R. Madhavan’s directorial debut Rocketry is a genuinely moving tribute to ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, elevated by the actor-director’s committed performance and noble intentions.
This is heartfelt filmmaking at its finest.
Madhavan completely transforms into Narayanan across different life phases, delivering his career-best performance with remarkable authenticity. The film’s middle sections are genuinely gripping, showcasing both Narayanan’s scientific brilliance and the horrific injustices he faced. The emotional weight of his story comes through powerfully, making his eventual vindication deeply satisfying.
However, the film stumbles in its opening act, taking too long to find its rhythm. The pacing feels sluggish initially, and the narrative structure occasionally feels clunky. Most problematically, Shah Rukh Khan’s extended cameo as himself, clearly designed as a crowd-puller, becomes the film’s weakest element. The interview sequences feel heavy and unnecessary, disrupting the biographical flow with obvious star appeal rather than serving the story.
Despite these issues, Rocketry succeeds as both personal triumph and important story. Madhavan’s dedication shines through, creating a film that educates and inspires. The technical aspects are solid, and the subject matter deserves this respectful treatment.
Rating: 7.5/10 (A deeply respectful biopic that overcomes structural flaws through sheer passion and powerful subject matter)
Leave a Reply