Entertainment

Indian Indie 'Love You Messi' Secures Hong Kong EP at Cannes

By Stephen KingPublished: May 23, 2026
Indian Indie 'Love You Messi' Secures Hong Kong EP at Cannes

"Love You Messi," an Indian independent film from Rura Rura Entertainment, has garnered international support at the Cannes Film Market. Hong Kong's Hiu Man Chan has joined the production as an executive producer, a development that is set to broaden the film's global reach. This collaboration underscores a growing trend of cross-cultural partnerships in the indie film sector, leveraging international expertise to bring regional stories to a wider audience. The film, which centers on a young boy's devotion to Lionel Messi and his journey, aims to transcend the boundaries of a typical sports narrative, focusing instead on universal themes of passion, dreams, and human connection.

This Indian independent feature, currently in production, gained an executive producer from Hong Kong, Hiu Man Chan, at the Cannes Film Market. Chan's involvement is pivotal for the movie's international packaging, encompassing sales, festival strategy, distribution, and marketing beyond India. The film, titled “Love You Messi,” is a Karbi-language project directed by Khanjan Kishore Nath and produced by Ranjit Teron, marking their second collaboration. The narrative follows eight-year-old Rang, a devoted Lionel Messi fan from a remote Indian village, and his loyal dog, Tung Tung, on an unexpected journey to Mumbai to see his idol play. This heartwarming story, partly filmed during Messi's visit to India, explores themes of determination and the pursuit of dreams against challenging circumstances.

Global Horizons for an Indian Narrative

The independent Indian film "Love You Messi" is set to expand its global footprint following the addition of Hong Kong-based executive producer Hiu Man Chan. This strategic partnership, forged during the Cannes Film Market, will see Chan overseeing the film's international marketing, distribution, and festival engagement. This move is crucial for a Karbi-language feature, as it aims to connect with diverse audiences worldwide by tapping into Chan's extensive network and dynamic approach to international markets. The collaboration highlights a burgeoning interest in bringing unique cultural narratives to the global stage, utilizing international expertise to navigate the complexities of worldwide film distribution and promotion.

Hiu Man Chan, a creative professional from Hong Kong now based in the U.K., has taken on the role of executive producer for "Love You Messi" following productive discussions at the Indian Pavilion during the Cannes Film Market. Her primary responsibility will be to manage the film's international packaging, which includes directing its sales, refining its festival strategy, and handling its distribution and marketing efforts across territories outside of India. Chan's involvement is particularly significant given her insights into markets like Hong Kong, where there's a substantial fan base for Lionel Messi. This strategic addition is expected to considerably enhance the film's visibility and reach, propelling the heartfelt story of a young boy's passion for football and his idol to a broader, global audience, thereby maximizing its international impact and appeal.

The Heart of "Love You Messi": A Tale Beyond Football

Director Khanjan Kishore Nath emphasizes that "Love You Messi" is more than just a film about soccer or Lionel Messi; it delves into profound human emotions and aspirations. The story centers on Rang, an eight-year-old disabled boy from a secluded village, whose deep passion for Messi propels him to overcome his physical limitations and dream beyond his immediate surroundings. This narrative explores universal themes such as love, compassion, humanity, and the relentless courage required to pursue a dream despite formidable obstacles. The breathtaking landscape of Karbi Anglong, Northeast India, serves as a poignant backdrop, enhancing the emotional depth of Rang's journey and illustrating how life unfolds with its own unique rhythm and beauty in this region.

The essence of "Love You Messi," as articulated by its director Khanjan Kishore Nath, transcends the realm of sports to explore a deeply personal and inspirational narrative. The film intricately weaves the story of Rang, a young Karbi tribal boy, whose life is profoundly shaped by his admiration for Lionel Messi. Despite his disability and the isolation of his remote hilly village, Rang's unwavering passion for soccer ignites a desire to explore the world beyond his limited horizons. The narrative is enriched by his bond with an abandoned puppy, Tung Tung, who becomes his loyal companion on an improbable road trip to Mumbai. Nath deliberately uses the stunning vistas of Karbi Anglong to underscore the film's core message: a testament to the power of human spirit, the beauty of unconditional love, and the audacity to chase dreams against all odds, making it a story of enduring hope and discovery.

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