From the creators of the Oscar-winning ‘The Elephant Whisperers’, Sikhya Entertainment and Viniyard Films, comes ‘Kicking Balls’, a powerful documentary highlighting India’s struggle against child marriages.

Released on Prasar Bharati‘s WAVES on November 22, the film showcases the journey of young Rajasthani girls using football as a tool to challenge patriarchy.

Directed by Vijayeta Kumar, the film follows a local NGO working with girls in Rajasthan to combat deeply rooted societal norms. Over five years of filming, Vijayeta captures their courage and growth as they gain confidence through football to fight for their rights. She shared, ” ‘Kicking Balls’ is about smashing patriarchy. It’s a story of resilience, empowerment, and sparking meaningful conversations about child marriage.”

Produced by Ashvini Yardi, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain, the documentary seeks to inspire and mobilize young girls nationwide. The producers stated, “Distribution often limits important stories. With WAVES, we ensure ‘Kicking Balls’ reaches communities where change is most needed.”

‘Kicking Balls’ debuted at the New York Indian Film Festival, winning Best Documentary Short. The film’s release on WAVES, Prasar Bharati’s free OTT platform, ensures its accessibility to households across India, including rural areas.

Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi highlighted WAVES’ vision, “With accessible programming, WAVES continues our mission to inform and empower, reaching even the remotest parts of India.”