A debate is trending that India does not adequately honor its great scientists. Ignited minds such as C.V. Raman, Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, and APJ Abdul Kalam have failed to kindle the interest of big-budget filmmakers. They failed to portray the scientific phenomenon in a film because they have been preoccupied with deciphering the love theories. Abhay Pannu, the debutant writer-director fills that void by launching Rocket Boys. He has showcased the accomplishments of India’s scientific community in launching the country’s atomic and space programs into an esoteric orbit, post independence.
Rocket Boys – the Plot and why you should watch it
The storyline of ‘Rocket Boys’ revolves around two legendary scientists, one is Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha—known by the vernacular name of “Father of the Indian Nuclear Program”— who was a researcher in Cambridge but returned to India and joined CV Raman’s Indian Institute of Science. He later founded the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai. And the other – Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai— globally known as the “Father of the Indian Space Program”—was an Indian physicist who spearheaded space exploration and helped India develop its nuclear power.
This bio-fiction series is engrossing from the outset, skillfully reproducing memorable scenes from the past, notably those that took place before and after independence. While portraying the real-life occurrences of these scientists and their attempts to move the newly independent and struggling country forward in the path of science & technology, Abhay Pannu’s idea is both compelling and motivational for the spectators.
Rocket Boys Creator has done Justice to India’s Great Scientists
Abhay Pannu’s 8-episode web series is a breathtaking drama that reflects the real-life incidents of two scientists who became friends and envisaged working together for India’s nuclear mission. It beautifully depicts the life struggles of Vikram Sarabhai, who took his college campus as a place for his experiments, and Homi Bhabha, a professor of science who is a great advocator of Sarabhai’s theories and continuous experiments, as they connect and embark on their adventure to make India a nuclear power.
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Later episodes also focused on a young scientist, none other than A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (played by Arjun Radhakrishnan), who collaborated with Sarabhai on India’s first rocket launch into space. In addition, historical clippings run alongside the tale to support events that occurred between the early 1940s and the 1960s.
Stellar Performances from both Jim and Ishwak
Jim Sarbh is a genuine fit for the quirky physicist Homi Bhabha, who has obsession for developing a nuclear reactor. He looks convincing in every frame, from his rise to his elegant outfit. Ishwak Singh skillfully portrays Vikram Sarabhai, a scientist from a wealthy Gujarati family. Sarabhai, unlike Bhabha, always wears simple kurta-pajamas that reflects his modest lifestyle. The supporting cast, including Arjun Radhakrishnan as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Dibyendu Bhattacharya as scientist Dr. Raza Mehdi, Rajit Kapoor as former PM Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Namit Das as reporter Prosenjit Dey have all played their parts very well.
Final Thought
‘Rocket Boys’ is a heartfelt tribute to India’s scientific heroes, their struggles, and their hard toil. Furthermore, Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh deliver outstanding performances in this bio-fiction while gifting an exalting series to the audience.
