The vibrant sporting culture of Kashmir, a football club built by locals, supported by the youth, and symbolising hope, piqued executive producer Vishakha Singh’s interest in telling the story of Real Kashmir Football Club, starring Manav Kaul and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. The project faced several hurdles since its inception — from budgetary constraints to developmental challenges.

“I saw a generation in Kashmir that wants what all young folks in the rest of India have — opportunity, dignity, and a chance to dream,” says Singh, adding that the story showed the human side of the youth in Kashmir, which was important to tell. “[Didn’t focus on] the political lens but real people trying to build something meaningful.”