Bollywood

Bollywood Could Learn From ‘Rocket Boys’

By AK

February 07, 2022

Rocket Boys is an homage to two Indian nuclear physicists, Homi Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai. This eight-episode series is a joy to see, and everyone should watch. It is a salute to the nation’s space titans, directed by Abhay Pannu.

Script Analysis

Witnessing such a historical event on the sidelines was a patriotic and proud goosebump moment. Sincerity made it even more priceless. When you watch the titans hoist the Indian National Flag in front of the British man who funds their Cosmic Energy Labs at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, your heart swells with pride.

The program spans two decades, from the 1940s to the 1960s, and opens with the continuing World War II; on the one hand. Quit India Movement, on the other, with even Vikram Sarabhai’s sister Mridula Sarabhai participating.

The young visionary scientists push the boundaries of science amid war and sectarian tensions, creating the framework for developing atomic and space research projects.

Rocket Boy’s precision in sticking to the timeline, offering a realistic image of the days produced with those sepia colors, and grand narrative are just a few of the reasons why it succeeds. It might, however, have gone into further detail.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a young scientist, enters the picture right before halftime to further weave the history of science. At the end of the series, Sarabhai launches the first rocket in a village, assembled on a bull cart, leaving the audience in a goosebump moment.

Star Performance

Before the first-ever rocket launch in 1963, India’s nuclear pioneer Homi J Bhabha (Jim Sarbh) states, “Everything is impossible until it isn’t.” With Bhabha and Abdul Kalam (Arjun Radhakrishnan) at his side, Vikram Sarabhai (Ishwak Singh) made the first step toward contemporary India’s space voyage.

As long as Jim Sarbh as Homi Bhabha is on screen, you won’t be able to take your gaze away from him. Sarbh gives a fascinating portrayal as a dedicated scientist for whom the sky is the limit. He swings between funny and angry (at times).

In contrast to his friend, Ishwak Singh, who plays Vikram Sarabhai, he enters with a calmer demeanor and more tenderness. Singh captures the character’s spirit to perfection.

Saba Azad and Regina Cassandra: Even in a historical drama set in the 1940s, the two performers who depict Homi’s romantic interests and spouses are not a blink-and-miss pair. In all of this, where is Jacqueline Bhabha Homi Bhabha’s wife? I’m still perplexed.

Pipsi plays a lawyer who is vocal and level-headed. On the other side, Regina plays Mrinalini Sarabhai, a Padma Shri laureate and Bharatanatyam dancer.

The casting of Arjun Radhakrishnan as Kalam could not be more precise. And I can attest to that since he holds his own against a little more experienced celebrity cast.

The Final Word

One of the most fun History lessons you will ever take is Rocket Boys. You will be happy and gain new information if you take the plunge without a doubt. I’d want to see it again.