rao reflected on his experiences while filming Dada, including his frequent interactions with Sourav Ganguly. ‘I have met Sourav many times, and we shot in various locations including his home and Eden Gardens. We were in Kolkata for an extended period, and I had the chance to connect with him on various topics,’ he stated. ‘We shared a lot, including personal matters that help in understanding his mindset. He opened up about his life, and it’s clear he is a beloved figure; he has played a crucial role in shaping the Indian cricket team as we know it today.’

The poster, released on Sourav Ganguly’s birthday on July 8, featured Rajkummar Rao shirtless, waving an Indian flag while clad in blue trousers. However, it drew criticism from fans who felt it appeared poorly designed or reminiscent of artificial intelligence-generated imagery.

In response to the negative reception, Rao acknowledged, ‘The individuals responsible for the poster have recognised their mistakes. They have learned that there is no need to rush; they should take their time to ensure quality.’ He also noted the significant following Ganguly has, underscoring the importance of delivering a well-executed visual representation for such a celebrated figure.

Rajkummar Rao's recent projects include Bhool Chuk Maaf and Maalik, both released in 2025, as well as Toaster this year. Following Prahaar, he is also set to appear in Dada and Stree 3, with the latter still in the scripting stages. Rao indicated that the filmmakers are committed to creating an engaging film for audiences, rather than just continuing the franchise.

As the release date of Prahaar approaches, Rao and his team appear optimistic about the reception of both the courtroom drama and the Sourav Ganguly biopic. Fans await further updates as the actor continues to engage with the media and his followers, aiming to assure them of the upcoming projects' quality and dedication.