Rocket Boys
- In Movie Reviews
- 12:02 PM, Mar 29, 2023
- Pranitha Prakash
“Everything is theoretically impossible until it is done”.
The series of the rocket boys is based on the scientific achievements of India in the 1950's. The story mainly revolves around the life, sacrifices and contributions in the field of science and defence for the country by Dr. Homi Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai. The story then unfolds into a game of politics and power. It showcases how science is, was and will be the future.
The series starts with Vikram Sarabhai and Homi Bhabha meeting in India in C.V Raman's IISc during World War 2, who start research on cosmic rays but their priorities and ideologies change in the course of time by which India achieves its Peaceful Nuclear Explosion initiated by Homi, developed and planned by Sarabhai but executed by Abdul Kalam and Ramanna.
The actors, settings and dialogues are perfect. In the role of Homi, Jim Sarbh's perfect diction, cognition, brilliance and charm is absolutely flattering. While Ishwak Singh impersonates humbleness and social responsibility in a phenomenal way to characterize Sarabhai. Their friendship and differences have been portrayed distinctively.
The goodwill and brilliance of these two unsung physicists have been delineated in a very commendable way.
As a student in grade 10, I was really astounded that we were never introduced to such masterminds who had such noetic abilities and scientific temper for developing the country. The fact that we had our very own nuclear reactor in 1956 was rarely highlighted and mutely celebrated in this country. The number of institutes set up by these scientists for the greater cause was personally never known to me.
This series is an eye-opener to all those who think we were just a peace-loving and scientifically backward country. Though it is true, it is also inspiring and enthralling to watch the amount of science and technology discussed. The strategies and leadership skills displayed by the then-prime ministers were quite daunting too. The industrialisation and promotion of nuclear power by Ratan Tata for the electrification and self-reliance ideologies back in the 50s are impressive.
Arjun Radhakrishnan gives part personality of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. His entry in the series ensues with an incident of how he was an Indian first and then a Muslim. He has acted exceptionally in portraying Kalam as someone who is simple, humble, witty and ambitious. His first satellite launch at Thumba has been pictured in a prodigious way.
The so-called women empowerment being promoted nowadays that has been a part of Sanatana Dharma since time immemorial and is well depicted in the series. The role of women and the role played by them in overcoming difficulties and sustaining their success has been pictured ably.
Even though India was a sovereign nation, the self-proclaimed superpower nations posed hurdles in India’s endeavours towards energy independence. Homi and the CIA had locked horns in the pursuit of nuclear power for India to be electrified.
Even though the characters of Dr. Mehdi Raza and Vishwesh Mathur are fictional their roles and relevance to the board members of the AEC are quite recognisable. The constant spying and the ineluctable threat to Homi because of the CIA and the way his death occurred with them behind the shadows have been concealed by the government for who-knows-what reasons is shown in the series without any coverup. Hence, the struggle for India even after Independence to become self-reliant is still a dream in progress even to this day.
Even though India was on par with other nations, we are still stuck learning in school about European countries and their success as advanced countries. While it is important to know about other countries, in my opinion learning about our country's achievements, struggles and failures should be the precedent. Hence, I would like to thank the board of directors and producers for making a series on our scientists and their achievements. This is a must-watch for all those who lionize science and politics.
Image source: TOI
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