Watch Inshallah Football

Inshallah Football is a thought-provoking sports documentary that tells the story of a gifted young footballer, Basharat, a Kashmiri boy who dreams of being a professional soccer player. However, Basharat's aspirations are complicated by his region's volatile political climate. An area locked down by military forces, his hometown is also a hotbed of anti-India sentiment, with militant separatists rebelling against the Indian government's rule over the region. Basharat's father is killed by Indian military forces, and his family is forced to flee across the border to Pakistan.

As Basharat trains in Pakistan, his elder brother's Islamic fundamentalist beliefs clash with his dreams of becoming a professional football player, causing tension within the family. But Basharat's love for football is unrelenting, and his spirit unbreakable, as he perseveres through setbacks and adversity to ultimately receive an opportunity to join Bayern Munich's soccer academy.

Inshallah Football also explores the larger issues of social justice, identity, and resistance in the context of Kashmir's ongoing struggle. Through Basharat's story, the film captures the beautiful game’s ability to unite people across religious, nationalist, and cultural divides.

Director Ashvin Kumar paints a vivid, evocative portrait of Kashmir, skillfully balancing the individual story of Basharat with the larger political context of the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan over the region. We see the beauty, complexity, and heartbreak of Kashmiri life firsthand as the film effortlessly shifts between hard-hitting political commentary and intimate, emotionally-charged scenes of Basharat's family and his struggles as an aspiring athlete.

The cinematography of the film is stunning, with beautiful shots of the mountainous region, bustling soccer matches, and gritty, wartime footage of the ongoing conflict in the area. The film's lush, poignant score perfectly complements the stunning visuals, bringing a sense of gravitas and emotional resonance to Basharat's story.

Throughout the film, we see how sport can be a source of hope, resilience, and unity, providing a vehicle for transcending borders, cultures, and political antagonisms. Basharat's journey is symbolic of the power of football to bring together people who would otherwise be separated by intractable conflicts, and the film's powerful message of hope is delivered with grace, sensitivity, and elegance.

In summary, Inshallah Football is a must-watch for anyone interested in social justice, sports, or the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. Through Basharat's story, the film provides a stirring, authentic glimpse into the heart of Kashmir and the challenges faced by young people as they struggle to achieve their dreams in a world marked by division, conflict, and uncertainty. The film is a beautiful testament to the unifying power of sports and the human spirit, and a powerful reminder of our shared humanity in the face of adversity.

Inshallah Football is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.