Sumo Didi Explained

Sumo Didi is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language sports biographical film on the life of Hetal Dave, India's only professional female sumo wrestler. The film is the directorial debut of Jayant Rohatgi, and stars Shriyam Bhagnani in title role with Chaitnya Sharma, Anubha Fatehpura, Nitesh Pandey, and Raghav Dheer. ^[1] The film has been showcased at multiple film festival including 2023 Tokyo International Film Festival, 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival, and 24th New York Indian Film Festival.

The rousing biopic follows Hetal who sets out for Japan to endure rigorous training and discover a potential she never knew she had. The film premiered at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival. The film is produced by Fresh Lime Films, Jio Studios, and Japanese advertising giant Hakuhodo’s MA&TH or Marching Ants & Trigger Happy Entertainment. ^[2] It is the only Indian film to be showcased in 2 different film festivals in 2024. ^[3]

Plot

The Hindi language biopic tells the story of Hetal Dave, a talented female wrestler who discovers sumo wrestling by chance. She trains hard to achieve her dreams, even as she battles social prejudices and patriarchal mindsets tackling objectification of women and fat shaming.

Cast

• Nilanjan Datta as Football Coach Ganguly

Production

Development

To prepare for the title role of Hetal Dave, actress Shriyam Bhagnani had to undergo several months of rigorous physical training. As the role is of a sumo wrestler, she also put on a lot of weight (14 kilos at least). She also collaborated with celebrity trainer Sahil Rasheed to build muscle mass and enhance her athleticism. She also trained with Hetal Dave to learn sumo wrestling. ^{[4] [2] [5]}

Filming

Sumo Didi has been shot extensively in Japan, where sumo wrestling is the national sport; and in Mumbai, Kolkata of India, where it is not even a recognized sport. ^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Film inspired by India’s first female sumo wrestler, ‘Sumo Didi’, to premiere at Tokyo Film Fest. 25 October 2023. www.thehindu.com.
2. Web site: Tokyo’s Indian Female Sumo Wrestler Tale ‘Sumo Didi’ Recounts Battles With Social Prejudices and Patriarchal Mindsets (EXCLUSIVE). Naman. Ramachandran. 26 October 2023.
3. Web site: Film inspired by India's first female sumo wrestler to premiere at Tokyo Film Fest. 25 October 2023. ThePrint.
4. Web site: All About India’s Only Female Sumo Wrestler Hetal Dave Whose Biopic 'Sumo Didi' Is In The Works. 18 April 2023. IndiaTimes.
5. Web site: Biopic 'Sumo Didi' follows story of India's only female Sumo wrestler, Hetal Dave. IANS Life.
6. Web site: Sumo Didi to be featured in the Best of Fest list at the Palm Springs International film festival. 20 January 2024. www.deccanchronicle.com.