Celebrating the spirit of football and the cultural landscape of Kerala, ZEE5 is now streaming Panthadikkam, its first-ever Malayalam sports documentary, narrated by the legendary Padma Bhushan Mammootty. The five-episode cinematic series explore the game’s most intense, vibrant and surprising cultural landscape, taking audiences through the history, traditions, rivalries and extraordinary fandom that make football an integral part of life in Kerala.
Speaking about the documentary, Mammootty said, “Football is more than just a sport in Kerala; it is an emotion that brings people together. From the streets and local grounds to the excitement of watching international matches, the passion for the game is something I have always admired. Panthadikkam explores this unique connection between Kerala and football, bringing alive the stories, celebrations and memories that make it so special. I am happy to be part of this documentary and look forward to audiences experiencing the beautiful game through these stories.”
Vysakh S R, the captain of India’s first National Amputee Football Team, whose journey is a powerful testament to resilience and immense love for football, has also been featured in this series. It also explores the influence of international football icons and how Brazil and Argentina have become part of the streets and homes of Kerala, while capturing the vibrant celebrations, heated debates and personal journeys of fans.
Produced by Dr Sangeetha Janachandran under the banner of Stories Social, Panthadikkam is directed and scored by Nyx Lopez, with Geetartha AR as the writer. Joe Christo Xavier serves as the cinematographer, while Sajeesh Swaminathan is the editor of Panthadikkam.
