EXCLUSIVE: Zee 5 Global has released the trailer for the streaming launch of Indian sports pic Sumo Didi.
The Jio Studios, Fresh Lime Films and MA+TH Entertainment Networks film, which released theatrically in 2023, is billed as an inspiring sports biopic based on the extraordinary life of Hetal Dave, India’s first professional female sumo wrestler.
Directed by Jayant Rohatgi and starring Shriyam Bhagnani in the titular role alongside Chaitnya Sharma, it will premiere exclusively on Zee 5 Global on October 23.
The film had a festival run in 2024, playing at the likes of the Tokyo International Film Festival and Palm Springs International Film Festival, but has not released widely. We’ve reached out to the filmmakers on what caused the delay in release.
Sumo Didi is the story of a woman, Hetal, who finds her calling in the unconventional world of sumo wrestling, embarking on a journey that challenges perceptions around women, their bodies and their abilities.
Anubha Fatehpuriya, Nitesh Pandey, Raghav Dhir and Meenal Kapoor also feature in the film, which was shot on location in of Japan, Kolkata and Mumbai.
The Hindi-language film has also travelled to prestigious international film festivals, including the Tokyo International Film Festival and Palm Springs International Film Festival.
“Sumo Didi is an inspiring underdog story of grit, resilience and rising from the depths of despair,” said director Rohatgi. “A young woman from a conservative Marwari household defies all odds, turning her perceived weakness into strength and breaking the glass ceiling. What drew me to Hetal’s story was her courage in challenging patriarchy, social pressure, gender bias and body politics.
“From the narrow lanes of Kolkata to the serene Japanese countryside, her journey is intimate and cinematic. Shriyam has given everything – physically and emotionally, to bring Hetal’s story to life and I’m grateful to Jio Studios, Fresh Lime Films, MA+TH Entertainment Network and Zee 5 for believing in it. At its core, our film is not just about Hetal becoming an accomplished sumo wrestler; it is about her reclaiming her space, her body and her power.”
Hetal Dave added: “I think many of us have, at some point, been told that we are too different, that we should change something about ourselves or that a certain dream is not meant for us. My journey in sumo wrestling has had its share of such moments, but it has also taught me to trust myself and keep moving forward.
“What makes Sumo Didi special is that it goes beyond the sport and explores what it means to stand by your choices when the world expects you to be someone else. I’m grateful that Zee 5Global is bringing this story to audiences, and I hope it encourages people to embrace who they are and pursue what matters to them.”