Real Kashmir Football Club Series Review (2025): Sony LIV’s original Hindi series “Real Kashmir Football Club“ has finally aired today, on December 9, 2025, and it tries to present the charm of Kashmiri life with the grit of sports drama. The show, which was directed by Mahesh Mathai and Rajesh Mapuskar, features solid performances from Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Manav Kaul. The show is inspired by the real-life founders of RKFC, formed after the 2014 floods. The series offers a lot of warm moments and visually tender glimpses of the valley, and its writing often feels hurried and undercooked. Here is a detailed review.
More About Real Kashmir Football Club Series and Rating
- Premiere Date: December 9, 2025
- Premiere on: SonyLiv
- Episodes: 8
- Stars: Zeeshan Ayyub, Manav Kaul, Vishakha Singh, and others
- Audio Language:
- Subtitles: English
- Rating: 3.5/5
Episodes and Runtime
- E1: Kickoff: 52 Minutes
- E2: Pressing: 38 Minutes
- E3: In Possession: 35 Minutes
- E4: Transition To Defence: 39 Minutes
- E5: Own-Goal: 32 Minutes
- E6: Regroup: 39 Minutes
- E7: Counterattack: 45 Minutes
- E8: Goal: 40 Minutes
Watch Kashmir Football Club Story All Episodes
Real Kashmir Football Club Story
Real Kashmir Football Club follows Sohail Meer (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub). Sohail Meer is a disillusioned journalist who is determined to bring purpose to Kashmiri youth as he tries to form a football club. After receiving little encouragement, he joins hands with Shirish Kemmu (Manav Kaul). Kemmu is a liquor businessman who is fighting against societal backlash. Together, they set out to build Kashmir’s first major football team.
The narrative is very sharp, and it draws inspiration from the true story of Shamim Mehraj and Sandeep Chattoo, who were the founders of the actual RKFC. The series highlights the everyday life of Srinagar beyond stereotypes. It takes us to the crowded lanes, kahwa-filled afternoons, old salons, and busy markets. Though the series had its atmospheric authenticity, the storytelling often treats emotional beats like checklist items. Characters receive backstories. However, very few resonate deeply due to rushed execution.
Shirish’s attempt to revisit his childhood home, which was supposed to be very emotional, but it feels very detached. Similarly, Sohail’s personal conflicts and the players’ struggles never reach a satisfying arc.
Real Kashmir Football Club Cast Performances
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub was good as he anchored the series thanks to his calm, grounded performance. He was effortless as he brought sincerity to Sohail’s idealism. However, the writing doesn’t fully support him.
Manav Kaul was decent; his internal battle and nostalgic longing could have been a highlight, but the screenplay fails to give the much-needed depth. Still, Kaul’s emotional subtlety leaves an impact.
Supporting actors in the form of Afnan Fazli, Khusshal Maggo, and Adhir Bhat were decent, as they showed the potential but were limited by thinly written roles.
Plus and Minus Points
Plus Points
- There are some beautifully crafted visuals that capture everyday Kashmir beyond clichés.
- Real Kashmir Football Club is led by the strong performances of Zeeshan Ayyub and Manav Kaul.
- The premise is very engaging, as it is strongly inspired by real events.
- There are some light-hearted tones that make the series easy to watch.
Minus Points
- Wayward writing that skips emotional depth.
- There are many character arcs that could have been more discussed, especially the players.
- The screenplay is very poor, and it often feels rushed, reducing complex conflicts to bullet points.
- Flat team dynamics lacks the fire that is seen in iconic sports dramas.
- There are some clumsy football action sequences that missed the much-needed intensity and realism.
Read Also: Ziddi Ishq Season 1 Review: A Chaotic Blend of Obsession, Mystery, and Melodrama
Final Verdict
Overall, Real Kashmir Football Club takes us to a storm of breezy, well-intentioned sports series that has its moments of warmth and striking visual authenticity. However, the series never fully taps into the emotional or political richness of its setting. The show feels very flat as it stays on the surface and never really explores deeper drama and stronger character journeys.
Real Kashmir Football Club is strictly for the fans of light sports stories and Kashmir-based narratives. However, if you are a viewer who wants to see a powerful and gripping sports saga, then you may find it underwhelming.
Watch Real Kashmir Football Club Trailer
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