Director Ananth Mahadevan had to drop out of Rocketry – The Nambi Effect because of unavoidable circumstances, according to a press statement. Madhavan, who was co-directing the film, will now take over as the sole director.
Madhavan says, “Ananth Mahadevan is an extremely talented filmmaker. However, owing to unavoidable circumstances and certain pressing commitments he could no longer direct Rocketry.”
The film marks Madhavan’s directorial debut. He plays the protagonist S Nambi Narayanan, the ISRO scientist and aerospace engineer. It was recently reported that Simran will play the lead with him in the film about the scientist’s life. They last worked together 17 years back in the 2002 Mani Ratnam film Kannathil Muthamittal.
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Madhavan says in the statement, “Rocketry is close to my heart for many reasons. The film is shaping up well and I can’t wait to tell the incredible story of Nambi Narayanan to the world.”
A teaser of the film shows Madhavan looking out of a prison cell as India launches its first satellite to Mars, Mangalyaan. Madhavan says in the teaser that India had the potential to achieve the feat 20 years back.
The ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan was falsely charged with espionage, leaking defence secrets in 1994, and he spent 55 days in jail. Years later his name was cleared, and the Supreme Court ordered the Kerala government to pay him a compensation of Rs 50 lakh.
Madhavan as the scientist will be seen in all stages of his life – from 25 to 75 years. The film’s first look poster released in December, and Madhavan said he was doing his best to get to where Nambi was, “Even if it is only look-wise.”
@NambiNa69586681 So very tough to get to where you are sir, even merely look look-wise .. But doing my very very best ..@rocketryfilm @Tricolourfilm @vijaymoolan pic.twitter.com/kABXwPWLEL
— Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) December 13, 2018
According to a report by Business Standard, Rocketry is ahead of its schedule, and major portions have already been shot across India, Princeton, Scotland, France and Russia.
The film is being made in Tamil, Hindi and English. It is scheduled for a summer 2019 release.