Rajkummar Rao has acknowledged the criticism of the first poster for Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story, saying the team learned not to rush its promotional material. In a conversation with Mashable India, the actor also warned against relying too heavily on artificial intelligence and explained how spending time with Ganguly helped him prepare for the biopic.
Rajkummar Rao has responded to the mixed reaction to his first look as former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story.
The poster, unveiled on July 8, 2026, to mark Ganguly’s birthday, recreated the cricketer’s iconic shirt-waving celebration. However, its visual execution attracted criticism, with some viewers suggesting that the image looked AI-generated.
Speaking to Mashable India, Rao acknowledged that the team had taken a lesson from the response. He also highlighted Ganguly’s enormous fan following, discussed the risks of overreliance on artificial intelligence and shared details about his preparation for the role.
What Did Rajkummar Rao Say About the Dada Poster Backlash?
Rajkummar Rao said the team learned that it should have taken more time before releasing the first Dada poster.
Reflecting on the criticism, the actor acknowledged that the promotional material had been rushed. He said the people responsible had learned from the experience and should avoid hurrying similar decisions in the future.
Rao also pointed to another takeaway from the online reaction: Ganguly’s supporters remain deeply invested in the former captain and his legacy.
The response followed the July reveal of Rao recreating Ganguly’s famous celebration after India’s victory in the 2002 NatWest Trophy final at Lord’s. While the moment is memorable for cricket fans, some viewers questioned whether the poster successfully captured its original energy.
The criticism concerned the promotional image, rather than offering a verdict on the finished film. The movie’s eventual reception will depend on more than a single poster.
Why Is Rajkummar Rao Concerned About AI in Filmmaking?
Rajkummar Rao believes artificial intelligence can assist filmmaking, but it should not become a substitute for human creativity and workers.
During the same conversation, Rao acknowledged that AI technology is becoming part of the industry and cannot simply be kept out. However, he argued that filmmakers should treat it as a supporting tool instead of depending on it entirely.
His concern extends beyond the look of a poster. Rao warned that widespread reliance on AI could affect the livelihoods of people working across the film industry.
He also questioned whether artificial intelligence can reproduce the emotional qualities that human performers and creative professionals bring to a project. In his view, technology may offer advantages, but it cannot automatically recreate every aspect of a human performance.
The discussion comes as filmmakers and studios explore AI-assisted tools for visual effects, promotional campaigns and other production tasks. Rao’s comments underline an important distinction: using technology to support a creative team is different from expecting it to replace that team.
How Did Sourav Ganguly Help Rajkummar Rao Prepare for the Biopic?
Rajkummar Rao said he spent considerable time with Sourav Ganguly, including conversations that helped him understand the former cricketer beyond his public image.
The actor revealed that the production filmed at Ganguly’s home and at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The team also spent time in the city while working on the biopic.
Rao said he had met Ganguly on several occasions and had opportunities to discuss different aspects of his life. He explained that understanding the person behind the public persona was important to preparing for the role.
Ganguly was open about sharing personal experiences, according to Rao. Those conversations gave the actor insight into the former captain’s life beyond his achievements on the cricket field.
Rao also praised Ganguly’s contribution to Indian cricket. He credited the former captain with helping establish the foundation for the Indian team recognised today.
For a biographical performance, access to a real-life subject can provide context that photographs and match footage alone cannot offer. Rao’s account suggests that his preparation has involved personal conversations as well as recreating a recognisable sporting moment.
When Will Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story Release?
Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story is scheduled to release in theatres on May 14, 2027, according to the announcement made with its first look.
Vikramaditya Motwane is directing the biopic, with Rajkummar Rao portraying Ganguly. The project revisits the life and cricketing legacy of one of India’s prominent former captains.
The first poster drew attention because it recreated Ganguly’s celebrated shirt-waving moment at Lord’s. The subsequent discussion has also brought the film into a wider conversation about promotional quality and the use of AI-generated imagery.
Rao’s latest comments make clear that the team has heard the criticism. Whether the finished biopic satisfies audiences will become clearer when the film reaches cinemas.
For now, the actor’s remarks offer two insights into the project: the production has taken feedback on its promotional material seriously, and Rao has been building his portrayal through direct interactions with the man he is playing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Rajkummar Rao’s Dada poster criticised?
The first poster attracted criticism over its visual execution, with some viewers questioning Rao’s look as Sourav Ganguly and suggesting the image appeared AI-generated.
What did Rajkummar Rao say about the Dada poster controversy?
Rao said the team had learned not to rush its promotional material. He also noted that the strong response highlighted Ganguly’s passionate fan following.
What did Rajkummar Rao say about AI in filmmaking?
Rao said AI should support filmmaking rather than become something the industry depends on entirely. He also expressed concern about its potential impact on jobs and human creativity.
How did Sourav Ganguly help Rajkummar Rao prepare for Dada?
Rao said he spent time with Ganguly and had conversations about his life. Parts of the film were also shot at Ganguly’s home and at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
What is the release date of Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story?
The biopic is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 14, 2027.
