The new Sony LIV original series, Real Kashmir Football Club, is more than just a sports drama. It is a heartfelt portrayal of a real-life football club that emerged as a beacon of hope and normalcy in a region often defined by conflict and uncertainty. Directed by Mahesh Mathai and Rajesh Mapuskar, the eight-episode show draws its powerful narrative from the authentic origins of the actual Real Kashmir FC.
The True Story Behind the Series
The club's genesis traces back to the devastating 2014 Kashmir floods. In the aftermath, journalist and former footballer Shamim Mehraj and entrepreneur Sandeep Chattoo began a simple humanitarian effort: distributing footballs to local youth. This act aimed to restore routine and purpose. What started as a gesture of solidarity soon evolved into something much larger. By 2016, this initiative had formally become Real Kashmir FC, the region's first professional football club.
The club was built with a dual mission: to compete at a high level in Indian football and, more importantly, to offer structure, dignity, and a positive form of representation to the people of Kashmir. Its remarkable rise through the football ranks became a story that resonated far beyond the sport itself, capturing global attention.
A Quiet Drama of Everyday Realities
The series, written by Simaab Hashmi, Umang Vyas, Dhruv Narang, Danish Renzu, and Mahesh Mathai, uses this incredible journey as its foundation. It frames football as both an aspiration and an anchor for a community. Unlike many high-octane sports dramas, Real Kashmir Football Club unfolds as a quiet, straightforward narrative that values honesty over spectacle.
The plot stays close to everyday realities, letting practical challenges shape the story. The narrative focuses on tight budgets, infrastructure issues, disrupted schedules, and shifting priorities. The central character, journalist Sohail, played by Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, believes a local football team can unite Kashmir and restore positive national attention. He finds an ally in liquor trader Shirish, portrayed by Manav Kaul, a man resettling in Kashmir after fleeing during the attacks on Kashmiri Pandits.
Together, they recruit local coach Mustafa (Muazzam Bhat), who must navigate his own personal struggles and a conflict with star player Azlan Shah (Anmol Dhillon Thakeria). The performances by Kaul and Ayyub are restrained and compelling, grounding the series with emotional credibility.
Substance Over Sensationalism
The series largely resists sensationalizing the complex realities of Kashmir. However, through the character of hard-line politician Nazir (Adhir Bhat), it comments on how misinformation can mislead the naive. This is illustrated through the arc of Nazir's protégé, Amaan (Abhishant Rana), whose life transforms when given responsibility at the club.
The supporting cast, including the squad members and the women in their lives, create a believable ecosystem of aspirations. While not every character gets a deep backstory, they collectively portray a community chasing professional recognition, financial stability, and a sense of belonging.
Visually, the show presents a mixed bag. While Kashmir's natural beauty is undeniable, the cinematography is often conservative. The football matches are staged with realism, feeling amateurish at times, which ironically adds to the show's authentic, stripped-back feel. This approach, however, means the matches lack the typical adrenaline rush of sports cinema.
The true stakes of the series go beyond trophies. It's about continuity, dignity, and visibility in a place where even organizing a match is an achievement. This profound context gives weight to the familiar underdog tropes—the team written off, internal tensions, growing belief, and shared triumph—preventing them from feeling clichéd.
In conclusion, Real Kashmir Football Club succeeds through its sincerity, strong central performances, and clear affection for its setting. It is a feel-good drama about unlikely heroes who defy expectations, offering warmth, optimism, and an easy watchability that stays with you.
