MUMBAI (Diya TV) — Filmmaker Mira Nair has unveiled the first look of her upcoming feature film “Amri,” a biographical drama inspired by the life and work of pioneering modern artist Amrita Sher-Gil. The film explores the celebrated painter’s journey across Europe and India and highlights her lasting influence on art and culture.
Set in the early 20th century, “Amri” follows Sher-Gil’s coming of age as an artist and a woman. The story moves through Hungary, France, and India, tracing the experiences that shaped her artistic identity and bold visual style. Production on the film wraps this week after shooting across several locations in India and Europe.
Nair, known for films such as Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake, called the project deeply personal. She said Sher-Gil’s paintings have influenced her cinematic vision for decades. Every film I’ve made in the last several decades has been inspired by the art of Amrita Sher-Gil,” Nair said. “She taught me how to see.”
The director added that Sher-Gil blended European artistic training with the spirit of India in a way that changed modern art. Nair said the painter’s use of color, framing, and ordinary Indian subjects has shaped her filmmaking style from the beginning. Nair co-wrote the screenplay with Clara Royer. She also serves as a producer on the film through Mirabai Productions.
Actor Anjali Sivaraman stars as Amrita Sher-Gil. The film also features an international ensemble cast. Emily Watson plays Sher-Gil’s mother, Marie-Antoinette Gottesman, while Jaideep Ahlawat portrays her father, Umrao Singh Sher-Gil. Krisztián Csákvári appears as Victor Egan, and Anjana Vasan takes on the role of Indira Sher-Gil. The cast also includes Jim Sarbh as Karl Khandalavala and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Madame Azurie. Chopra Jonas also serves as an executive producer on the project.
“Amri” focuses on Sher-Gil’s search for selfhood and artistic freedom. The film examines how she challenged social expectations and created a unique visual language that broke from convention.
Sher-Gil became the youngest student admitted to the Académie des Beaux-Arts de Paris. Though she trained in European traditions, she later developed a style centered on the lives of ordinary Indian women and men. Art historians often describe her work as a turning point in modern Indian art.
The producers said the film explores how Sher-Gil learned to see India on her own terms rather than through European perspectives. They described the story as one about “seeing and being seen,” themes they believe still connect with audiences today. Producer Samudrika Arora said Sher-Gil’s life reflects modern conversations around identity and self-expression.
“There is something deeply human in the tension of coming from two wildly different worlds,” Arora said. “What moved me to make this film is how Amri carried the best of each world within her.”Producer Michael Nozik described Sher-Gil as “a true visionary artist and social revolutionary.” He added that the film captures her youthful curiosity and rebellious spirit.
Interest in Sher-Gil’s legacy continues to grow worldwide. Major exhibitions of her artwork are planned for 2027 in Paris, Los Angeles, Doha, and New Delhi. Organizers also plan a permanent exhibition in New Delhi dedicated to her work.
The film arrives at a time when audiences have shown growing interest in stories about influential women artists and cross-cultural identities. Industry observers expect “Amri” to attract attention from global film and art audiences because of its international setting and historical subject matter.
The project comes from Mirabai, Samscape, and Papertown Production in association with Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and Miramax. With its focus on art, identity, and personal freedom, “Amri” aims to introduce a new generation to the life and work of one of India’s most influential modern artists.
