‘Rocket Boys‘ is a biopic web series (albeit with some creative liberties) that follows scientific visionaries Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai; both have mesmerized generations with their knowledge, expertise, and work in the field of nuclear power and space exploration respectively.
Viewers meet Bhabha and Sarabhai during their work in the Cosmic Rays facility at the Indian Institute of Science. The individuals are poles apart politically, but ultimately find middle ground when it comes to pursuits of science.
The Remarkable Tale of Two Ambitious Scientists
Sarabhai is a promising Cambridge-educated student of astronomy with high hopes of building his own rocket who is forced to return to India half-heartedly due to World War II. Under the guidance of physicist CV Raman, the young budding rocketeer is still attempting to discover his true purpose while simultaneously expressing a disdain towards the bigotry of the pretentious British masters. Their funds keep the institute running, and later we learn also expresses a dislike for science fiction (honestly, I hesitate to think of this man’s reaction to “Doctor Who”).
On the other hand, his colleague Homi is a professor and researcher at the institute seeking to unlock the full potential of nuclear energy in India. He fears the institute might lose its funding if he and his colleagues step out of line with the British. However, at a party organized for the entertainment of a spoilt British general’s son, the latter steps out of line; after acknowledging his privilege he delivers an impassioned speech at the behest of Sarabhai. He receives a black eye as a badge of his courage and brings a halt to the institute’s funding. In order to continue their research, the two visionaries must band together to seek out alternate means of funding.
‘Rocket Boys’ Captures the Essence of Dreaming Big; and Does so with Flair
The show also delves into the bifurcation of both Bhabha and Sarabhai’s paths due to different but equally ambitious visions for the future; Homi joins forces with political powers to harness nuclear power in the country and Sarabhai returns to his roots to give back to the less privileged in society while still continuing to harbor dreams of space exploration.
“Rocket Boys” doesn’t simply launch into a by-the-book approach of highlighting every single accomplishment of its subjects; it’s more an evenly-paced exploration of the power dreams hold and their cost for the dreamers themselves. It captures the essence of dreaming big while also explaining physics to the layperson without being tedious or preachy.
Yet another highlight for me was how beautifully the show brought to life the camaraderie between Sarabhai And Homi. It also doesn’t shy from bringing to the fore the principles and values of the various historical figures portrayed on-screen; these are those who left their mark on India, through either scientific vision or their political plans for the country. And while “Rocket Boys” celebrates its protagonists heroism, it doesn’t steer from shedding light on their flaws.
Bringing Humor and Thought-provoking Dialogue in Equal Measure
Writer/Director Abhay Pannu and Lyricist Kausar Munir too deserve praise for their dialogues here; they bring humour into the proceedings, but are also thought-provoking in due measure. The show reminds me of similar biographical work such as the BBC-helmed television movie “Einstein and Eddington” (2008); this is particularly due to the efforts in uncovering the unseen interpersonal relationships of its visionary duo rather than simply focusing on their already known achievements and accolades. This allows viewers to resonate with the message of believing in oneself and being true to one’s personal beliefs/convictions. We see this idea manifest marvelously through the show via the protagonists themselves—and also via their many personal and professional endeavours.
“Rocket Boys” also does a fine job of touching upon the prejudices towards creatives in India; it shows how many relate the field of arts as inferior in comparison to the sciences. This is depicted in scenes such as Sarabhai bringing his wife Mrinali home to his parents, only for her to receive an unfavorable reception due to her background as a classical dancer. The show also sparks a discussion about the privileges that prevail in the workplace and which are often assigned to higher ups or to those with a favourable political backing or a higher ranking in society. We see this through both Homi and Sarabhai either exercising or forsaking these very privileges for better prospects.
Actors that Bring an Infectious Charm
Jim Sarbh, being the show stealer he is, impressed me with the infectious charm he brings to every role. He seems completely at ease playing fellow Parsi gentleman Homi Bhabha; he is equal parts a serious, hard- working nuclear physicist and equal parts cheeky, mischievous rebel with a cause who demolishes the competition with his sassy, witty remarks. Sarbh’s interactions with Saba Azad (who plays Homi’s love interest Pipsy) won me over and tugged at my heart strings.
Sarbh’s chemistry with co-star Ishwak Singh too is a sight for sore eyes. In fact, despite their momentary fall-outs, Homi is truly a compatriot to Sarabhai in every sense of the word. Ishwak Singh effortlessly matches steps with Sarbh and brings a demure yet defiant quality to the character of Vikram Sarabhai; he’s not only Homi’s partner in crime, but his conscience, allowing the cocky-but-ambitious nuclear physicist to lean on him for moral support. Singh also portrays a vulnerable side to this character as he turns towards Homi for advice and reassurance on complicated matters of the heart, which have a tendency to render the naïve, science-minded Sarabhai awkward and sometimes clueless.
A Show for both the Science-minded and History Buffs Alike
The supporting cast of “Rocket Boys” is also apt, with Regina Cassandra doing justice to Mrinalini Sarabhai. Apart from Sarabhai’s contributions to Indian classical dance, we see her as a pillar of strength to her husband Vikram; she enlightens him about a new world that exists beyond science, teaching him to embrace the arts and instilling principles of selflessness in him. KC Shankar too lends ample support as fellow scientist Vishwesh Mathur, who becomes a reluctant accomplice to Homi’s chaotic on-campus experiments during Sarabhai’s absence. Dibyendu Bhattacharya turns in a memorable and sympathetic performance as Raza Mehdi, a rival scientist with extravagant ambitions of his own; but alas, he lacks a privileged background and fails to avail of the advantages that are offered to his peers.
The rousing background score by Anchit Thakkar also deserves a fair share of praise; it incites feelings of patriotism as well as admiration towards incredible scientists and their field of work. The production design is also commendable as it transports one back fully to the time period of the 1940s-60s. It was an era when India was just inching into a period of revolution and scientific advancement, but was frequently beset by heavy repercussions—such as breaches in the the nation’s security.
An Entertaining Show for a Variety of Audiences
If you have scientific inclinations or are a history buff like me, then “Rocket Boys” will definitely satisfy your cravings. It will have you holding your breath in anticipation and smiling gleefully with pride at all that unfolds on-screen.
“Rocket Boys” is exclusively screening on the OTT platform Sony LIV in India. We could not find any options to watch the series abroad.
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