Malayalam ZEE5 is set to premiere ‘Panthadikkam’, its first Malayalam sports documentary, exploring Kerala’s deep-rooted football culture, traditions and fandom. Narrated by actor Mammootty, the five-episode series will premiere on Malayalam ZEE5 on October 1.

In a press release, Malayalam ZEE5 said ‘Panthadikkam’ celebrates the spirit of football and Kerala’s culture through the history, rivalries and personal stories that have made the sport a part of everyday life in the state.

Spread across five episodes of around 20 minutes each, the documentary traces Kerala’s football journey from the early days of club football and the Santosh Trophy era to the modern professional landscape. It also explores how footballing nations such as Brazil and Argentina have become deeply connected with everyday life in Kerala.

The series captures the passion of fans through their celebrations, debates and personal journeys. From flex boards and painted autorickshaws to midnight turf screenings and fans travelling abroad to watch matches, ‘Panthadikkam’ looks at the different ways football has become part of Kerala’s social and cultural fabric.

The documentary is produced by Dr. Sangeetha Janachandran under Stories Social and directed and scored by Nyx Lopez, with Geetartha AR serving as the writer. Joe Christo Xavier is the cinematographer, while Sajeesh Swaminathan is the editor.

Speaking about the documentary, Lloyd C. Xavier, Business Head – Tamil, Telugu & Malayalam, ZEE5, said Malayalam ZEE5 aims to continue bringing stories that reflect the passions, culture and identity of the Malayali audience.

“Football holds a special place in the hearts of people across the state, and with ‘Panthadikkam’, we saw an opportunity to celebrate that deep-rooted connection in a meaningful way,” Xavier said.

He added that the documentary brings together two of Kerala’s greatest passions — its most beloved actor and its most cherished sport.

“As our first-ever Malayalam sports documentary, ‘Panthadikkam’, narrated by the iconic Padma Bhushan Dr. Mammootty, brings together two of Kerala’s greatest passions, its most beloved actor and its most cherished sport,” he said.

The documentary also features the story of Vysakh S.R, the pioneering captain of India’s first National Amputee Football Team. Xavier described his journey as a powerful testament to resilience, determination and an unbreakable love for football.

“His story reminds us that true passion knows no barriers, making him a fitting embodiment of the spirit that defines both the sport and the people of Kerala,” Xavier said.

He further added that ‘Panthadikkam’ goes beyond the game to capture the passion, pride and collective spirit that have made football a way of life in Kerala.

‘Panthadikkam’ will premiere on Malayalam ZEE5 on October 1, with five episodes exploring Kerala’s relationship with football and the people whose lives have been shaped by the sport.