Mumbai: The makers of Dada, the upcoming biopic on former India captain Sourav Ganguly, released the film’s first poster on Wednesday to celebrate the cricket legend’s 54th birthday. The first look, featuring Rajkummar Rao in the title role, pays homage to one of Indian cricket’s most unforgettable moments.
The poster brings back Ganguly’s celebration from the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s, where he tore off his jersey and waved it in the air after India’s stunning win over England. That image a shirtless Ganguly celebrating from the Lord’s balcony — has stayed etched in cricket fans’ memories ever since.
In the new poster, Rajkummar Rao steps into that exact moment, jersey raised overhead, instantly taking fans back to that famous day. Rao shared the poster on social media with a simple note: “Happy Birthday, our dearest Dada.” Ganguly responded with his own post, writing, “The best gift ever! Can’t wait to see you play my cover drive!”
Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under the Luv Films banner, Dadais set to hit theatres on May 14, 2027. Ganguly has previously voiced his confidence in Rao’s casting, calling him the right fit for the role. “I think the right person is doing it… I’ll help him with everything,” he told PTI.
The film had reportedly gone through several rounds of consideration, with a number of Bollywood actors in the running before Rajkummar Rao was locked in for the part.
The Match That Made the Moment
The celebration being recreated traces back to India’s win in the 2002 NatWest Series final a result that snapped a nine-match losing streak in ODI tournament finals.
Chasing England’s total of 325/5, built on centuries from Marcus Trescothick (109) and captain Nasser Hussain (115) in a 185-run second-wicket stand, India got off to a flying start. Sourav Ganguly (60) and Virender Sehwag (45) put on 106 for the first wicket before the innings unraveled five wickets fell for just 40 runs, leaving India at 146/5.
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That’s when Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif turned things around, adding 121 for the sixth wicket. Yuvraj eventually fell, but Kaif carried on to an unbeaten 87, and with Zaheer Khan (4 not out) alongside him, sealed a two-wicket win off the final over.
It was after that finish that Ganguly climbed onto the Lord’s balcony, pulled off his jersey, and waved it above his head before heading down to celebrate with his team a moment that’s remained one of the most iconic in Indian cricket ever since.
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