Indian Tennis Great Vijay Amritraj Doc Backed by ‘Frida’ Producer Time Studios, Oscar Nominee Sami Khan Directs (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned cinephile who has witnessed the evolution of Indian cinema and sports through the decades, I am beyond excited to learn about Time Studios’ upcoming documentary on Vijay Amritraj. The man’s journey from a sickly child in Chennai to a tennis superstar and Hollywood figure is nothing short of extraordinary!


Time Studios has agreed to create a full-length documentary featuring Indian tennis icon Vijay Amritraj. The film will be directed by Sami Khan, who was nominated for an Oscar with “St. Louis Superman” and won an Emmy for “The Last Out.” This project intends to share the captivating tale of one of tennis’ most admired personalities to viewers worldwide.

The movie will trace Amritraj’s inspiring story, from being a frail child in Chennai, India, all the way up to becoming a tennis star and prominent figure in Hollywood. The fact that he, along with fellow countryman Leander Paes, were the first Asian men ever inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame provides an ideal setting for this tribute to his life and career.

Amritraj expressed how his life’s path has been extraordinary, even resembling a miracle. He’s longed to inspire young people in India and globally with his story, and he’s overjoyed that Time is collaborating to create a documentary about him. He considers them the ideal team to narrate his tale, aiming to instill belief in children.

Amritraj’s tennis journey is distinguished by remarkable accomplishments. He boasts an impressive 405 singles victories and 16 ATP titles, making him the Asian male with the most wins in tennis history. His triumphs didn’t stop at singles; he also secured 13 doubles titles while teaming up with his elder brother Anand. Renowned for his grace, grin, and sportsmanship, Amritraj was adored by fans and symbolized excellence in the sport.

Beyond his tennis career, Amritraj made a significant impact in various spheres. He took on the role of a United Nations Messenger of Peace, becoming one of the notable celebrities advocating against apartheid. Moreover, he broke new ground in the entertainment industry as one of the first Asian actors to gain prominence in Hollywood, appearing in films like “Octopussy” and “Star Trek IV.” Additionally, his insightful commentary on tennis earned him respect, further solidifying his status as a versatile public figure.

Time Studios, an award-winning production house renowned for creating compelling documentaries, draws upon a rich reservoir of expertise in crafting influential films. Their portfolio spans diverse topics, from the life of artist Frida Kahlo to civil rights icon John Lewis and musician Ye. Among their latest offerings are “Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Deception,” “Under Pressure: Behind the Scenes with the U.S. Women’s World Cup Team,” and “Frida.

As a passionate advocate for sharing captivating tales, I’m excited to announce that we, at Time Studios, are privileged to delve into the life story of an extraordinary individual – Vijay Amritraj. This visionary leader has not only made a profound impact in sports but has also emerged as a cultural icon for many. It’s a great honor for us to have the confidence of the Amritraj family, and with an exceptionally skilled director like Sami Khan at the helm, we can’t wait to bring his inspiring journey to light.

Khan expressed: “Growing up, Vijay was my role model both on the tennis court and in films. It’s an unparalleled privilege for me to share his compelling tale. I am deeply grateful to collaborate with Time Studios’ exceptional team to bring Vijay’s story to viewers everywhere.

The documentary was jointly created with Sterling Road Films, a production company specializing in inspirational storytelling for worldwide viewers. This enterprise is managed by Prakash Amritraj, the son of Vijay and a former professional tennis player who now ventures into acting, producing, and commentary.

Prakash Amritraj stated: “Indians have achieved remarkable success in numerous areas such as business, entertainment, sports, and politics. Vijay was the trailblazer who laid the foundation for this initial wave of Indian migration around the globe. Throughout all these accomplishments, I’ve always believed that if people worldwide knew Vijay as my brother and I do, the world would be a kinder place. I am deeply honored and thankful to collaborate with Time to share an intimate glimpse into Vijay’s life with the global community.

UTA is representing the film in all territories.

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2024-10-01 19:17