Watch Rocketry: The Nambi Effect

Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is a biographical movie based on the life of Nambi Narayanan, an Indian aerospace scientist who was falsely accused of espionage in 1994. The movie is directed by the lead actor Madhavan, who also plays the role of Nambi Narayanan. The movie starts with Nambi as a young boy who is fascinated by the stars and is mesmerized by the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. He grows up to become an aerospace engineer and joins the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in Thiruvananthapuram. He is one of the key scientists who worked on the cryogenic engine project, which would enable India to launch heavier satellites.

However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he is accused of selling sensitive rocket technology to Pakistan. The movie shows how Nambi, despite being innocent, is tortured and humiliated by the police and the media. The scenes where he is subjected to third-degree interrogation and is made to strip naked in front of the police are chilling.

The movie also delves into the political conspiracy behind Nambi's arrest. It shows how vested interests within the government, media, and intelligence agencies conspired to frame him. Rajit Kapoor plays the role of the villain in the movie, who is a senior intelligence officer who is part of the conspiracy.

Simran plays the role of Nambi's wife Meena, who stands by him through his ordeal. The scenes between Madhavan and Simran are a highlight of the movie, and their chemistry is heartwarming. The movie also shows how Meena, who is a school teacher, faces harassment from her colleagues and neighbors because of Nambi's arrest.

The movie is not just about Nambi's fight for justice; it is also about his passion for science and his contributions to India's space program. The movie shows how Nambi and his team faced numerous challenges in developing the cryogenic engine, including technical hurdles and budget constraints. The scenes where Nambi takes risks and makes bold decisions are exhilarating.

The movie is also a tribute to the unsung heroes of India's space program. It shows how scientists like Nambi worked tirelessly for years, often with limited resources, to make India a space-faring nation. The scene where Nambi and his team celebrate after the successful launch of the GSLV-D2 is a poignant moment.

One of the strengths of the movie is Madhavan's performance. He is outstanding as Nambi, and his transformation from a young, enthusiastic scientist to a broken, traumatized man is remarkable. His portrayal of Nambi's struggle for justice is convincing, and one can feel his pain and frustration.

The movie's production values are impressive, considering that it was made on a modest budget. The scenes set in the ISRO campus are authentic, and the depiction of the 1990s is spot on. The movie's music, composed by Sam C. S., is melodious, and the background score is apt.

Overall, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is a must-watch for anyone interested in India's space program and the story of a man who fought for his dignity and reputation. The movie is a fitting tribute to Nambi Narayanan, who was not only a brilliant scientist but also a victim of political machinations. The movie's message is clear: scientific progress can be hindered by vested interests and prejudice, but the truth will eventually prevail.

Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is a 2022 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.7.