Pratik Shah Removed from Sourav Ganguly Biopic Amid Allegations of Sexual Misconduct

Cinematographer Pratik Shah has been removed from the highly anticipated biopic on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly following serious allegations of sexual misconduct. The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane and starring Rajkummar Rao as Ganguly, has been in pre-production for several months. Shah was actively involved in the initial stages of the film’s development, including location scouting in London. However, shortly after his return to India, allegations against him began to surface, prompting swift action from the production team.

The controversy began when filmmaker Abhinav Singh made a public statement on social media, accusing Pratik Shah of being "highly manipulative" and "emotionally abusive." Singh’s post quickly gained attention, and he later revealed that several women privately messaged him, sharing similar experiences of inappropriate behaviour by Shah. This prompted Singh to name Shah publicly, leading to a wave of concern within the film industry.

In response to the growing backlash, the producers of the Sourav Ganguly biopic took immediate action and decided to end their association with Shah. They are currently in the process of finalizing a new Director of Photography before filming begins. The decision to remove Shah from the project is being seen as part of a larger effort within the Indian film industry to hold individuals accountable for misconduct, particularly in light of the #MeToo movement, which has led to increased awareness and action against workplace harassment.

Pratik Shah, who has previously worked on projects such as Homebound, CTRL, and the popular web series Jubilee, has not yet issued a public statement in response to the allegations. His removal from such a high-profile project underscores the severity with which the production team is treating the issue.

The biopic on Sourav Ganguly is one of the most awaited sports films in recent times. The story is expected to cover major milestones in Ganguly’s life, from his early days in cricket to his tenure as the captain of the Indian cricket team, as well as the challenges and controversies he faced both on and off the field. Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatile acting, has reportedly begun preparations for the role, and filming is scheduled to commence soon, pending the appointment of a new cinematographer.

This incident has once again highlighted the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment in the film industry. Shah’s removal follows similar actions taken against other film professionals accused of misconduct in recent years. The swift response from the makers of the Ganguly biopic sets a strong example and shows a growing commitment to ethical standards in Indian cinema.

As the project moves forward, fans of cricket and cinema alike are eager to see how the film will portray the life and legacy of one of India’s most iconic sports personalities. The production team remains focused on delivering a film that not only entertains but also upholds the values of integrity and professionalism.