Real Kashmir Football Club review: Manav Kaul and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub score a winning goal for hope and unity

Real Kashmir Football Club story:

An uplifting sports drama, Real Kashmir Football Club is based on the real-life tale of two men, played by Manav Kaul (Kashmiri Hindu Pandit) and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub (Kashmiri Muslim), who were driven to accomplish the seemingly impossible: establish the first professional football club in the politically and socially difficult Kashmir valley. The series follows the "Snow Leopards" as they work to build the club from the bottom up, highlighting the enormous social, logistical, and infrastructural obstacles they encounter, the unbridled enthusiasm of the local players, and the profound symbolism of football as a source of hope, unity, and resilience. In the end, the club is able to rise to India's top-tier league and compete for the national trophy.

Real Kashmir Football Club review:

Underdog stories, in some way or another, become special and bring some tenderness when shown with sensitivity. Over the years, we have seen sports dramas, be they fictional or inspired by true events, demonstrate how there is always the right way to lift yourself up despite the barriers that arise at every step. Real Kashmir Football Club focuses on one such team which people probably might not have thought possible, especially in a cricket-obsessed country. The show's foundation is powerfully encapsulated in a dialogue by Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub (who plays Sohail): "There cannot be an Indian tournament without having a team from Kashmir." This statement immediately elevates the club's mission beyond mere sports.

The series immediately dives into the tensions, opening with youngsters protesting outside a wine shop—a scene that underscores the pressure from powerful local political figures who deem alcohol 'haraam' despite its legality. This incident, culminating in one young man throwing a fake grenade and igniting chaos, serves as the catalyst for the central mission. Amid a peaceful protest, one young lad throws a fake grenade, which ignites chaos in no time. This incident brings to light a significant issue: these young individuals are succumbing to brainwashing and turning to violence or radical actions as a default response. So as to control that, Sohail teams up with Shirish (Manav Kaul), a rich Kashmiri Hindu Pandit who is back in his hometown for good. They both decide to create a football team for these youngsters to have a secure future and not go astray into violence.

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We see young boys from every stratum of society coming together for the love of football. It's not that everyone is having a breezy life, of course; the series addresses the baggage each one of them carries. We see a top-class student, who is a minor and has to seek constant permission from his parents, who worry that he might step back from academics owing to football. There's another kid whose cricketer father is so strict and wants his son to be a cricketer—not surprising at all—but who wants to be a footballer, desperately following his passion. On the other hand, Shirish and Sohail decide to make the youngster who threw the grenade manage the team so that he doesn't go back on the path of hatred. Meanwhile, a young employee, the man of the house living hand-to-mouth, faces a dilemma: should he keep his salaried job or follow his love for football? These youngsters forcefully depict Kashmir's problems and demonstrate how to manage them toward a common goal.

Football, although it plays an important part, is definitely a metaphor for how the minds of youngsters can be shaped with passion and love for society, without spreading hatred in any way.

One of the series' strengths is its consistent execution; it commits to its serious subject matter without unnecessary missteps or melodrama. The series takes itself very seriously when needed but also doesn't offer too much novelty. This series also adheres to the template of underdog stories. We have seniors who have a lot at stake and a vision that must not dwindle. Here, Shirish and Sohail aim to transform the youth and establish Kashmir's reputation in the football world. Despite several obstructions, it often comes as a surprise how both characters are calm and composed with a "ho jayega" attitude, as if they have done it before.

Every step of their way, we see obstacles making their way in different forms, and both embrace them with their smiles. To be honest, Kaul and Zeeshan are among the calmest actors on screen when need be; thus, having them together brings a certain serenity to the series.

However, the eight episodes, which could have been extended, take the liberty of exploring everyone's personal arcs as well. Some episodes do add more depth to the story, as the series only explores the formation of the team and not its eventual outcome.

We see Vishakha Singh's character, Kaveri, who is Shirish's wife, a therapist who helps the mother of children who lost their lives during the tensions that erupted in the Valley. Moreover, we also see her helping Shirish to face his past, which he left behind when he made his way out of Kashmir. On the other hand, Sohail's wife Ghazal (Priya Chauhan) couldn't handle the fact that her husband left his job as a journalist to pursue a dream which she feels cannot be fulfilled.

Meanwhile, Abhishant Rana's character avoids radicalisation, which may seem like a filler but serves as important evidence that the reformation has been successful.

Rajesh Mapuskar and Mahesh Mathai (also the showrunner) have come together to show a simple series with a thoughtful mission. Mapuskar has returned to the OTT space after three years. His last outing was the forgettable Ajay Devgn's debut series, Rudra: The Edge of Darkness. However, this series definitely brings a better nuance compared to his previous work. The sweet spot will definitely remind you of the Ferrari ki Sawaari days, but it has the seriousness of Ventilator, although it is not that emotionally heavy.

Simaab Hashmi, who has co-written and written the dialogue, teamed up with multiple writers, including Adhir Bhat, Chintan Gandhi, Dhruv Narang, Danish Renzu, and Umang Vyas, for the series. Their investment successfully evokes the necessary emotional depth without appearing forced. The series doesn't pertain to propaganda, which is a tightrope to walk on. Moreover, they have also subtly refrained from displaying chest-thumping actions, particularly those of local politicians. The series indulges more in humanity than it shows how radicalisation happens at an exorbitant rate.

Real Kashmir Football Club is spearheaded beautifully by Manav Kaul and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub; well, they are a hands-down treat to watch. Both the actors don't try to upstage each other and also step aside for the young lads to shine at the moment.

More than a game, this is a winning call for hope, delivering an unforgettable cultural score and a powerful reminder that the real goal is always unity.

Real Kashmir Football Club verdict:

Real Kashmir Football Club is a striking portrayal of hope where football serves as the goal that unifies. Manav Kaul and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub deliver a calm, composed performance, proving that sometimes, the most powerful plays are off the field. It’s an underdog tale that scores high on humanity, reminding us that even in the toughest pitch, resilience always finds a way to a victory.