Director Raghav Khanna has wrapped up production on “Unbroken: The Unmukt Chand Story,” a compelling documentary that traces the remarkable journey of former Indian cricket captain Unmukt Chand. The film captures Chand’s dramatic shift from a potential national cricket star to pursuing his dreams in American cricket. This documentary chronicles his evolution from leading India to victory in the 2012 Under-19 World Cup to his bold decision to leave behind his childhood dream of playing for India’s national team. Now, Chand competes for the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the U.S. Major League Cricket, a testament to his career reinvention that the film explores across continents.
Produced by Riverland Entertainment and Tudip Entertainment, the documentary is set for release soon, though the distribution platform remains undisclosed. The project is another collaboration for seasoned producers Dipti Agrawal and Tushar Apshankar, with Khanna also serving as producer alongside co-producer Priyanka Chaudhari.
Unmukt Chand’s Rollercoaster Journey
Reflecting on his career, Chand shared, “Looking back, life has been a rollercoaster, from winning the Under-19 World Cup to retiring from India at just 28 years of age. From being a poster boy to being trolled and then forgotten – I have lived in the extremities of public opinion.” His cricketing journey includes representing the Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the Indian Premier League, making his story one of both triumph and adversity.
Chand described the filmmaking process as transformative. “When Raghav told me about the documentary, at first I was hesitant but the experience of filming the documentary with him was cathartic and it made me look at my own story from a new perspective,” he reflected. “I feel it’s a story that will resonate with many people who do not get what they want but are still determined enough to keep pursuing their path.”
Raghav Khanna’s Cinematic Realism
Khanna, who previously led Netflix APAC’s documentary production and co-commissioned the Academy Award-winning short “The Elephant Whisperers,” brings his expertise to this project. He recently directed “Modern Masters: S.S. Rajamouli” for Netflix and was the creative force behind the popular series “Raja Rasoi aur Anya Kahaniyaan.”
Khanna approached Chand’s story with what he calls “cinematic realism,” staying faithful to Chand’s truth while creating space for universal connection. “What drew me to Unmukt’s story was the sharp contrast between his potential and the outcome – the inversion from being hailed as Indian cricket’s next big superstar to being shunned into obscurity,” Khanna said. “His journey reflects on the competitive and unforgiving nature of professional sports, and perhaps of life itself, where a single moment – often beyond our control – can undo years of hard work and aspiration. At its core, this is a film about broken dreams, second chances, and the grace it takes to start over.”
The Broader Themes of Resilience and Reinvention
The producing team emphasized the documentary’s themes beyond cricket. “Unmukt Chand’s story is not just about cricket, it is about resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of identity beyond the spotlight,” Agrawal and Apshankar noted. “In a world obsessed with the highs of fame, we often overlook the human journey behind the fallouts and comebacks.”
Co-producer Chaudhari added, “Raghav brings an incredibly sensitive and intuitive approach to storytelling. As a director, he has the ability to bring out emotions which lie between the lines. With Unmukt’s story, his direction is honest and personal. As producers, it is rare to find a director who can combine technical craft with human empathy so seamlessly.”
Riverland Entertainment and Tudip Entertainment’s Vision
The completed documentary represents a significant project for Riverland Entertainment, Khanna’s Mumbai-based production studio that specializes in unscripted and documentary content with integrated creative, production, and post-production facilities. Partner company Tudip Entertainment, the media subsidiary of technology enterprise Tudip Digital, was founded by the producer duo and focuses on content across regional films, sports, lifestyle, crime, and cultural stories.
During his tenure at Netflix, Khanna oversaw several high-profile titles, including “The House of Secrets,” “The Hunt for Veerappan,” “The Mumbai Mafia,” and “Famous: Yo Yo Honey Singh,” establishing his reputation in the documentary space before launching his own production venture.
As the documentary nears its release, audiences await the unveiling of Unmukt Chand’s story, one that promises to resonate with anyone who has faced the trials of reinvention and the pursuit of dreams against the odds.