Indie Film Love You Messi Bridges Karbi Culture and Global Football Dreams
A new Karbi-language indie film, Love You Messi, has brought on board Hiu Man Chan, a U.K.-based Hong Kong creative, as executive producer. The project, currently in production, blends a heartfelt story with the world of football, though its focus extends far beyond the pitch. Director Khanjan Kishore Nath describes it as a tale about a disabled child’s passion and his dream to see the world beyond his village. The film centres on eight-year-old Rang, a boy from the Karbi tribe who idolises Lionel Messi and harbours a deep love for soccer. His life changes when he adopts an abandoned puppy, Tung Tung, who quickly becomes his loyal companion. Their bond takes an unexpected turn when Rang learns of Messi’s friendly match in Mumbai, setting off an unlikely road trip for the boy and his dog.
*Love You Messi* marks the second collaboration between director Khanjan Kishore Nath and producer Ranjit Teron, following their earlier Karbi-language feature *Lost Path* (2025). Nath, who won the Rajat Kamal at the 2020 Indian National Film Awards for his short *Kachichinithu (The Boy with a Gun)*, has already shot key scenes during Messi’s visit to India last December. The team aims to wrap filming by the end of the year. Hiu Man Chan will oversee the film’s international strategy, managing sales, festival submissions, distribution, and marketing outside India. Her involvement signals a push to bring the story to global audiences, though the core narrative remains rooted in Rang’s personal journey rather than football alone.
With production underway and an experienced team in place, Love You Messi is set to complete filming soon. The film’s blend of local storytelling and international appeal could open new doors for Karbi-language cinema. Chan’s role in packaging the project for global markets may further amplify its reach beyond India.
