Last Updated on August 4, 2024
Do you believe this? Of course, we are talking about a motorsports-related film here. In India, and across the world, there is a dedicated community of motorsports film lovers. For those who cherish motorsports films, here is your chance to witness an extraordinary documentary. Let’s read more about this exciting new series.
For the first time, an exclusive documentary series unveils the remarkable journey of Indian motorsports, chronicling its evolution and the stories of the racers who paved the way. “Breaking the Barriers: India’s Race to Glory” brings to light the untold tales of dedication and passion within India’s motorsports community.
A Comprehensive Look at Indian Motorsports
This groundbreaking series, produced for an OTT platform by ABC Films International, spans four seasons to comprehensively capture the spirit and journey of Indian motorsports. Season 1, consisting of eight 30-minute episodes, is set for release, promising to inspire viewers with its rich narrative. The documentary is not just a history lesson; it’s a vivid portrayal of the struggles, triumphs, and unyielding spirit of Indian racers and their journey.
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A Warm Reception and Future Plans
A special screening of the documentary took place on July 9, 2024, at Cinepolis Andheri (W) in Mumbai. The event garnered enthusiastic responses from the audience, bolstering confidence in the series’ potential. “Our experiment to screen the documentary in theaters was a success, showing that there is a market for such content in India,” said Sujith Aradhya, the producer, writer, and director.
The overwhelming reception has encouraged the producers to consider theatrical releases in major cities, including Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, and Delhi. The theatrical version, with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes, has received a ‘U’ certificate from the censor board.
“As a director, my aim is to bring the rich legacy of Indian motorsports to the forefront on a global stage. Many in India know global racing icons but are unaware of our own heroes. This series aims to bridge that gap,” added Sujith Aradhya.
Insights from the Motorsports Community
Vicky Chandhok, a celebrated racing driver, shared his thoughts: “Watching ‘Breaking the Barriers’ was a moving experience. The film celebrates the resilience and passion of our motorsport community.”
Renowned automotive journalist Bob Rupani added, “Sujith has masterfully crafted a narrative that honors our racing legacy. This film is a significant achievement in motorsports storytelling.”
The Director’s Vision
Sujith Aradhya reflects on his decade-long involvement in motorsports, driven by his passion for the sport and curiosity about its undocumented history in India. “Developing this series was an enlightening journey. With challenges like the lack of recorded history and visual material, we relied on senior journalists, creative illustrations, and engaging storytelling to bring these inspiring stories to life,” says Aradhya.
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Sujith Aradhya, father of Yash Aradhya—a multiple national champion and the first motorsports athlete to receive a National Award—brings his extensive experience in brand storytelling to this ambitious project. “Having dedicated over ten years to motorsports and supporting my son in reaching the pinnacle of the sport, I stepped into the director’s role for this series ‘Breaking the Barriers’ purely out of passion and curiosity about how the sport evolved. The absence of a recorded history of Indian motorsports drove me to embark on this journey of self-discovery and filmmaking for a global audience,” says Sujith Aradhya.
As a brand consultant, Sujith Aradhya dreamt of making documentary films on motorsports. He dedicated his efforts to researching and developing the script to tell the story of “Breaking the Barriers – India’s Race to Glory.” The documentary is visually stunning, informative, and entertaining, engaging audiences with its compelling narrative.
Film Festival Participation
“Breaking the Barriers – India’s Race to Glory” has already been featured at prestigious events such as the International Film Festival of India, FICCI Frames, and the Mumbai International Film Festival. The series is set to premiere at the International Documentary Fest Amsterdam (IDFA) in November 2024.
Pictures Credit: Sujith Aradhya & ABC Films International