Time Studios has signed on to produce a feature documentary about Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj. Sami Khan, Oscar nominee for “St. Louis Superman” and Emmy winner for “The Last Out,” is directing. The project aims to bring the inspiring story of one of tennis’ most beloved figures to a global audience.
The film will chronicle Amritraj’s remarkable journey from a sickly child in Chennai, India to his ascension as a tennis star and Hollywood figure. Amritraj’s recent induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame, where him and compatriot Leander Paes became the first Asian men to receive the honor, serves as a fitting backdrop to this celebration of his life and career.
“My life’s journey has been nothing short of a miracle,” Amritraj said. “I always wanted to share it with youngsters in India and around the world and I am absolutely thrilled that Time has come on board to produce my documentary. They are the perfect partner to tell my story to help make children believe.”
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Amritraj’s tennis career is marked by impressive achievements. With 405 singles wins and 16 ATP titles, he holds the record for the most wins of any Asian man in tennis history. His success extended to doubles play, where he claimed 13 titles partnering with his older brother Anand. Known for his style, smile, and sportsmanship, Amritraj became a fan favorite and a symbol of excellence in the sport.
However, Amritraj’s impact reached far beyond the tennis court. He served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, becoming one of the leading celebrity voices speaking out against apartheid. His influence extended to the world of entertainment, where he broke ground as one of the first Asian actors to achieve prominence in Hollywood, starring in films such as “Octopussy” and “Star Trek IV.” Amritraj also established himself as a respected tennis commentator, further cementing his status as a multifaceted public figure.
Time Studios, an Emmy-winning production company, brings a wealth of experience in creating impactful documentaries. The studio has previously produced acclaimed works on subjects ranging from artist Frida Kahlo to civil rights leader John Lewis and musician Ye. Recent Time titles include “Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam,” “Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team,” and “Frida.”
Loren Hammonds, head of documentary at Time Studios, said: “We’re always seeking to share the stories of truly game-changing individuals. Vijay Amritraj is the kind of leader who transcended sports to become a cultural beacon for so many, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have the trust of the Amritraj family and an amazingly talented director like Sami Khan at the helm to tell his story.”
Khan added: “As someone who grew up idolizing Vijay and his heroics on the court and on the silver screen, telling his story is the privilege of a lifetime. I’m so honored to partner with the wonderful team at Time Studios to bring Vijay’s moving story to audiences.”
The documentary is a co-production with Sterling Road Films, a production house focused on aspirational storytelling for global audiences. The company is run by Prakash Amritraj, Vijay’s son and a former ATP pro who has since transitioned into acting, producing, and commentary.
Prakash Amritraj said: “Indians have become some of the most successful people in the world in a variety of fields from business, to entertainment, to sports, to politics. Vijay was the pioneer that paved the way in these fields to inspire this first big migration of these Indians across the globe. And through all of this I have always felt, if the world could know Vijay the way my brother and I know him, the world would be a better place. I am extremely proud and grateful to be partnering with Time to bring that intimate view of Vijay’s life to the world.”
UTA is representing the film in all territories.