-[indistinct chatter] -[phone rings in distance]
Do you have a squad of twenty players?
[Sohail] Yes.
-Are you the coach? -[Mustafa] Yes, sir.
Do you have an "A" license?
I'll have it soon. But I have the RECC.
-[Sohail] RECC… -[softly] Competency Certificate.
[Football Secretary] Hmm. That works.
I knew your father well.
Mr. Durrani was a legend.
[in English] Thank you so much, sir.
Your club name and address here, and your name and signature under it.
The fee is 5,000 rupees.
Yes, sir.
Here.
Here's the form.
This form is applicable for the B-League as well, right?
[Football Secretary] Huh?
I mean, the registration is done…
we can apply for the second division of the B-League, right?
For national level competitions, you need a license from Delhi.
So you can try for the B-League next season.
But the next season will be next year…
Yes… We want to play this year.
Even if I wanted to, the final decision needs to be made by Delhi.
And it’s impossible to get them to issue a license at such short notice.
[soft music plays]
-May I take a card? -[Football Secretary] Sure.
What if Shirish sir finds out we need to wait one more year?
He'll only find out if we tell him.
You're inviting trouble.
Focus on coaching, I'll take care of the rest.
[engine starts]
[theme music starts]
[theme music ends]
There will only be a few guests from our side.
We will invite at least 200 guests. That's fine, right?
Yes, absolutely…
Do you have any date in mind?
If we could wait till November, the school will close for winter holidays.
That would work better for me.
After the wedding, Samina dear need not keep working.
We hope she is not expected to contribute monetarily to your household?
[Dilshad] No, Uncle.
By the grace of God, my job at IIC keeps the house running.
Let's fix the date for the 28th of next month, on holy Friday.
Yes, God willing.
-[Gowhar’s Father] Congratulations. -To you, too.
-God bless us. -[Dilshad] Congratulations, Gowhar…
-Congratulations. -[Malla] Congratulations.
[Dilshad] Goodbye.
Dilshad… You shouldn't have agreed to so many guests.
What would Dad have done?
If I didn't agree, it would have embarrassed all of us.
But what about Samina's job?
Tahira, how many times must I tell you not to talk when adults are--
-Shh. -Hey… She's right.
Did you see Gowhar?
He could barely make eye contact with me.
[Dilshad] Sis. My salary is enough.
You don't need to worry. I'll take care of all the expenses.
It isn't just about the expenses.
I love my job. I don't want to quit.
It's like Gowhar suddenly lost his tongue.
[Malla] Now let it go.
I'll talk to him myself.
[softly] It will become an issue.
[distant crows cawing]
-[Sohail] What did you think of Salmaan? -[Mustafa tuts]
[Mustafa] He's very slow.
Especially up there.
Off he goes.
What about Farooq?
There is skill for sure, but…
He came across as short-tempered.
He is passionate.
He's got the potential to go far with good coaching.
Wow.
Did you just compliment yourself?
[chuckling] Done, selected.
-That cricketer was good too. -Yes, Haafiz.
This one’s useless.
This is our main player.
Dilshad.
I'll make a team around him.
Dilshad.
[hesitates] Don't get me wrong…
Dilshad is good… Really good.
But he's not a star. We need a star.
Dilshad can become a star.
[softly] Yes…
What if we get a real star?
A real star?
[uneasy music plays]
Why do you enjoy riling me up?
Azlan Shah has come back to Srinagar.
He may have, but he hasn't changed.
His head wasn't right when he was 18, and it won't be right at 28.
-You discovered him, though. -Which is why I'm telling you
-that he will not be in the team. -[approaching footsteps]
-[uneasy music ends] -[Shirish] Good morning.
[Sohail] Morning, sir.
How is it going?
-So is this workplace okay? -[Sohail] Yes. Perfect.
I brought this for you to use.
[Mustafa] Thank you. This will be very helpful.
Okay.
Isn't this the boy who scored that goal?
Yeah…
[Shirish] Dilshad, right?
-Yes. -Good focus.
It almost seemed like he intuited
that the ball would rebound. He was exactly in the right position and
bam! He scored a goal.
Brilliant. Very good.
And you say you don't 'get' football?
I guess I’m a quick learner. [soft chuckle]
All right. Carry on.
[soft tapping on phone]
The team is formed.
Twenty?
Twenty-two.
Twenty is better.
[ringing tone]
Hello.
[FFB Secretary] FFB Registration, what is your query?
What would the requirements for a license be?
[FFB Secretary] Damn…
-Note this down. -One second…
-Yes. -[FFB Secretary] Stadiums.
-[Sohail] Stadium. -[FFB Secretary] Training facilities.
-[Sohail] Training facilities. -[scribbling]
[FFB Secretary] General Manager.
-General Manager. -[FFB Secretary] Finance Manager.
-Finance Manager. -[FFB Secretary] Operations Manager.
Operations Manager.
-[FFB Secretary] Media Manager. -It's a lot of managers.
-[FFB Secretary] Doctor. -[Sohail] Doctor.
-[FFB Secretary] Physio. -[Sohail] Physio.
-Anything else? Thank you. -[FFB Secretary] No.
Right. And how much time will all this take?
[FFB Secretary] Send it across, we will see.
But at least two to three weeks.
Can't it be sooner than that?
[FFB Secretary] There's a process in place.
We have to follow that.
Right… No, I understand. Okay, thank you.
[Mustafa] How much time?
It depends. Two to three weeks after mailing.
Then we'll need matches.
Hmm.
I'll figure it out.
I'll leave for Delhi with the documents.
I'll find a way out there.
I'm very familiar with you and your ways.
You go in to solve one problem, you leave creating multiple others.
-Whatever, buddy. Focus on your own work. -[Mustafa laughs]
I'll figure it out.
Are we calling them this evening?
Let's see how they measure up.
-5.30pm? -Done.
-I'll message everyone. -Okay.
[upbeat music plays]
[phone beeps]
Yes!
[phone beeps]
[indistinct chatter and clapping]
The boys are playing well.
[upbeat music fades]
Ready for selections?
The list is being made.
Don't worry.
Haafiz will be selected.
-[cricket player 1] Catch it! -[cricket player 2] Catch!
[background chatter]
[Haafiz’s Father] You've had everything handed to you on a platter.
Which is why you don't value it.
Don't you forget…
It may be you playing, but it is my name on the line.
And I didn't make a name for myself only for you to squander it.
[car trunk clicks]
Hey Mustafa, you're here?
-[Mustafa] Yes, sir. -This late?
Sir, I… had to take my Mom to the doctor.
-[playful music plays] -[Manager] All okay?
Yes, it was a routine checkup.
But the doctor has asked us to go back tomorrow.
So I might be late tomorrow as well…
You can come late, but the work needs to be done on time.
-Here, this is urgent. -Of course, sir. Work first.
[playful music ends]
[Nighat] Kashmiri-ness is quite the hot topic these days.
What are your views on the same?
We have many things to be proud of as Kashmiris.
But…
[Nighat] But what?
But there are some who have
changed the very definition of Kashmiri-ness for their own benefit.
-What are you trying to say? -I'm not blaming anyone…
But I feel like the solutions lie in positivity.
Living in harmony is our right,
but maintaining unity is our responsibility.
That’s a good quote.
By the way, how many years have you lived here?
I was born here. Pampore.
[Nighat] But weren't you in Bangalore for some years?
Right. Our family moved there in the 90s.
So you've returned to set up your family business again?
To return, one must first leave. But Kashmir…
It has always been inside my heart.
I saw you at football training last night.
-[chuckles lightly] -[Nighat] Football fan?
It's an investment opportunity. Something like that.
So that's your positive solution.
-It can be. Don’t you think so? -[Nighat chuckles softly]
It felt positive. The boys seemed very happy.
There you go. [chuckles]
Um… One last question?
[Shirish hums affirmatively] Please.
[recorder beeps softly]
Aren't you scared?
You're being targeted.
How do you summon the courage?
It isn't courage.
-It's faith. -[gentle music plays]
-Faith in yourself? -No.
I have faith in Kashmir's future.
-[gentle music ends] -[overlapping conversation]
Silence, sir has come.
You have all been chosen because you want to bring back Kashmir's lost glory.
-Yes or no? -[all] Yes, sir.
Today it is alcohol…
Tomorrow it will be cinema.
And God forbid, even that deplorable thing where
girls and boys shamelessly hold hands and…
give roses to each other? What is that called?
Valentine’s Day!
We must get the public to align with us towards our objective.
-Ready to carry my voice to the people? -[all] We're ready!
These posters shouldn't just adorn the walls of the valley,
they should linger in people's hearts and minds too.
[Rahat] You take Raj Bagh.
You, Nawakadal.
Lal Chowk.
And you, Nowhatta.
So few posters?
Is he short on posters or does he not trust us?
Guys, you can leave.
[indistinct chatter]
You, wait.
You were the one who threw the grenade?
Yes, Nazir sir.
Do you leave your brains at home before you set out?
Your little stunt could've cost us our mission.
[stutters nervously] For-forgive me, Nazir sir.
-I thought-- -Who asked you to think?
Did anyone ask you?
Then why did you?
Get out.
Don't you think you were a little too hard on him?
[Nazir] Do you know how much pressure the party is putting on me?
[Rahat] Shall we kick him out?
No.
He's free labour.
-[indistinct chatter] -[upbeat music plays]
Is this really your job? Putting up posters every day?
Don’t you sell bread every day?
[Amaan] Let's bring back Kashmiri-ness.
Brother.
We have to bring Kashmiri-ness back.
[upbeat music fades]
Fix your tie.
This is just a formality, but it does make things easier.
Sure, it's necessary.
I wanted to show you this.
I really like the combination of yellow and blue.
The snow leopard looks great. Nice.
-Thank you sir. -[player] Sohail sir?
[Sohail] That way. That room.
-You're coming right, sir? -Yes, I'll join you.
-You should join us as well. -Hmm.
-[Sohail] Amaan! -[Sameer] Sir…
[Sameer] It isn't my place to say this, but…
luckily our business is afloat despite the floods.
Investing in a football club and all--
It's a business investment, Sameer.
Sir, an investment implies potential profit.
I don't see the potential for profit here at all.
Is profit always meant to be monetary?
Sometimes you should also invest in things your heart tells you to.
If we reap profits without our hearts being in it, what's the point?
You should've smiled for the photo.
After all, you are RKFC’s Finance Manager.
-Hmm? -Yes.
-Sir, Operations Manager? -[Sohail] Yes. Of course.
Now, let's go… look official.
-Huh? -[Sohail] Very stiff.
-[shutter clicks] -Arbaaz.
[Amaan] Yes.
-Haafiz. H-A-A-F-I-Z. -Go straight in.
Basit.
Listen, Salmaan didn’t get a message from Coach.
Why? I didn't even know till Naved brought it up!
Sorry, man… The coach didn't select you.
Naved's in the team.
Did he sweep more than I did?
-He played better than you-- -Rubbish! You're a two-faced jerk!
[in Kashmiri] Selfish prick!
[in Kashmiri] Hey asshole…
-[Naved] Hey… Enough. -What did you say? Say it.
-Stop it-- -Stay out of this.
[Sohail] Welcome to Real Kashmir Football Club!
[people clapping and hooting]
Hold on to that zeal.
I know you are passionate about the game,
but Coach Mustafa is even more passionate about teaching you how to play it.
You are incredibly lucky
to receive training from one of Kashmir's best coaches.
[people clapping and hooting]
[all] Coach! Coach!
But remember one thing…
A coach can only be called the best if his players are the best.
I have full faith that you will give everything you have to this training. Yes?
[all] Yes, sir!
This is Amaan. Amaan, come here.
He's the club's Operations Manager,
and has the answer to all your questions.
Anything you need at any time, let him know.
Everyone should have your number. Okay?
And last but not the least,
the man who believes in us more than we believe in ourselves…
Our investor, Mr. Shirish Kemmu.
[players clapping and hooting]
Um… I don't mean to pressure you,
but we all have great expectations from you all.
-Okay? Best of luck. -[all] Thank you!
So our main objective is to play in the next season of B-League.
So are you excited to see a Kashmir team in the B-League?
-[all] Yes, sir! -[Sohail] Good.
-Give them their contracts. -Yes.
Please be mindful of the fact
that this is not a school or neighbourhood tournament…
this is a professional football club.
Right? You will train five days a week.
And no idling time away when you're here.
This is a full-time job.
Training starts tomorrow at 9am.
You need to submit the signed contracts by then.
If you are not 18, have your parents sign.
Okay? Any questions?
-Sir, I have an important question… -[Sohail] Yes?
Where can I find the salary?
[all chuckle]
On the third page.
[exclaims joyfully] 10k!
[all cheer, indistinct chatter follows]
[Sohail] Anyone else have any questions?
-10K? -[player 1] No, sir.
[Sohail] No? All right, see you tomorrow morning at training.
-Thank you. -[all] Thank you, sir.
-[player 2] Thank you. -[player 3] Thank you, sir.
Thank you, sir.
-Thank you, sir. -Thank you, sir.
-Bye, sir. -Thank you. Bye.
-[Mustafa] What's wrong? -Coach, I can't sign this contract.
10k is too little.
Sure, but there are performance-based increments once the matches start.
And there's no doubt you'll play well, Dilshad.
Sir, you already know how much financial pressure we're under at home.
After my big sister's wedding, I'll be the sole earner of the family.
I need at least 16k from football.
Only then can I make ends meet at home.
Yes, but…
Sorry, son, but the salary increments are not in my hands…
I know, Coach.
I thought destiny brought football back into my life.
[somber music plays]
I guess I was wrong.
All right, see you.
All the best.
-[somber music ends] -[indistinct chatter]
-[Farooq] Greetings, Father. -To you, too.
Sajjad said that the shop was closed yesterday afternoon?
Why do you shut the shop early every day?
Because I'm ashamed to be here.
Those who have never earned
a penny on their own merit should be ashamed.
-You ask me for money every day. -[metallic clanking]
-What are you doing over there? -[rustling and metallic thud]
Taking half a month's salary. To buy shoes for football.
Also…
…this is the last time.
I won't return.
What's your plan then?
-Beg for a living? -I’ll play football.
For a big club.
They're offering me ten thousand rupees.
Who will give you that much money to play football?
Here, see for yourself.
You can't read because it's in English.
Goodbye, Dad.
[Samina] Eight thousand rupees just for cold drinks?
[Malla] If I make the food, we can save twenty grand!
[Samina] For that many guests? No, Mom.
Catering charges are steep, Samina.
I'll ask for a month's salary in advance.
-I'll manage. -[Dilshad] No need for that.
The money I have saved up for the wedding should cover the costs.
For the other expenses
going forward, my salary will suffice. Problem solved.
Thank you.
You're such a good boy.
Did you get selected?
No.
[Malla] How is that possible?
Coach Mustafa knows how well you play.
Despite him being there?
It’s not the insurance company’s team, so it’s not in his hands.
[somber music plays]
-Don't lose heart… -No…
It’s for the best.
There's so much work to be done for the wedding…
-[somber music ends] -[birds chirping]
[man] Rudra, what is this?
A new football team is being set up here.
This is the contract.
I've been selected.
-I want to play, Dad. -No need for that.
[Sushma] You play football in school. That's enough.
Mom, that's a kids' football team.
I only play there for grades. This is a real team.
It's professional football, Dad.
First you need to become an engineer.
You can do as you please after that.
But till then, you need to focus only on maths. Got it?
But football is maths!
-[playful music starts] -Let me explain.
I need to stand at the perfect angle at the goalpost
so I can come out at the right time
and close the attacker's angle.
Football is maths!
You won't get permission for this from your school.
-[playful music ends] -So what if I don't? It doesn't matter.
The school is shut half of the time.
-That's temporary-- -[Rudra] It's not, Dad.
It has always been like this.
What if your grades drop?
Mom,
-I've scored 97% in every term so far. -[playful music starts]
Even if I get 60% in the finals, my average grade will still be distinction.
Please do it…
-Tell me, where do I sign? -[paper rustling]
-[playful music builds into upbeat] -[indistinct chatter and traffic noise]
-[distant barking] -[music fades]
-Hello. -[Ghazal] Hi.
Zohan?
What do you think? He's gone to sleep.
You are late again today.
What can I do, there was club-related work.
You didn't come home this late even when you were a journalist.
I was an employee then. I'm an owner now.
An owner who doesn't get paid? That must be a first.
Patience.
[water gurgles]
Please meet Zohan tomorrow.
I'm going to Delhi tomorrow.
So you won't meet your son?
Sohail…
This football has become a pain now.
I'm doing all this for you both.
-I don't know about that. -[soft music plays]
Right now, I feel like I'm the only one doing everything for this home and Zohan.
[soft music turns lively]
-[indistinct chatter] -[music fades]
[player] Stretch, dude.
[indistinct chatter]
Is that your personal cheerleader? Huh?
-One of many. -Is that right…
What are you doing here?
I left home early to wish you best of luck.
Do you see anyone else with visitors here?
-Farooq, but… -No ifs or buts. Go on. Leave.
Now!
[player] Hafeez!
[Farooq] She left.
Do you want to be my cheerleader?
[all chuckle]
[Mustafa] All right!
Two rounds, everybody!
[indistinct chatter]
Hang this up.
-Where? -It's a banner. Across there.
-Hello. -Hi.
All going well?
What about that Ronaldo-type?
He couldn't make it.
The salary's too low for him.
But you were going to set up the team around him? What now?
[fabric rustling]
[Sohail] Not so low, higher up.
Listen, I need to take your photo. Come here.
-[Mustafa] What are you doing? -[Sohail] Fulfilling Delhi’s requirements.
Okay.
You're not selling insurance, wipe that grump off your face.
-[camera shutter clicks] -So good to see you.
-Hi, Sir. Rudra. Goalie. -How are you…
[indistinct chatter]
-What's Shah doing here? -I don't know.
You think I'm stupid?
You were just singing praises about him yesterday.
[Sohail] Okay, but I didn't call him here.
Get him out of here.
[indistinct chatter continues]
[Sohail] Think again, buddy.
With him, everyone will take us seriously.
-Also, he is a hero to those boys… -You're not listening to me.
Either he goes, or I go. You decide.
Okay… Let me talk to him.
-C’mon boys, back to training. -[player] Yes, sir.
-Okay, that's enough… -[indistinct chatter]
Hi. Sohail Mir.
I'm the club's manager and co-owner.
Azlan Shah.
Don't embarrass me. Who doesn't know the Shah of Srinagar?
My wife came across your flyer.
What's happening here?
You're starting a club?
Ah… The club has already started.
We're preparing to play in the next season of the B-League.
I'm back for a while,
and I was looking for somewhere to maintain my match fitness.
Before the season begins.
Azlan Shah in our little club.
It would be our honour.
The boys can learn a thing or two from me.
Sure, no doubt about tha…
But…
But what?
If you're here for a while and then you leave,
-it will affect the boys' focus. -[scoffs]
Their focus will get affected because of me?
You're playing in a scrapyard.
With these kids.
If this team wins even one game,
-it would be a feat. -[sharp whistle]
And here you're dreaming about the B-League…
[Mustafa] Boys…
-[Mustafa speaking indistinctly] -Is that Coach Mustafa?
Yes.
Then God help you.
[Mustafa] Rudra, you'll be the goalkeeper.
[footsteps fading]
[Mustafa] Okay, boys, let's go!
[all] Come on!
Happy?
Thank you.
I'm heading to Delhi. I'll call you when I get back.
-Done. -Okay.
Positions!
[Azra] Well? How did it go?
Football is a joke here in Kashmir.
This is why I left.
I wasted my time.
Did you even put on your boots?
Didn't get the opportunity.
Coach Mustafa is the coach.
So that's your excuse?
Oh God, Azra… I went because you told me to.
I didn't know Mustafa would be there.
What do you want?
Do you want me, Azlan Shah, to beg to play with
players who have only played in scrapyards?
You said we would start a family here.
That we would settle down in Srinagar.
Could you think about me once in a while?
It isn't always about you.
I do think--
[plane engines grow louder]
Sometimes it hangs…
-Excuse me… sir? -Yes?
I'm from Real Kashmir Football Club. We spoke on the phone.
-Right, right. -Yes.
Here.
-Why didn't you just mail these? -I was nearby, thought I'd drop it off.
[papers rustling]
Your Association hasn't sent across the confirmation.
I don't know about that, but registration is done.
Mushtaq sir said to call him if there was any problem.
We’ll get back to you.
Sir, I'm here from Kashmir and I have a flight back soon.
So? People come from Kanyakumari too.
Kashmir is so much closer.
[Sohail] Sir…
Sir…
But we've fulfilled all the requirements…
All the requirements?
[voice wavering] Meaning, the ones I was made aware of…
-[FFB Secretary] Is that Bakshi Stadium? -Yes, sir.
[in English] The one and only.
And who's your Media Manager?
I am.
[in English] I'm a journalist, sir.
You are the General Manager.
I can do both--
[FFB Secretary] Someone else should be doing this job.
I will appoint a Media Manager as soon as I get back to Kashmir.
Please give us the license till then?
Kashmir needs this…
Real Kashmir Football Club will be indebted to you.
Fine.
It shall be done.
Thank you, sir.
[FFB Secretary] But you need to appoint a Media Manager.
-Absolutely. -I will come to check.
-[Sohail] Certainly. -And to watch a match as well.
Oh, you are most welcome. We will be waiting for you.
[FFB Secretary] You will have to wait now as well.
It's time for tea, anyway.
-Shall we, Mehta? -[Mehta] Let's go.
I woke up too early today.
-[FFB Secretary] You too? -Yes.
-[Mehta] I was dozing off. Need some tea. -[FFB Secretary chuckles]
[players' voices overlapping]
I don't know much about football, but…
they're playing quite badly, right?
[Mustafa] We’ve only just started.
-And we do have a few good players. -[players yelling continues]
[Amaan] Quite a few, I would say.
It's just that they're not in sync with each other.
Didn't you just say you didn't know anything about football?
But I do have eyes.
All right, get back to your job.
And let me do mine.
-[player 1] Naved, this way! -This way!
Forward! Carry forward!
[player 2] Run!
[sharp whistle]
[Mustafa] Nice, Rudra!
But save the rough play for the opposite team.
[Rudra] But I made the save!
-What? -[Rudra] What?
You made the save at the cost of my balls!
If you learn how to play, maybe your balls will get saved!
-[Farooq] Shove off! -Enough!
-Back to the game! -Just play!
-Come on. -[sharp whistle]
[FFB Secretary] Thing is, after the child is born,
-the man can't keep playing cricket. -Right, you are.
You're still here?
[Sohail] Sir, you said I would need to wait…
Come on.
-Mehta, check if the printer's on. -[Mehta] Checking.
You're really annoying. [clears throat] Hmm?
I told you it’ll take some time.
[printer whirring]
What's this DFO Cup all about?
It's a new tournament.
[keys clicking]
It's the first year. Football teams from all over India are participating.
How can it be all over if Kashmir is not included?
Kashmir doesn't have a football team.
There wasn't until yesterday, but… now there is.
Rein it in. It's not official yet.
That's true. But hypothetically speaking,
if we get the license, and we participate in the DFO Cup,
will we be eligible to qualify for B-League second division?
Uh-huh, but only if you beat a registered team in the tournament.
Understand?
[keys clicking]
[Sohail] So how can we apply for the tournament?
By turning back time to six months ago.
[background music builds]
The tournament is next week.
Teams will be announced tomorrow.
But sir, do any of these teams come with a story?
For the sponsors?
I mean, the DFO Cup
believes so much in unified India,
that they brought a Kashmir team to the national level?
Why would it bring an amateur team to the national level?
An amateur team?
Would Azlan Shah play for an amateur team?
The Azlan Shah?
Yes, sir.
-He's your player? -Yes.
[scoffs]
What rubbish.
Sir, I'm serious.
Really?
Okay.
Do one thing.
You have till tomorrow morning, 10am, to prove that Shah is your player.
If you can do that, then your place in the DFO Cup is assured.
-Okay, sir. -[music turns lively]
Do that.
Okay.
And the license?
[man] It'll happen.
[theme music starts]
[theme music ends]
[bouncy, upbeat music plays]
[bouncy, upbeat music ends]
[melancholic music plays]
[melancholic music ends]