MUMBAI: Football is not just played in Kerala. It has been lived. On July 10, JioHotstar will premiere Hotstar Specials documentary Land of Football, highlighting the state’s enduring football culture and the passion that has made it one of India’s strongest football hubs.
Presented in association with Kerala Tourism, the documentary explores how football is deeply woven into the social and cultural fabric of Kerala, portraying the sport as more than just a game for millions of fans across the state.
The documentary chronicles one of the defining moments of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, when thousands of Malayali fans wearing jerseys of different national teams filled the streets of Doha. While some international media have called them “fake fans”, the film argues that the spectacle reflects the genuine and long-standing football culture of Kerala, where support for the sport often transcends national allegiances.
The project is produced by Brown Crew Productions, supported by producers Wasim Haider and Anamay Prakash, and directed by Hasif Hakim. The script and dialogues have been written by Jushna Shaheen.
The documentary features cinematography by Nanda Kishore and Darshan, editing by Thamji Thaha and original music composed by Jai Unnithan, bringing together the stories, emotions and traditions that have shaped Kerala’s unique football identity.
Broadcast from July 10 on JioHotstar, Football Country strives to capture the spirit of a state where every kick, cheer and jersey tells a story, celebrating a football culture that continues to resonate far beyond the shores of India.