Shriyam Bhagnani brings India’s first professional female sumo wrestler, Hetal Dave, to life. The ZEE5 film delivers a meaningful message about body positivity and determination, although familiar storytelling limits its emotional impact.
MUMBAI: Can determination overcome society’s obsession with appearance? The Sumo Didi review highlights a Hindi sports drama that celebrates self-belief, body acceptance and the extraordinary journey of India’s first professional female sumo wrestler, Hetal Dave.
Directed by Jayant Rohatgi and starring Shriyam Bhagnani, the film premiered on ZEE5 on October 23, 2026. Inspired by real events, it tells the story of a woman who transforms years of ridicule into motivation to pursue an unconventional sporting career.
What is Sumo Didi about?
The film follows Hetal, a young woman growing up in Kolkata, where her weight makes her a frequent target of criticism and unwanted advice.
Her mother worries about her marriage prospects, while relatives and others repeatedly judge her appearance.
However, her father recognises her potential and encourages her to pursue martial arts.
Hetal eventually becomes a state-level judo champion, but her ambitions take an unexpected turn after meeting a Japanese sumo wrestler.
Inspired by the encounter, she sets her sights on becoming a professional sumo competitor, despite limited resources, social prejudice and little recognition for the sport in India.
Does Shriyam Bhagnani deliver a convincing performance?
Bhagnani emerges as the film’s greatest strength, bringing physical commitment and emotional sincerity to Hetal’s journey.
Her portrayal captures the character’s vulnerability, frustration and growing confidence without reducing her struggles to a conventional transformation story.
The physically demanding wrestling sequences also reflect the preparation required for the role.
Supporting performances from Chaitanya Sharma, Anubha Fatehpura and the late Nitesh Pandey help establish Hetal’s personal circumstances and family relationships.
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Where does the film fall short?
Although the real-life inspiration is compelling, the screenplay frequently follows a predictable sporting-underdog formula.
Training montages, family disagreements, financial difficulties and moments of self-doubt unfold along familiar lines.
The narrative could have explored the psychological pressures of competitive sumo wrestling more deeply, particularly the setbacks involved in entering a sport with limited institutional support in India.
Some conversations about body positivity also feel overly explanatory, making the message more obvious than necessary.
Is Sumo Didi worth watching on ZEE5?
For viewers seeking an uplifting story about resilience, the film offers an accessible and meaningful experience.
Its biggest achievement is presenting a female athlete whose body becomes a sporting strength rather than something she must change to meet society’s expectations.
However, audiences expecting an unpredictable sports drama may find the storytelling conventional.
Ultimately, this Sumo Didi review finds greater value in the film’s subject and lead performance than its dramatic originality.
Impact to expect
The film could encourage wider conversations across South Asia about body shaming, women’s participation in unconventional sports and the importance of supporting individual ambitions. It also introduces a pioneering Indian athlete’s story to a broader streaming audience.
