Rocket Boys

I remember in a roundtable interview, a director saying that it was his dreamto create a movie or show about India’s rich history where he would be allowed to use the real names of some of the most prominent figures and be allowed to shed light on not only the small and big victories but the most contentious issues they underwent. In an era where most of our protagonists in commercial films and series were dreaded gangsters or those whom get embroiled in the world of crime, in came a show that truly celebrated our country’s heroes, HOMI BHABHA, VIKRAM SARABHAI and APJ ABDUL KALAM to name a few. It not only presented the massive contribution the individuals had on science and technology for India and by putting it on a global map but presented them as humans with flaws, juggling their personal lives while serving the nation. I reference this as an anomaly because when storylines focus on real life characters, there is an attempt at whitewashing some of their most problematic traits and Rocket Boys refreshingly isn’t so. I was absolutely blown away by season 1 and on paper it may seem to many that the story of two scientists from indian history may not be as dramatic or sexy enough for entertainment but it was so far from the truth as the constantly evolving new country that was India with rapid political and sociological changes and in the forefront having these two visionaries actually accounted for the perfect template for an engaging web series that in my opinion, every indian should be privy to. With the increase in the number of theatrical releases happening every weekend, there seems to be a lack of interest in the digital space as series are coming out but are not creating the same buzz that it once did at the height of the pandemic. While the saturation of web shows might be one of the reasons, what’s also happened is that the web space has become more mainstream so the same way stars draw in crowds in theatres, the digital space is also getting the most viewership when stars have been roped in, Farzi and its success is a classic example of the same and more will follow suit. Whom suffers in the process are shows like Rocket Boys that are not getting the deserved attention and I want to urge all of you that Rocket Boys isn’t like any other generic show out there, it not only highlights several profound and impactful moments in Indias recent history but provides a tale so emotionally gripping that you’re bound to go into a wormhole, reading about the finer details of what transpired in that chapter! The threat to the advancements by India this season becomes even more abundantly clear, not only because of the snakes that reside within the organisation but because of international threats from the CIA. This makes HOMI BHABHA and Vikram Sarabhai weary of so many of their moves, fearing for not only the country’s interest but their own security. The tenderness and sensitivity with which the personal lives of both the characters is explored really tugged at my heart strings, Pipsy and Homi’s relationship makes me think everyone will empathise with the notion that they have someone in their life that got away and Mrinalini and Vikram, having gone though such a torrid journey together, are in constant loggerheads with each other, attempting to reconnect of what was once a beautiful loving relationship. The show pays close attention this season to how the scientists have to menuvre with the rapid political changes occurring around them. How they pitch their ideas dependent on the personalities of the new leaders. Jawahar Lal Nehru and the ease of interaction and banter is vastly different from what they experience with LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI. The growing concern that everyone has their eyes on the prime ministership as Indira Gandhi deals with the loss of her father is so exceptionally portrayed. The show balances the act of moving across decades not only as check boxes of history but organically fitting the narrative of the screenplay. One may not particularly resonate with the espionage and conspiracy angle of the show as one deals with the spies in the system and the growing interest of the CIA about every move by indian officials but I thought it was done with great attention to detail, especially made convincing by exceptional performances by DIBYENDU BHATTACHARYA and KC SHANKAR. Jim Sarbh as HOMI BHABHA honestly puts forth a performance for the ages, absolutely diving deep into HOMI BHABHA so much so that equates it to it really being him. His effortless charm, wit, love for the music and art, the vibrant personality that becomes the life of the room, I cannot praise Jim enough for what he brought to the table to HOMI BHABHA. Ishwak Singh similarly brings such brilliant restraint to the morally upright Vikram Sarabhai, they really fit the puzzle together perfectly to play such legends and I had the immense pleasure in interviewing both the actors for the show which I thought I could share with you so that you have little more insight about how exceptionally talented both of them are. When the show did impact me so much, on its sheer quality, I thought it would be best to guarantee you of its quality and give you a peak into JIM AND ISHWAK’s process as actors and why I have such immense respect for both of them, I hope you like it!