Sumo Didi premieres on Zee5 Global on October 23, 2026, bringing the remarkable journey of India’s first professional female sumo wrestler, Hetal Dave, to international audiences after earning film festival recognition and industry support.
MUMBAI: After gaining international film festival recognition and support from prominent Bollywood personalities, Sumo Didi is preparing for its global streaming premiere on Zee5 Global on October 23, 2026.
Inspired by the life of Hetal Dave, India’s first professional female sumo wrestler, the Hindi sports drama tells the story of a woman who challenges society’s expectations to pursue an unconventional sporting career.
Directed by Jayant Rohatgi, the film stars Shriyam Bhagnani in the lead role and explores determination, personal struggles and the courage required to enter a sport rarely associated with Indian women.
From international film festivals to global streaming
The film began its international journey at the Tokyo International Film Festival in October 2023, before reaching the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January 2024.
At Palm Springs, the production was featured in the World Cinema Now programme and recognised as an audience favourite.
It also screened at the New York Indian Film Festival in 2024, receiving nominations for Best Debut Film and Best Screenplay.
These appearances introduced Hetal Dave’s extraordinary journey to viewers beyond India, drawing attention to the challenges faced by women entering traditionally male-dominated sports.
Bollywood personalities show support
Ahead of its streaming release, Sumo Didi has attracted encouragement from entertainment industry personalities, including Remo D’Souza, Sanya Malhotra, Boman Irani and Raghav Juyal.
Veteran actor Jackie Shroff has also publicly expressed support for Hetal Dave, encouraging audiences to recognise her achievements and the barriers she has challenged.
The attention surrounding the film reflects growing interest in inspirational Indian sporting stories that explore ambition, perseverance and social expectations.
Who stars in the film?
Shriyam Bhagnani portrays Hetal Dave, leading a cast that includes Chaitanya Sharma, Anubha Fatehpuriya, Nitesh Pandey and Raghav Dheer.
The film follows Dave’s determination to establish herself in professional sumo wrestling despite limited opportunities, unfamiliar sporting traditions and social prejudice.
Produced by Jio Studios, Fresh Lime Films and MA+TH Entertainment Networks, the drama combines an athlete’s personal journey with wider themes of women’s empowerment and representation.
When and where can audiences watch it?
Sumo Didi will premiere exclusively on Zee5 Global on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The streaming release gives international audiences an opportunity to discover the story behind one of India’s most unusual sporting achievements, following the film’s earlier international festival screenings.
Impact to expect
The global release could increase awareness of women’s participation in unconventional sports while introducing Hetal Dave’s achievements to a wider audience. It may also encourage greater interest in Indian sports biopics and stories celebrating perseverance, equality and personal ambition.
