As women's cricket in India gains well-deserved momentum, a new cinematic project is capturing the sport's universal spirit of joy and community, far from professional stadiums. Filmmaker Kirandeep Karnati's feature film, Boundaries, is set within the Indian diaspora neighborhoods of San Francisco. It tells the uplifting story of a group of women who form a community cricket team, discovering empowerment and happiness by playing the game they love.
From Personal Inspiration to Cinematic Celebration
The heart of Boundaries stems from a very personal story. Director Kirandeep Karnati found his inspiration close to home when his wife, after years away from competitive sports, decided to join a local community cricket team. The change in her was profound and immediate. Her mood, fitness levels, and even the dynamics within their family underwent a positive shift. A poignant moment came when their son consoled her after a loss, saying, 'It's okay, mommy, you can win next time.' This sentiment became the emotional core of the film, celebrating the thrill of participation, effort, and resilience.
The narrative follows twelve women, each grappling with her own set of personal and societal constraints. Age, cultural expectations, body image issues, and family responsibilities form the 'boundaries' they must navigate. The film illustrates how, through the shared passion for cricket and the unwavering support of their community, these women find the strength to step beyond their limits and reclaim their space.
A Story That Resonates: Rajeev Ravindranathan Joins the Pitch
The film's compelling premise attracted actor Rajeev Ravindranathan, known for his roles in 3 Idiots and Rocketry. For Rajeev, the decision to be part of Boundaries was instinctive. He was instantly intrigued by the focus on women's cricket, a narrative he feels remains underexplored in cinema. In the film, he plays the sutradhar or narrator—a catalyst who sets the story in motion by proposing the women's cricket tournament.
'I pop in, commentate during matches, and nudge the narrative forward,' Rajeev describes his role. However, he is quick to emphasize that the true heart of the film belongs to the women. 'They bond, face their challenges, and lift each other up. Whether they win or lose is secondary; it's the journey that truly matters,' he adds. He believes the film's universal appeal lies in its simple, powerful message: 'Prejudices, language barriers, or age differences fade away when there's passion and camaraderie.'
Reclaiming Space: The Larger Message of Boundaries
Kirandeep Karnati hopes his film will inspire women everywhere to embrace sport without waiting for perfect conditions or formal arenas. He draws a powerful parallel, stating, 'Men don't wait for stadiums — they play in streets, parks, or backyards. Women can do the same.' For him, the act of playing is about reclaiming public space, excitement, and passion in everyday life.
This movement extends beyond the game itself. Kirandeep frames it as a holistic act of self-care and intergenerational inspiration. It's about taking care of one's health, nurturing positive energy, and setting an example for children, who look up to both their mothers and fathers. At a time when Indian women's cricket is shining on the global stage, Boundaries serves as a grassroots reminder of the sport's foundational joy and its power to build community and break down barriers, wherever you are in the world.
