Srinagar, Dec 14: Sony LIV’s latest original web series on Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) has struck a chord with audiences nationwide, offering a moving and deeply human story rooted in the Kashmir Valley’s turbulent 2016 period.
The eight-episode series, released in December 2025, chronicles RKFC’s rise while using football as a lens to explore hope, unity, and resilience in a region long overshadowed by conflict. Directed by Mahesh Mathai and Rajesh Mapuskar, the show avoids melodrama, opting instead for a grounded and emotionally honest narrative.
Football as Hope Beyond Conflict
Rather than focusing purely on match results or sporting glory, the series places people at its centre — players, coaches, families, and communities whose lives intersect on the football field amid uncertainty, curfews, and fear. Football emerges not just as a sport, but as a source of identity, resistance, and collective healing.
The restrained storytelling has been widely praised for its authenticity, presenting life in Kashmir beyond headlines and stereotypes.
Praise from Industry Leaders and Celebrities
The series has earned appreciation from several prominent personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aman Gupta, Vineeta Singh, Ritesh Agarwal, and actor Anmol Thakeria Dhillon. Many lauded the portrayal of RKFC’s journey and its role in uplifting football in a conflict-affected region.
Viewers across the country have echoed similar sentiments, calling the series an empathetic and honest depiction of Kashmiri life through sport.
Real Kashmir FC’s Unique Place in Indian Football
Real Kashmir Football Club holds a special position in Indian football history as the only club from Jammu and Kashmir to compete in the I-League, one of the nation’s top professional competitions.
Since Arshad Shawl took ownership of the club in 2021, RKFC has grown into a vital platform for nurturing young footballing talent and building structured pathways from grassroots to professional football.
“Real Kashmir FC stands for more than football — it stands for hope rising out of adversity,” Shawl said. “The club channels the aspirations of Kashmiri youth into purpose, nurturing discipline, resilience, and ambition while turning challenges into opportunities.”
A Journey Marked by Resilience
The Sony LIV series captures RKFC’s historic journey, shedding light on the realities faced by players and staff — from travel restrictions and security concerns to emotional and mental strain. At the same time, it celebrates their unwavering determination to keep football alive in the Valley.
Since its release, the series has received an overwhelming response, with many viewers describing it as a rare portrayal that humanises Kashmir and highlights why football holds such deep meaning for its people.
Above all, the story of Real Kashmir Football Club serves as a reminder of sport’s power to unite, inspire, and create hope even in the most challenging circumstances.
