Real Kashmir Football Club Review: Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub and Manav Kaul score big and shine in inspiring Kashmir football story

Based on real events that unfolded in Srinagar, ‘Real Kashmir Football Club’ draws heavily from lived reality, and strong performances make it a compelling watch.

‘Real Kashmir Football Club,’ directed by Mahesh Mathai and Rajesh Mapuskar, began streaming on Sony LIV on 9 December and stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub, Manav Kaul, Mu’azzam Bhat, Abhishant Rana and Mark Bennington.

Based on real events that unfolded in Srinagar, ‘Real Kashmir Football Club’ draws heavily from lived reality, and strong performances make it a compelling watch. It tells the story of true underdogs who push against every possible barrier to build something lasting.

Jointly directed by Mahesh Mathai and Rajesh Mapuskar, the eight-episode series pulls you straight into the atmosphere of 2016 Srinagar, a city still recovering from the devastating floods two years earlier. At its heart are two men who dare to dream big and work relentlessly to give Kashmir its first professional football club. The emotional honesty of the storytelling and its strong human connection make the series genuinely absorbing.

The series begins with Shirish Kemmu (Manav Kaul), an entrepreneur who returns to Kashmir and immediately faces resistance after opening a wine shop. In a parallel track, we meet Sohail Mir (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub), a journalist who quits his job after being assigned a story he finds meaningless. During this break, Mir begins to reflect on what he truly wants and soon imagines setting up Kashmir’s first professional football club. His path crosses with Shirish at an investor meet, and what starts as a chance meeting soon turns into a shared mission.

As they begin to chase this dream, Mir faces constant sarcasm from his wife, Ghazal, who now bears the burden of running the household. Scouting for players proves to be another uphill battle due to social barriers and political pressures. Even after the team is formed, internal conflicts and lack of professionalism slow them down until a turning point arrives with the entry of a Scottish coach.

The series completely avoids melodrama and feels more like a vignette of real incidents than a manufactured sports saga. The directors stay true to their rooted style of storytelling, choosing realism over gloss. The writing pays attention to small, telling details that bring authenticity to every scene — whether it is Mir’s trip to Delhi to register the club or the quiet, conversations between Mir and Kemmu as they struggle to move forward.

The underdog journey unfolds in a natural rhythm of setbacks, resistance, personal sacrifices and eventual triumph. The use of local actors adds further depth, with every character leaving a mark. Writers Dhruv Narang, Simaab Hashmi and Umang Vyas deserve special praise for crafting a narrative that never loses momentum.

Performance-wise, the series is packed with restrained yet powerful turns. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub is outstanding as Sohail Mir, portraying a man of quiet resolve who refuses to give up despite constant failures and domestic tensions. His calm determination becomes the emotional backbone of the show.

Manav Kaul is equally effective as Shirish Kemmu, delivering a subtle, layered performance with no false notes. The supporting cast adds immense strength to the drama — Mu’azzam Bhat as Mustafa, Abhishant Rana as Amaan and Afnan as Dishad bring sincerity and depth to their roles, making the world of the series feel lived-in and authentic.

At its core, ‘Real Kashmir Football Club’ is the story of ordinary people who chase an impossible dream. The series shows how young players are picked from different backgrounds, how their families doubt them, and how society often stands in their way. Step by step, the team fights these challenges to reach a place they never thought possible.

The show also quietly points to how power and politics slow down growth in the Valley, without making it loud or preachy. It wisely stays focused on football and personal struggle rather than dragging in larger conflicts. What makes the series truly special is its honesty and simplicity. The series leaves you rooting for every player, showing how passion and perseverance can overcome the toughest odds. It’s a heartfelt story that celebrates dreams, determination, and the spirit of football in Kashmir.