Madhavan besides playing the lead has co-produced, written and directed the bio-pic on one of the greatest scientists of ISRO Nambi Narayanan. A phenomenal talent, the movie chronicles his achievements in rocket science besides his fall to disgrace after he was framed on charges of selling Indian secrets of Pakistan.
Three cheers to Madhavan. An all-round effort that is engaging to watch. He is right there delivering his best. As Nambi Narayanan, he takes you to the world of scientist with authentic recreation.
Nambi Narayanan (R Madhavan) is a genius who works for ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) as a technical assistant under Vikram Sarabhai (Rajit Kapur). He gets admission to the prestigious Princeton University in 1969 and hence moves to New Jersey, USA. Itās his dream to do his thesis under Professor Crocco (Vincent Riotta). The professor has not been accepting students but makes an exception for Nambi due to persuasion,Ā and also because Nambi offers to take care of the house and Professorās ailing wife (Branka Petric). Under Professor Crocco and by studying at Princeton, Nambi gains a lot of knowledge about liquid gases. He gets an offer from NASA but he rejects it so that he can return to India and take ISRO to dizzying heights. Thanks to Nambi, ISRO manages to get hydraulic engine parts for free from Rolls Royce. He also accompanies a team of ISRO scientists to France to help them in their space mission. In turn, Nambi and the scientists further learn about space technology. During the fall of the USSR, Nambi tries his best to secure cryogenic fuel-based engines at a lower price. All is going well for Nambi but on November 30, 1994, everything changes. Nambi gets arrested on espionage charges and for leaking vital secrets to Pakistan. What happens next forms the rest of the film.
Besides Madhavan, its Simran as his wife Meena Nambi who gets a meaty role with complex shades and she does it well. Suriya appears as himself and his interview with Nambi makes up the film.
Technically, it is a sound film and takes us more close to rocket and satellite launch. And Sam CS’ background score is a big backbone.
Though the pace could have been little faster, yet Nambi takes us on an surprising journey. Job well-done Madhavan.