Ka Ba Ddi: A Breath, a Move, a Game

In this South Asian team sport, players repeating ‘kabaddi’ frantically cross boundaries on the court, tagging their opponents before returning.

Kabaddi is a high-energy team sport originating in South Asia played between two teams of seven players on a divided court. The sport combines elements of tag, wrestling, and tactical invasion. A game of strategy, that has evolved from ancient Indian military training exercises. In Alia Syeds film, the choreography plays out with bodies in slow motion.

Screened as part of BFI London Film Festival 2025 Shorts programme In the Clouds Flecks of Memories Pass By.