Time Studios to produce documentary on tennis legend Vijay Amritraj

A journey from Chennai to global stardom

Time Studios has announced an exciting new project: a feature documentary on the life of Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj. Directed by Oscar nominee Sami Khan, known for “St. Louis Superman” and Emmy winner for “The Last Out,” this film aims to bring Amritraj’s inspiring story to a worldwide audience.

From a sickly child to a tennis icon

The documentary will delve into Amritraj’s incredible journey, starting from his early days as a frail child in Chennai, India, to becoming a tennis star and a Hollywood figure. His recent induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame, alongside compatriot Leander Paes, marks a significant milestone, making them the first Asian men to receive this honor. This backdrop sets the stage for a celebration of Amritraj’s life and career.

“My life’s journey has been nothing short of a miracle,” Amritraj shared. “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.”

A career marked by excellence

Amritraj’s tennis career is nothing short of remarkable. With 405 singles wins and 16 ATP titles, he holds the record for the most wins by any Asian man in tennis history. His prowess extended to doubles play, where he claimed 13 titles alongside his older brother Anand. Known for his style, smile, and sportsmanship, Amritraj became a fan favorite and a symbol of excellence in the sport.

Beyond the tennis court

Amritraj’s influence transcended tennis. He served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, becoming a prominent voice against apartheid. His impact also reached Hollywood, where he broke ground as one of the first Asian actors to achieve prominence, starring in films such as Octopussy and Star Trek IV. Additionally, he established himself as a respected tennis commentator, further cementing his status as a multifaceted public figure.

Time Studios’ expertise in impactful storytelling

Time Studios, an Emmy-winning production company, brings a wealth of experience in creating compelling 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 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, expressed his enthusiasm: “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.”

A personal connection

Director Sami 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.”

A family affair

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 shared his pride: “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.”

Global representation

UTA is representing the film in all territories, ensuring that this inspiring story reaches audiences around the globe.

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