Introduction:
Director: R Madhavan
Cast: R Madhavan, Simran, Kartik Kumar
The life of former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan makes for compelling cinema. In his life, he has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Nambi Narayanan's life has been anything but average. He has worked with international stalwarts and pioneers of space research, and he is a brilliant intellect who was commanding India's rocket programme but was brutally removed from the project and charged with espionage. 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect,' R Madhavan's directorial debut, not only details Nayaranan's quest for justice but also illustrates the man's passion for science and devotion to the nation.
Watch the 'Rocketry' Trailer below:
Rocketry: Getting into the movie:
Rocketry isn't your typical drama. It checks all the boxes for a real biopic. The film also does not portray Madhavan as a first-time director. He adds emotional depth to the plot. The best thing about Rocketry is that it never undervalues the viewer. As the story of rocket scientist Nambi unfolds on film, the spectator learns more about ISRO's hardships and the emotions that drive a man to do his best despite a lack of resources and basic funding. When Nambi tests the first-ever liquid engine in France after failing to obtain the necessary resources at home, it's clear that it's not about the engine for him, but about his own talents. Even while Nambi's entire team is rejoicing in the background, Madhavan refuses to let you go. When you glance at him, you notice that his gaze is fixed on the engine he has built. His celebration does not begin until he has surpassed the goal he has set for himself. The engine that was supposed to run for 135 seconds runs for 180 seconds. When he names the engine 'VIKAS,' the real party begins.
Rocketry: The Nambi Effect begins with a wide shot of outer space before landing in Nambi Narayanan's residence in Trivandrum, where we meet his family. While everyone is laughing over lunch, their world falls apart when Nambi is arrested on espionage accusations. A few moments, such as Nambi's wife being humiliated at a wedding she was attending, his daughter sitting helplessly in the middle of the road while someone throws manure in her face, his son being beaten up, and his son-in-law being attacked, are difficult to watch. That's when you realise it wasn't just one individual who was wronged, but an entire family. Cut to 19 years later, and we see an elderly Nambi conversing with actor Shah Rukh Khan (playing himself), who takes us through his trials in a series of flashback sequences.
The story of success overall odds is told well by Dr Nambi himself, but only when the proper questions are asked of him, and here comes Shah Rukh Khan, playing his own bright self in the film. Every time he tells Nambi's narrative to the audience, the actor lights up the screen. With each scene, he increases the audience's involvement. SRK is the ideal fit for the role of a man extracting the story of another man about how he was wronged by the system, something SRK has lately experienced with his kid being pulled into a legal matter without evidence.
The best portion of the 'Rocketry' film:
Nambi's experience demonstrates that even when everything goes according to plan, things can go wrong. The scenes following Nambi's arrest are particularly horrific. In those scenes, you can tell the difference between the director Madhavan and the actor Madhavan. How a recognised scientist who has represented the country on different global forums and has produced outstanding scientific breakthroughs is beaten, harassed, and shamed at various levels. What his family is going through is even worse - a lifetime of trauma after being rejected from society, facing assault, and having never-ending nightmares.
Final verdict on 'Rocketry' film:
Audiences may not classify Rocketry: The Nambi Effect as a huge commercial potboiler appropriate exclusively for festivals, but it's time to let go of these assumptions because this film is well worth your time and money. It helps you understand your country better and recounts the untold narrative of people who gave up all for their country.
This story didn't have to be told in a heroic tone. This was a magnificent subject that deserved a nuanced presentation, which Madhavan delivered. His assurance in his tale shines through, and his acting abilities soar. This is Maddy 2.0, at 52, making confident judgments and telling stories that need to be recounted to future generations.
Our Rating: 9.5/10
