'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' Movie Review: For those who are still unaware, 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' is a biographical drama based on the life of Padma Bhushan Nambi Narayanan, a former scientist and aerospace engineer of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who was falsely accused of espionage.
The film is written, produced, and directed by actor R. Madhavan, who also plays the lead role. The story spans across Narayanan's days as a graduate student at Princeton University, before exploring his work as a scientist and the false espionage charges placed upon him.
It is a risky script that could earn critical acclaim but would it be a crowd-puller: is a thought that would have definitely crossed Madhavan's mind before it hit the floors. R Madhavan deserves kudos for choosing an extraordinary biopic for his directorial debut and not giving in to the already set formula for a successful film. The story is definitely inspiring, but Madhavan's act makes it entertaining; reminding us precisely why Bollywood needs more of R Madhavan. He understands that a biopic is not just a business opportunity. It is emotional responsibility.
Actor, writer, and director of the film R Madhavan takes us through various phases of Padma Bhushan Nambi Narayanan's life. His journey as an Indian aerospace engineer inspires, guides, and reinstates our faith in dreams. However, the film highlights the journey wasn't a breeze. It required integrity and courage to fight for your ethics and principles. A scientist, who declined a job offer at NASA to work for ISRO and take forward India's space mission. And yet, he gets branded as a honey-trapped spy. The film captures this essence from Nambi Narayanan's fight against all odds.
The strength of this film also lies in the star cast. Simran, as Narayanan's wife, steals the show. You get an emotional lump in your throat every time she is on-screen. Sam Mohan as Unni is absolutely amazing. R Madhavan ensures that the film is emotional but not overly dramatic. He ensures that the film doesn't fall into the traps of glorification and hero-worshiping. He showcases the flaws of the lead character with equal finesse.
Interestingly, Shah Rukh Khan plays a longish cameo in the film as an interviewer of Nambi Narayanan (real and the reel one). It is a move that works to balance the movie with two good actors holding the helm. This is one of King Khan's best performances in recent times. His fans who are waiting for 'Pathan,' 'Jawan,' and 'Dunki' shouldn't miss this opportunity to witness King Khan's grace, poise, and timely 'exhibited' vulnerability during some intense scenes in the film.
The film's dialogue has the right amount of emotions in the right place. Few lines remain with you long after the screening. 'Scientists react only when Rockets fail to take off; they do not know how to react when humans fail' is one such statement that encapsulates the turmoil faced by Nambi Narayanan.
Rocketry is a genuine attempt at recounting the story of a genius and patriot that truly deserves to be shared and be known by the audience. The film should be watched in the theatre for its honesty, and it will make you wonder if we are worshipping the right heroes? Do we need better role models?
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