Showing posts with label Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. Show all posts
I haven’t found anything concrete to either do Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein 2 or Tanu Weds Manu 3-R Madhavan
10:18 AM
R Madhavan on choosing meaningful and bold roles over fame, staying grounded, and playing a 48-year-old lead in Aap Jaisa Koi
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 4, 2025)
Actors are often asked, “How do you know the pulse of the people?” While few have an answer to this, R Madhavan was refreshingly candid in his take on it. “By being alone with the people,” he tells us. With more than three decades in the entertainment industry, the actor has figured out how to make his complex on-screen characters relatable and true to the context. To ensure that he interacts with people from all walks of life, Madhavan doesn’t let his entourage tag along everywhere.
“I walk around as alone as possible. It keeps me in touch with common people. I want to know the price of lentils and potatoes from the local vegetable vendor. I want to sit with the tech geeks and learn about the next version of the AI. If I’m behaving like a star in front of them, those doors get closed quickly,” he explains.
He reveals that he learnt about black magic for Shaitaan (2024) and understood Indian aerospace scientist Nambi Narayanan for Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022) after a conversation with someone he met on a flight. “I never fear a good risk. Even if it goes wrong, at least you went down blazing. I’d rather go for glorious failure than compromised success any day.”
Despite his many years in the film industry, Madhavan has been selective with his work. He claims he would rather be remembered for a few good films than burden himself with repetitive roles.
“Early on in my career, when I heard people say that if it is an Aamir [Khan] film, the content is bound to be good — that’s something I was dying to have people say about my work. And I have tried to make those choices,” expresses the star.
He shares that 3 Idiots (2009) has reformed the thought process of an entire generation of parents, not just in India. “They come and tell me how it has changed their life,” he says, adding, “I try to not get stereotyped. The only sequel I’ve ever done is Tanu Weds Manu [2011] because the script was so justifiable. I haven’t had the luxury of doing a franchise film where I’m able to repeat the same characters because they worked. I would have loved to. So easy to just sit back and do five films like that till they fail and then do something else.”
No more romances for Maddy!
After decades of doing romcoms, R Madhavan is now avoiding the genre because “nothing is age-appropriate”. While most romcoms these days are associated with teenagers, he believes that people between the ages of 45 and 55 are more romantic. He has wrapped up Aap Jaisa Koi, where he plays a 48-year-old unmarried man romancing Fatima Sana Shaikh’s 29-year-old character.
When asked about the gossip surrounding a Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein sequel, he says, “They ask me too. I haven’t found anything concrete to either do Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein 2 or Tanu Weds Manu 3. It’s all speculation.” He also has De De Pyaar De 2, Dhurandhar, a Tamil sci-fi film Bridge and a Tamil series titled Legacy.
National Awards: Stars descend on New Delhi as President Droupadi Murmu honours the best of Indian cinema
8:32 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (October 18, 2023)
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest film honour, on cinema’s enduring icon Waheeda Rehman, an honour she dedicated to her “dear film industry” and its various departments.
President Murmu also conferred the best actor award on Telugu star Allu Arjun for his performance in ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ and best actress to Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon respectively, for their performances in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and ‘Mimi’.
Referring to films as the most effective medium to spread awareness, Murmu said at a function at Vigyan Bhavan that meaningful films depict the achievements and problems of society and the country.
Arjun, who received the award amid loud cheers, said the award was not only a personal milestone, but belonged to everyone who supported and cherished his cinema.
Alia, who attended the ceremony with actor-husband Ranbir Kapoor, also said she was grateful and honoured for having been awarded.
Actor-filmmaker R Madhavan also received the National Award for best feature film for his directorial debut ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’, while actor Pankaj Tripathi won the best supporting actor for ‘Mimi’.
Union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur said Indian content was no longer limited to regions, adding that the government stands with the industry in its efforts to counter movie piracy, and also on a policy that will help India realize its potential as the “content hub of the world”.
Rocketry: The Nambi Effect hadn't won anything; we had lost hope-R Madhavan
9:21 AM
Euphoric at his National Award win, R Madhavan dedicates it to scientist Nambi Narayanan
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 2, 2023)
R Madhavan’s passion project Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022) bagged the award for the Best Feature Film at the 69th National Film Awards, which was an “exciting and euphoric moment” for the actor. He adds, “We were watching the award announcement and kept our fingers crossed. We had not won anything until the very end and had almost given up hope. But when the last announcement came, I think the rocket just lifted off and we had a blast. I feel completely honoured and appreciated [with this win].”
As the producer, director and co-writer of the film, Madhavan, who also played the lead, says the award “belongs to Padma Bhushan Nambi Narayanan ji (aerospace engineer)”, whose life inspired the film’s screenplay. “Nambi sir feels like he’s 40 years younger. He’s being recognized and is signing autographs for kids. The objective of Team Rocketry has been met,” the 53-year-old shares.
For the actor, bringing the project to fruition was a rewarding experience. “To have control over the audience’s emotion as they watch the film is one of the greatest privileges of being a storyteller and a director,” he says, adding, “There’s a great sense of satisfaction when the audience does what you envisaged. I could see them laugh, get teary-eyed and feel aghast when I wanted them to.”
Ask why he chose to helm the film in all aspects, Madhavan says, “I wanted to produce it as there weren’t many producers willing to bet on a subject like this. There’s an uncanny resemblance between Nambi sir and me, when I grew out and dyed my beard. More importantly, being the producer and director, I also didn’t have to worry about having any hostility [on set] since the actor, director, producer and writer were best of friends.”
RRR wins 6 National Awards, Gangubai Kathiawadi 5; Allu Arjun wins Best Actor award
8:45 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (August 25, 2023)
New Delhi: ‘The Kashmir Files’, Vivek Agnihotri’s controversial film on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, bagged the Nargis Dutt Award for best feature film on national integration at the 69th National Film Awards announced Thursday. Pallavi Joshi won best supporting actress for the film.
The National Awards for 2021, announced by filmmaker Ketan Mehta, declared Nikhil Mahajan best director for Marathi film ‘Godavari’.
The Indira Gandhi Award for best debut film went to ‘Meppadiyan’ in Malayalam while the prize for best film on social issues went to Assamese ‘Anunaad-the Resonance’. Telugu blockbuster ‘RRR’, which won six awards, saw M M Keeravani share the best music direction award with Devi Sri Prasad for ‘Pushpa’.
Asked about films releasing theatrically in 2022 winning the awards for 2021, Neerja Sekhar, I&B additional secretary, said, “As per regulations, the eligible films were certified and released from 1st January 2021 to December 31, 2021.”
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THE TIMES OF INDIA (August 25, 2023)
New Delhi: Hindi feature film ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’ was adjudged best feature film in the National Awards 2021 announced on Thursday.
Allu Arjun, Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon won top acting honours for their roles in ‘Pushpa: The Rise (Part I)’, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and ‘Mimi’ respectively. Pankaj Tripathi won the award for best supporting actor for ‘Mimi’. Shoojit Sircar’s biopic ‘Sardar Udham’ won the award for best Hindi film as well as honours for best cinematography, audiography (re-recording final mixing), production design and costume design.
‘RRR’, directed by S S Rajamouli, won six awards including best popular film providing wholesome entertainment, best male playback singer to Kalabhairava, special effects, action director and choreography.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s biopic ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ was a close second with five awards. While Alia Bhatt won best actress, Bhansali won the award for best editing and screenplay writer (adapted), both jointly with Utkarshini Vashishtha.
Shreya Ghoshal won the best female playback award for her song ‘Mayava Chaayavaa’ for the film ‘Iravin Ninzhal’. The best original screenplay award, meanwhile, went to Malayalam film ‘Nayattu’ and its writer Shahi Kabir.
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MID-DAY (August 24, 2023)
Feature Film Awards:
Special mention: Kadaisi Vivasayi - Late Shri Nallandi, Jhilli - Aranya Gupta & Bithan Biswas, Home - Indrans, Anu: Eyes On The Sunshine - Jahanara Begum
Best Feature Film in each language:
Mishing: Boomba Rise
Assamese: Anur (Eyes On The Sunshine)
Bengali: Kalkokkho-House Of Time
Hindi: Sardar Udham
Gujarati: Chhello Show
Kannada: 777 Charlie
Maithili: Samanantar (The Parallel)
Marathi: Ekda Kay Zala
Malayalam: Home
Meiteilion: Eikhoigi Yum (Our Home)
Odia: Pratikshya (The Wait)
Tamil: Kadaisi Vivasayi (The Last Farmer)
Telugu: Uppena (Wave)
Technical Awards:
Best Action Direction: King Soloman for RRR (Telugu)
Best Choreography: Prem Rakshith for RRR
Best Special Effects: V Srinivas Mohan for RRR
Special Jury Awards: Shershaah director Vishnu Vardhan
Best Lyrics: Chandrabose for 'Konda Polam' song from Dham Dham Dham
Best Music Direction: Devi Sri Prasad for 'Pushpa' and M M Keeravani for 'RRR'
Best makeup artist: Preetisheel Singh D'Souza For 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'
Best Costume Award: Veera Kapur Ee for Sardar Udham
Best Production Designer: Dmitrii Malich & Mansi Dhruv Mehta for Sardar Udham
Best Editing: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Audiography: Chavittu, Jhilli and Sardar Udham
Best Screenplay: Shahi Kabir for Nayattu (original) and Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi (Adapted)
Best Dialogue Writer: Utkarshini Vashishtha and Prakash Kapadia for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Cinematography: Avik Mukhopadhayay for Sardar Udham
Best Female Playback Singer: Shreya Ghoshal for Maayava Chaayavaa from Iravin Nizhal
Best Male Playback Singer: Kaala Bhairava for Komuram Bheemudo for RRR
Best Child Artist: Bhavin Rabari (Chelloo Show)
Best Supporting Actress: Pallavi Joshi for The Kashmir Files
Best Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi for Mimi
Best Actress: Kriti Sanon for Mimi and Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Actor: Allu Arjun for Pushpa
Best Direction: Nikhil Mahajan for Godavari
Best Feature Film: Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
NON-FEATURE FILM CATEGORY:
Best Non-Feature Film: Ek Tha Gaon (Garhwali & Hindi)
Best Director: Bakual Matiyani for Smile Please (Hindi)
Best Film on Family Values: Chand Saanse (Hindi)
Best Cinematographer: Bittu Rawat for Pataal Tee (Bhotiya)
Best Investigative Film: Looking For Challan (English)
Best Educational Film: Sirpigalin Sipangal (Tamil)
Best Film on Social Issues: Mithu Di (English), Three Two One (Marathi & Hindi)
Best Environmental Films: Munnam Valavu (Malayalam)
Best Book on Cinema: Music by Laxmikant Pyarelal: The Incredibly Melodious Journey by Rajiv Vijayakar
Best Film Critic: Purushothama Charyulu
Best Film Critic (Special Mention): Subramanya Bandoor
To see Nambi Narayan being mobbed by children at airports feels like the biggest award-R Madhavan
8:51 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 14, 2023)
R Madhavan wasn’t expecting the kind of love his film Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022) received. And the actor’s happiness has grown manifold ever since the film made it to the Oscars Reminder List. “We never expected to get this far,” he says, adding, “It has always been a dream, and now to get this validation is a shot in the arm.”
The 52-year-old is proud that the film received love in India and abroad. “The international response has been breathtaking. The number of shows we did before the release resulted in people coming out, sobbing and hugging Nambi (Narayanan, scientist; the film is based on his life).”
Madhavan says the film only aimed to make Nambi’s story known: “We have achieved everything we set out to. To see sir being mobbed by children at airports feels like the biggest award. Of course, we like it when a film makes a lot more money and gets bigger, but that’s just greed and not desire.”
Besides acting in the film, Madhavan also directed and produced it. “It all happened like it was meant to be. Even now, the Oscar eligibility is something I am looking at with amusement with the entire team. I feel very grateful,” he signs off.
Kantara to Gangubai Kathiawadi: Here are the Indian films eligible for Oscar nominations
8:27 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (January 11, 2022)
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Monday that 301 feature films are eligible for nominations for the 95th Oscars in its annual reminder list. Among the Indian feature films in it are RRR, Kantara and Gangubai Kathiawadi, besides the documentaries All That Breathes and The Elephant Whisperers. The list only mentions the films ‘eligible’ for Oscars. A film’s inclusion in it does not guarantee that it will advance to the nominations list.
From the Indian films listed in it, in the shortlist for 10 categories unveiled in December, Chhello Show made it to the best international film segment, while Naatu Naatu from RRR found a place in the original song category. All That Breathes was included in the documentary feature shortlist and The Elephant Whisperers in the documentary short category.
The 9,579 eligible voting members will begin filling out their ballots on Thursday, January 12 and ballots will close on January 17. The official Oscar nominations will be announced January 24, with the ceremony airing live on March 12 from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
WHAT IS THE ACADEMY’S REMINDER LIST OF PRODUCTIONS ELIGIBLE FOR OSCARS?
The reminder list includes all the films that are eligible to compete in various categories whether those films are official submissions from the country or not. Inclusion in the reminder list does not guarantee that the film will advance in the nominations list which will be announced on January 24.
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HINDUSTAN TIMES (January 11, 2022)
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has come out with a list of 301 feature films eligible for Oscars, and last year’s Indian films RRR, Gangubai Kathiawadi, The Kashmir Files (TKF) and Kantara, have made the cut. The list includes films that can officially compete in various categories. But featuring in the list doesn’t guarantee that the film will make it to the final nominations that will be announced on January 24.
Filmmaker Pan Nalin’s Chhello Show (2021), India’s official Oscars entry, also features in the list. Other 2022 releases include Me Vasantrao, Tujhya Sathi Kahi Hi, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, Iravin Nizhal and Vikrant Rona, and documentaries All That Breathes and The Elephant Whisperers. Among the listed films, Chhello Show, RRR, All That Breathes and The Elephant Whisperers have already made it to the Oscars shortlist for four categories.
TKF director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri tweeted, “#TheKashmirFiles has been shortlisted for #Oscars2023 in the first list of @TheAcademy. It’s one of the 5 films from India. I wish all of them very best. A great year for Indian cinema. (sic).”
To say I’m making sacrifices is a little unfair. It’s the family that is making it-R Madhavan
7:40 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 4, 2022)
He is an actor, director and producer, but R Madhavan is equally the hands-on father. He is often seen accompanying his son, Vedaant, to swimming events and championships, and has even drawn praise for the commitment he shows.
However, Madhavan begs to differ. “Everybody likes to romanticize it, but the truth of the matter is, it’s taken care of by my wife. I am there for moral support, the sport is handled by the swim mothers (those involved hands-on in prep and coaching). Anybody who knows what a swim mum is, you need to stay away from them. My wife is a very ardent one!” says the 52-year-old.
“As a family, of course, there are a lot of challenges. I am in Dubai half the time and the rest in other places. But, for me to say I’m making sacrifices is a little unfair. It’s the family that is making it. I do only a few films every year, so it’s no chip on my shoulder [to be there],” he quips.
But, he sure has a chip on the work front, thanks to the success of his debut directorial, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. “I was nervous, like any first-time director. It was the first time I did everything — produced it with my partners, directed it and acted in three languages. When I look back, I think, ‘What were you thinking?’ But, thanks to the audience and critics, I’ve become a little confident that when you believe in something enough, it manifests itself exactly the way you thought it would,” he wraps up.
Nambi Narayanan’s biographical movie faulty, say Ex-ISRO scientists
8:21 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (August 25, 2022)
Thiruvananthapuram: A group of former Isro scientists on Wednesday alleged that the claims made by ex-ISRO scientist Nambi Narayananin the movie ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’ and through some television channels, were false and amounts to defaming the space agency. Directed, produced and written by actor R Madhavan, the biographical drama is based on the life of aerospace engineer Nambi Narayanan. Madhavan also plays the lead role in the movie.
“We are forced to tell the public certain matters as Nambi Narayanan has been defaming Isro and other scientists through the movie Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, and also through television channels. His claims that he is the father of many projects is false. He even claimed in the movie that he once corrected A P J Abdul Kalam, who went on to become the Indian President. That is also false,” the former scientists said.
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THE TIMES OF INDIA (August 25, 2022)
Thiruvananthapuram: Nine former scientists of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Wednesday alleged that former scientist Nambi Narayanan is making false claims regarding his role in India's space programme. "Narayanan takes all the credit for ISRO's success stories, when the reality is different," they said.
"Except for the fact that he possesses good communication skills, he has no expertise in cryogenic technology or the Vikas rocket engine," they alleged. "He neither had any responsibility in the development of the liquid propulsion stages nor did he work as the director of any center or project at ISRO," said veteran A E Muthunayagam, founder director of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion System Centre (LPSC), who convened a press conference here on Wednesday.
"The recent film 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' was a move to project Narayanan as an expert in rocket science on which he, in reality, has zero knowledge," the scientists said. They also alleged that Narayanan received Padma Bhushan using his influence and there are hundreds of ISRO scientists who actually deserve the honor.
"Narayanan is hailed by public as the person behind cryogenic technology and the Vikas engine. It is not true. He was not even a member of the study project on cryogenic propulsion systems. After all, all the major developments in cryogenic tech took place in ISRO after 1994 when he wasn't there due to the espionage case. He also raised the tall claim that he had developed Vikas engine. The fact is the engine was created by modifying the French-made Viking engine," said Muthunayagam.
Muthunayagam added that during 95 per cent of Narayanan's ISRO career, he worked under his guidance. He also refuted Narayanan's claim that he had worked with stalwarts like Vikram Sarabhai, Satish Dhawan and Brahm Prakash. "There is a sinister motive behind all his false claims," added Muthunayagam.
The team of scientists is also planning to write to the Central government requesting to revoke the honors given to him. D Sasikumaran, former deputy director of the cryogenic technology division, who was also a co-accused in the spy case, said that it is hard to believe Narayanan was tortured by the police.
"I was in custody for 12 days and Narayanan for just three days. I did not face any torture," said Sasikuamaran. "It was known from the beginning itself that the case was cooked up as the cryogenic technology wasn't developed at all when the charges were levelled," he said. "After all, spying can only be done by a person who has some knowledge on it. Narayanan had no knowledge about it," he added.
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THE ECONOMIC TIMES (August 24, 2022)
Top former space scientists, all retired from ISRO on Wednesday slammed their former colleague S. Nambi Narayanan, terming the claims he has made in movie "Rocketry: The Nambi Effect" released globally on July 2 "a bluff" and "devoid of facts", and hence, making them decide to go public.
The movie is about the life and struggles of Nambi Narayanan who was a senior scientist in the ISRO and later was alleged of being involved in espionage. He fought the case, got acquitted of all charges, and even made the police pay him compensation for undue detention and trauma.
The film has been scripted and directed by actor R. Madhavan and has by now completed more than 50 days.
Among those who addressed the media here included Dr A.E. Muthunayagom, the former Director of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), D. Sasikumaran, former Deputy Director, Cryogenic Engine), Prof E.V.S Namboothiri, the former Project Director, Cryogenic Project, and a few others.
This is how India’s entry to Oscars is selected
8:45 AM
With fans already kicked about films likely to represent India at the Oscars, experts decode the selection process
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 27, 2022)
Of late, there’s been buzz around films such as RRR, The Kashmir Files and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, as they stand a chance to represent India at the Oscars next year (95th Academy Awards). But, experts suggest that fans shouldn’t get overwhelmed with the hype yet, as the official selection process hasn’t even begun.
“The process of seeking entries will start at the beginning of September, with the Film Federation of India (FFI) sending invites to all the [film] associations in India. The jury will start viewing the films on September 16, and the official entry will be announced by the end of September. That film will be sent to the Oscars in October,” says Supran Sen, secretary general, FFI.
Breaking down the process of finding India’s official entry to the Oscars, Nitin N Datar, vice president, FFI, shares, “We don’t have a fixed selection committee. We add new members every year, who are all National Film Award winners. While we watch a lot of movies to decide the official entry, some producers can also send their entries directly to the Academy, if they meet the eligibility criteria. We take note of films from all across India and not just the popular ones.”
While the jury has been formed, the names of the members haven’t been revealed yet. “That’s because once the names are out, there is a lot of pressure from people, as they try to influence the jury members’ decision,” adds Datar
Trade experts are happy with the films that are creating the buzz. Taran Adarsh says, “These films are strong contenders, as they are unique and reflect real India.” Producer and trade analyst Girish Johar adds, “These films are apt because they represent Indian viewing consumption right now.”
Director Ketan Mehta, who has been on the jury in the past, decodes the criteria for picking the official entry: “The story and filmmaking should be high quality, and the story should have the ability to travel the world.”
Critics said that I could have given it to a better director, but I couldn’t find someone who understood how ISRO works-R Madhavan
8:18 AM
R Madhavan discusses taking on the triple challenge of writing, acting and directing so that he could do justice to the story of the maverick behind India’s rocket age
Phorum Pandya (MID-DAY; July 10, 2022)
In one moment, you are enjoying light banter with your loved ones, and in the very next, you are arrested and slapped with the label of a spy.
Nambi Narayanan, director of the cryogenic project at ISRO, went through hell, after he was arrested in 1994 for being allegedly embroiled with a Maldivian woman and selling secrets of ISRO to Pakistan. What followed was years of character assassination and trauma. That he was also ISRO’s celebrated maverick scientist who led a team to Vernon, France, for three years, only to return and invent the Vikas engine that paved the way for the era of PSLV rockets, was conveniently sidelined.
“His story was like a James Bond movie,” says R Madhavan, of what inspired him to write, act in and direct Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, a film on the scientist that released on July 1. The actor, whom we meet over a video call, is dressed in a bright red hoodie and sporting an unshaven look—a stark difference from his near-perfect avatar in the film to resemble Nambi, whose character evolves from an ambitious and bright 27-year-old to a disillusioned 74-year-old.
“When I first narrowed down on this story, I thought it would be good fun to do; the fact that he was innocent was a cliffhanger for me. But when I met him, it was like [as if] somebody had hit me with a sledgehammer. From his demeanor… the way he was speaking, [I realized] he wasn’t just an ordinary scientist. It was only when he started talking about his achievements in life apart from the case, what I was missing stood out and loomed up like a giant,” says Madhavan.
“Here we have a celebrated scientist who made the Vikas engine, but all that Google throws up is the label of a spy. It wasn’t picking up on the Vikas engine or the meritorious things he had done,” says Madhavan, adding that Nambi’s story was already written. “I just had to focus on which part of the story I wanted to tell.”
Madhavan’s directorial debut unveils the genius of Nambi, beginning with his friendship with mentor Vikram Sarabhai at ISRO to his scholarly pursuit at Princeton and later, as the main man heading a team of 52 scientists to Vernon, France, to help develop the Viking-3 rocket engine.
The film wears a cloak of honest rawness that makes us laugh out loud at light-hearted moments, and cry at poignant turns. The personal trauma that the Narayanan family faced has been portrayed with depth. In one scene, Nambi’s distress to hail an auto in pouring rain to take his ill wife home is so real, the frustration is palpable. “Nobody wants to take up a directorial venture which is so mammoth in its philosophy. Critics said that I could have given it to a better director, but I couldn’t find someone who understood how ISRO works and was well-versed with the cryogenic engine, I just couldn’t. I didn’t have the budgets either,” he says, earnestly.
Then there was the challenge of making a film in three languages—Hindi, English and Tamil. “I knew all three, so I jumped in.”
Madhavan, himself, has a BSc degree in Electronics, and has nurtured a deep interest in aeronautics. He was recognised as a leading NCC cadet, which landed him the opportunity to receive training with the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. He considered joining the forces, but missed the age cut-off by six months. “My entire life prepared me for this moment, truth be told,” he says.
To ensure his acting didn’t interfere with his direction, he saw that the team left the least amount of creativity for the set. “My characters were well defined, we had done the workshops and rehearsals, so we had minimum improvising liberties on the set. I was delivering what I had already set. I had the entire story and script in my head.”
It was imperative, Madhavan feels, to completely imbibe Nambi. “I was just spending time with him, observing him. He gave me one advice: select the right people and let them do their job. Make sure I had given them my vision, and just leave them alone. For every aspect of the film, from filmography to music, I gave them a vision of where I wanted to go, and then gave them complete freedom. That is exactly how he built the Vikas engine,” he adds.
The rest of the cast fit their roles with ease. Param, a fictional character played by Rajeev Ravindranathan, is a scientist and friend who stands by Nambi through his ups and downs. Another character that shines is Unni, played by Sam Mohan, who has the canvas to despise Nambi for a phase in his life, but becomes his support system post the arrest. “I didn’t want anyone to come on set and try to play an astro-scientist or make the effort to convince the audience. I am very proud of the intricacies of what we achieved,” says Madhavan.
The story is held together in the form of an interview conducted by Shah Rukh Khan; the Tamil version has Suriya in the role.
Playing his real-life self of a Bollywood star helps present the story in a digestible format. The charmer offers a platform for Nambi’s storytelling. The dialogues have a lot of scientific terms thrown in, but without the need to understand what specific impulse means to an engine, we are able to enjoy the excitement of an experiment. Madhavan, admits, he didn’t want to dumb it down. “It is really a conversation between scientists and geniuses,” he tells us, signing off, “Even if I don’t make as much money as other actors, I will never make a movie that will undermine my audience.”
In a nutshell
In 1998, the Supreme Court acquitted Nambi Narayanan in the case and awarded him a compensation of Rs 1 lakh. In 1999, Narayanan claimed compensation from the state for agony under the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). An interim compensation of Rs. 10 lakh was awarded. The SC awarded him a compensation of R50 lakh in 2018. In 2019, Nambi Narayanan was awarded the third highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to India’s space research at the age of 80. In 2020, he was awarded an added compensation of Rs 1.3 crore.
Madhavan’s character evolves from an ambitious and bright 27-year-old to a disillusioned 74-year-old
With Nambi Narayanan (white shirt) on the set of Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
Without asking or taking any money, even for his costume, Shah Rukh Khan came, did his job, and left-R Madhavan
8:49 AM
R Madhavan on casting Shah Rukh Khan for a cameo in his directorial debut
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 3, 2022)
For a fan, there’s nothing more thrilling than catching a glimpse of their favourite actor. And if the actor happens to be Shah Rukh Khan, the excitement is ten-fold. After four years, the King of Bollywood made a screen appearance, albeit in a cameo role, for R Madhavan’s directorial debut, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. Those in the know were waiting to see the star in action with bated breath. It was long decided that Khan would do a role in Madhavan’s film, only when and where was left undecided.
“I had talked about the script [of the biopic] to SRK sir when we were shooting for Zero [2018]. I didn’t know he had paid attention [then]. On his birthday [November 2], when we met him, he said, ‘Maddy, the script is damn good. I want to do a role in it’. [He was] serious. I was happy that he even remembered. He later called up asking how many dates I wanted,” recollected Madhavan, adding that he had planned a “dynamic role” for him.
The recently released film sees Khan reprise south star Suriya’s role in the Hindi and English version, where he plays a journalist. “Without asking or taking any money, even for his costume, Khan saab came, did his job, and left,” explains Maddy.
He believed that SRK took up the role because he had a fondness for him, but this theory was later disapproved when he saw Khan interacting with rocket scientist Nambi Narayanan. “I was jealous seeing him interact with Nambi Narayanan and the amount of respect he had for [the scientist].”
Having been an outsider in the Hindi film industry, Madhavan had often heard stories about the good and bad of Bollywood. Still, Khan’s attitude confirmed that, “There are some spectacularly good people in the industry.”
Rocktery: The Nambi Effect is based on the life of rocket scientist Nambi Narayanan at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who was falsely accused of espionage and arrested in 1994.
(Crisp) Movie Review: ROCKTERY: THE NAMBI EFFECT by FENIL SETA
11:52 AM
Rocketry: The Nambi Effect tells a shocking story of a man who had to suffer for years due to false charges. The subject is superb. People might have heard of Nambi Narayanan or might know a little bit about his struggles. However, they won’t know about it in detail or his life before the controversy. As a result, it makes for a fine experience to see his journey on celluloid. R Madhavan the director has handled a few moments very well. However, a lot of technical terms are used in the first half and it’ll leave viewers confused. The dialogues should have been simplified for a better impact. The other major problem is that several questions remain unanswered. This ambiguity takes away the impact to some extent. Speaking of performances, R Madhavan is terrific and this is surely one of his most accomplished performances. He is especially amazing in the second half and in his old look. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is lovely in a cameo. Simran (Nambi’s wife Meena), Sam Mohan (Unni) and Kartik Kumar (CBI officer P M Nair) leave a huge mark. Rajit Kapur (Vikram Sarabhai), Vincent Riotta (Professor Crocco) and Branka Petric (Professor Crocco’s wife) also do well. All in all, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is a decent attempt and a nice, one-time watch.
My rating - *** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 732
9:55 AM
WILL THE HOLLYWOOD RELEASE OF THE WEEK OVERPOWER THE BOLLYWOOD RELEASES?
The next two Fridays will see Bollywood taking a backseat as some not-so-exciting films would be up for release. Meanwhile, Hollywood can dominate this week as well as the next. While Thor: Love And Thunder would be released on Thursday, July 7, this week will see the release of Minions: The Rise Of Gru. The film has been ready for a long time and was supposed to be released on June 13, 2020. Due to the Covid pandemic, it got delayed by a year, at first. Finally, it will be out in cinemas on Thursday, June 30, in India.
Minions: The Rise Of Gru is a part of the Despicable Me franchise. However, the story takes off from where Minions ended and it shows how these yellow, mischievous creatures declared Gru as their boss. These characters are extremely popular and have a fan following in audiences of all ages. Though the previous films in this franchise haven’t done record business in India, Minions: The Rise Of Gru can work as there's a dearth of exciting content in cinemas.
Since it releases on a Thursday, its collections would be poor on day 1 as it’s a family film. The target audience of such films throng cinemas mainly on Saturday and Sunday. Hence, the earnings of Minions: The Rise Of Gru can rise on these two days if the word of mouth is positive. Recently, Top Gun: Maverick also didn’t start well and many assumed that it’ll flop. However, once the film picked up, there was no looking back and it is about to cross the Rs. 40 crore mark! Minions: The Rise Of Gru won’t put up such numbers and even if it does Rs. 10-12 crores business, it’ll be more than enough.
Meanwhile, two Bollywood films would also release this week, on Friday, July 1. Rashtra Kavach OM stars Aditya Roy Kapur in an action packed avatar for the first time. Sanjana Sanghi is paired opposite him in this film, which is produced by Ahmed Khan. The film was earlier titled OM: The Battle Within. Reportedly, the name was changed due to issues concerning the copyright of the title. The excitement for the film is minimal. Moreover, it seems like the audience is not entirely kicked with the idea of seeing Aditya Roy Kapur in such a role. Its opening would be poor, in the range of Rs. 75 lakhs to Rs. 2 crores. In the single screens of B and C centres, it’ll find some takers.
The final release of the week is Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. It features R Madhavan as the lead actor as well as the director. The movie tells a fascinating story of Nambi Narayan, an ISRO genius, who was falsely accused of espionage. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect was screened at the 75th Cannes Film Festival and the response was quite positive. However, since the awareness and hype are low, the makers would have to make do with critical acclaim as commercial success will be hard to come by, especially in the Hindi version. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is also being released in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and English.
I asked Nambi Narayanan to share his worst qualities, and his answers blew my mind-R Madhavan
7:56 AM
Going beyond acting with Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, Madhavan says conviction to helm Narayanan’s biopic came from research-backed material
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; June 29, 2022)
Some stories leave a profound effect on you. The journey of former ISRO scientist S Nambi Narayanan had a similar effect on R Madhavan. He was so fascinated by the scientist’s contribution to ISRO, his 1994 arrest on charges of espionage and subsequent acquittal that he felt compelled to bring the story to the big screen, not only as an actor, but also as a writer-director. That led to the creation of Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, which sees Madhavan play the former aerospace engineer.
For an artiste who has faced the camera for over two decades, going behind it can be an unnerving experience. “I feel I am not qualified to be a director at all. I haven’t been to any [filmmaking] school, nor have I assisted any [director]. I don’t think I will ever venture into direction again. So, I don’t care about validation [for my directorial skills] at this point. Then again, I haven’t sought validation for anything. I have been one of those vagabonds who follow their hearts,” smiles Madhavan, far from nervous as the film’s release inches closer.
The biopic became a passion project for the actor-director, who dedicated six years to its making. Bringing Narayanan on board to share his life story was not easy. But after a few interactions, the scientist could gauge Madhavan’s honest intent with the film.
“Nambi sir is sharp. He is not just a scientist, he is a genius. He kept judging me when I went to meet him. When I said I wanted to learn about liquid fuel engineering, he said, ‘You are an actor. What do you know about physics? How much do you know about space?’ Thankfully, I passed muster.”
Biopics in Hind cinema tend to be hagiographies. However, the actor-director insists that his film is based on intense research and has remained true to the facts. “It’s all factual,” he asserts, before adding, “I made sure his bad qualities are showcased. That’s the first part of breaking the stereotype [of a biopic]. I asked him to share his worst qualities, and his answers blew my mind. He told me the kind of things that I cannot imagine human beings doing, but his reasons were justified.”
I have never been the kind of guy known for my fashion sense-R Madhavan
8:09 AM
R Madhavan says he prefers to be known for his work and believes this approach has served him well over the course of his career
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 20, 2021)
After 2020, this year again seems to be a busy year for R Madhavan. Two of his films, one each in Telugu and Tamil, released directly on OTT in 2020, and Maara was the latest addition this year.
Recently, he was in the Capital, shooting for his next web project. The actor tells us, “I was shooting an original series for two months. I was apprehensive as 250 families are connected with this project, their livelihood is connected, I feel responsible. I didn’t step out of my room even once, and we finished 95% of the shoot. As artists everybody took responsibility, and never took anything for granted.”
Clearly, the web features big on his action plan. In fact, the show Breathe which he headlined was the first original web show from India, way back in 2018.
“I always knew the potential of OTT and I was definitely a pioneer who jumped into it. I think because of the Coronavirus situation, it has become much larger than we ever expected. Many platforms are cropping up, and thankfully have become revenue earners not just for actors but everyone involved in the industry — technicians, junior artists, etc. Unfortunately categories like dancers are still not much in demand,” says Madhavan.
The 50-year-old hasn’t been seen in a full-fledged role in Hindi films, in over five years now. What’s keeping him away? “Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, my trilingual film has consumed my entire time from Saala Khadoos till now. I did Breathe in between, and Vikram Vedha apart from that. Rocketry has been all consuming, and I’m hoping it’s worth the wait. I can’t wait to show it to the world,” he gushes.
Madhavan, unless a project is nearing a release, is nowhere to be seen, and practically vanishes. Social media updates, too, aren’t frequent.
He says he has never been otherwise. “I have never been the kind of guy known for my fashion sense or being in news for unqualified remarks that I make. So I prefer to be known for my work. I guess it’s served me well in terms of respect and I am happy with the positioning that it has got me,” he quips.
Shah Rukh Khan goes back to Punjab for his next with Rajkumar Hirani
9:16 AM
Social comedy is an immigration tale moving between Punjab and Canada; team waiting for travel restrictions to ease for a long schedule abroad
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 7, 2020)
Mirror had earlier reported (Dec 3, 2019) that after almost two years of a sabbatical, Shah Rukh Khan is ready to get back in action. We’ve now learned that his next is a social comedy about immigration to be directed by Rajkumar Hirani.
“Like all Raju films, it revolves around a serious, globally relevant issue and is treated with gentle humour. The story moves between Punjab and Canada,” revealed a source, pointing out that while SRK has played characters from Punjab in the past, this one is unlike anything he has done before. “This guy is jovial, he’ll make you laugh and get emotional. Shah Rukh is growing his hair for the part.” The actor was clicked recently by paparazzi during a shoot at home and his hair is longer than usual.
The film is written by Kanika Dhillon and Hirani, with the filmmaker’s frequent collaborator, Abhijat Joshi, overseeing the script. “It was set to go on the floors in August, but the Coronavirus pandemic hit the plan for a six. The trio is currently giving finishing touch to the script, after which the team will chalk out a new schedule. The film requires a long outdoor shoot abroad and they will wait till travel restrictions are eased. If things get back to normal soon, it should kick off before the year ends,” the source informed.
During his self-imposed hibernation, Shah Rukh reportedly read and rejected over 20 scripts, before finalising Raju’s next as his comeback. He has also given the nod to Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK’s cool action-thriller. It will be lavishly mounted with the Go Goa Gone duo’s quirky brand of humour. Buzz is, SRK is also interested in an action-packed film with Sidharth Anand at the helm.
Meanwhile, the actor has shot for two extended cameos. He plays a journalist interviewing scientist Nambi Narayanan in R Madhavan’s Rocketry, taking us through the protagonist’s journey. In Ayan Mukerji’s Ranbir Kapoor-led action-adventure Brahmastra, he plays a scientist himself. “Shah Rukh will introduce the audience to the fantasy world of RK’s Shiva. He has also been reading scripts for his production house and plans to roll with multiple films once the pandemic is behind us. Some of the projects require young talent and he is in talks with his Dilwale co-star Varun Dhawan to play the lead in one of his productions. Bob Biswas with Abhishek Bachchan is already on the floors,” added the source.
Shah Rukh is also developing a script based on the abuse of 34 minor girls out of the 46 housed in a Muzaffarpur shelter home. These girls, who were either abandoned by family, were lost or rescued from sex trade, told the court that they had been confined, beaten, stripped, drugged and raped. Those arrested in the case include a member of a child welfare committee, the district child protection officer, owner of the NGO and several female employees. The film is written and will be directed by Pulkit, who worked on a biographical series about Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose featuring Rajkummar Rao. “Shah Rukh is looking to bring this horrific crime to the screen,” the source signed off.
Shah Rukh Khan turns journalist in R Madhavan's Rocketry: The Nambi Effect?
8:29 AM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 6, 2020)
Shah Rukh Khan was seen last on screen in the Aanand L Rai-directed Christmas 2018 release Zero, which chronicled the journey of a vertically-challenged man from Meerut to Mars. While the actor returned to Earth in the film’s climax, he hasn’t really got back on the big screen since. SRK was to fly off to space in the Rakesh Sharma biopic, Saare Jahan Se Accha, but eventually opted out of the project. There has been constant speculation about his next ever since, but nothing has been announced officially.
Mirror has now learnt that during this self-imposed sabbatical, SRK has shot for pivotal parts in two films, Ayan Mukerji’s fantasy action adventure Brahmastra, fronted by Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, and R Madhavan’s Nambi Narayanan biopic Rocketry. “Ayan and Maddy are extremely fond of SRK and believed no one but he fits the bill. Neither are run-of-the mill cameos, but are integral to the plot and carry the narrative forward,” revealed a source close to the development, adding that SRK shot for both roles last year.
Mirror was the first to reveal that the actor has a cameo in Brahmastra that is shot using ample of visual effects. The film begins with his character, a scientist, introducing the audience to the fantasy world. “In Rocketry, he plays a journalist who interviews scientist Nambi Narayanan, and takes us through the protagonist’s journey in flashback,” added the source. Both films are currently in post-production and will hit the theatres next year. Interestingly, in SRK’s last release, Zero, Madhavan had an extended cameo as a NASA scientist.
In the last two years, Shah Rukh has reportedly read over 20 scripts. While interacting with fans on Twitter, he hinted at a collaboration with Rajkumar Hirani, quipping, “Raju apna sa lagta hai” when asked which directors he would love to work with. We have also learnt that Hirani’s next is a social drama, written by him and Kanika Dhillon and supervised by his frequent collaborator Abhijat Joshi. “It is set against the backdrop of immigration and prior to the lockdown, the makers were planning to shoot it in Canada and Punjab. The team is still working on developing the screenplay,” the source informed.
Apart from the social drama, SRK is also in talks with the director-duo Raj and DK (as reported by Mirror, December 3) for a quirky action thriller, among other films.
Check out R Madhavan as aerospace engineer Nambi Narayanan in Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
7:55 AM
Nambi Narayanan and R Madhavan
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 22, 2019)
R Madhavan kicked off his debut directorial Rocketry: The Nambi Effect last week. He plays the titular role of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) scientist Nambi Narayanan and admits that getting the look right was a “painfully long” process. “Prep involved sitting in a chair for around 14 hours for two days. It seemed easy to start with but as we went along, I realised just how tough it is to get even the hair right. But in the end, the effort was worth it,” Madhavan admitted. The look has been curated by Rohan Jagtap and Farah Tarapore under the guidance of Vikram Gaikwad.
Getting under the skin of the character was tough because he plays a 75-year-old in the film. “Nambi Narayanan sir is a good-looking man and it took me around two-and-a-half years to imbibe his charm and charisma and learn how to walk like him. It wasn’t enough just to look like him, I had to look like I was 75 years old. This one is probably one of the toughest characters I have played,” he acknowledged. And how did the scientist react to his screen avatar? “He couldn’t stop laughing, he was really amused. It’s eerie how similar we both look,” laughed Madhavan.
He was earlier supposed to co-direct the film with Ananth Narayan Mahadevan but the veteran filmmaker bowed out of the project recently. “This film has been with us for three-and-a-half years and the prep took longer than we imagined. We couldn’t delay it further and had to roll with it. Since Ananth ji’s prior commitments could not be postponed, he had to unfortunately bow out. He will be missed on the set,” informed the debutant director, confident that he would be able to carry the film on his shoulders. “I know the story that needs to be told but I’m nervous and actually trembling. At the same time, I’m feeling good about it and will go with the flow. I hope it turns out to be the way I had imagined it when I had written the script,” he concluded.
R Madhavan to direct Rocketry: The Nambi Effect after Ananth Mahadevan exits over alleged creative differences?
8:05 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 21, 2019)
R Madhavan was to co-direct Rocketry: The Nambi Effect — which sees him as former ISRO scientist S Nambi Narayanan — with Ananth Mahadevan. However, the latter has dropped out of the project, leaving the actor to wield the directorial baton alone.
A source reveals, “In the course of shooting the film, the two realised that they had a different vision for the story, which was leading to creative differences between them. They had a discussion about it last week and decided to part ways amicably.”
When mid- day reached out to Madhavan, he said, “Ananth Mahadevan is a talented filmmaker. But, owing to unavoidable circumstances and certain pressing commitments, he could no longer direct Rocketry. The film is shaping up well and I can’t wait to tell Nambi Narayanan’s story.”
Mahadevan remained unavailable for comment.
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