Have you heard about ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, who was falsely accused of espionage? Fret not, R Madhavan has got you covered. You can see the passion in Madhavan’s eyes as he makes his directorial debut with Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. He says not knowing about Nambi Narayan’s talent is a ‘national disgrace’. With his film, Madhavan replaced Nambi Narayanan to share his story with the world. Apart from directing and acting, he has also written the story, songs and bankrolled the film.
in front of Grand release on 1st JulyMadhavan spoke extensively about Rocketry: The Nambi Effect exclusively to IndiaToday.in.
Conversation excerpts:
Q: Let’s look back and go back to 2005. In an interview, you said that you didn’t think you would make a good director. How do you view your progress since then?
a: I grew bigger and heavier, faster than I thought (laughs). In terms of skills, I have grown up as an actor. I didn’t want to be a director. I still don’t want to. It was imposed on me. It became an all-consuming project. When the choice came to me, it was about quitting the film or taking over as a director. I still think I would love to be an actor.
Q: A lot of thought has gone into becoming a director. were you nervous?
A: I was really excited about this topic. I went with shallow about making a film about a good-looking scientist who falls in love with a Maldivian woman. Then, the matter happened and he was falsely accused. But, when I met Nambi sir, my whole perception changed. I knew I was missing something. The man could not go through it alone. He had more. How can a man talk about his achievements? I talk about my achievements, but he doesn’t.
I wanted to do the film for two reasons. It would be every actor’s dream to play the role of many age groups present here. Secondly, his achievement was very technical. And that’s my specialty. I love engineering. But, Nambi is no ordinary technical person. He is a genius. So, I had to translate his story in layman’s words. The audience must understand what rocket science is. No one was willing to make it, so I tried that too. A month before the film went on floors, I had to direct the film as the previous directors could not do it for the right reasons.
Watch the trailer of Rocketry: The Nambi Effect here:
Q: Have you consulted any of your director friends before entering this industry?
aDirecting consists of two things, art and craft. I understood the craft. Art, I have to find and render it. Neither Mani Ratnam, nor Shankar nor Rajkumar Hirani have made a film on rocket science. So, I had to search it thoroughly. So, I didn’t consult anyone and just wanted to tell a good story.
But, there was a lot of fear, panic and panic on the first day. Because I took everything upon myself. But, God had a different plan and it happened. Right now, I know I haven’t made any bad or stupid films.
Q: You said you were nervous. So, when did you gain confidence?
a: I still haven’t. I decided to tell the story of Nambi Narayanan. And whatever I wrote, I managed to put it on screen. I don’t know if it’s confidence. But, I have done it very well.
Q: What was your first introduction to Nambi Narayanan?
A: I had never heard of him. No one had and that’s the saddest thing. He was such a nice guy to look better than John F. Kennedy. No one could believe that they were not having an affair. How can a good looking guy and a genius have an affair? It went against him. I went to meet him with a shallow impression. Only when I met him, did I feel that not knowing about him was a national disservice.
Answer: Nambi Narayan has a calm personality, but you can see the color of sadness in his eyes. How did you channelize it into your acting?
aOne has to go through what he has gone through or to bring that sorrow, he has to understand what he has gone through. But, when I spoke to him, I said ‘I’m sorry.’ He said, “Madhavan, if you’re showing empathy, I don’t want to talk about it. The last thing I want is someone to show me empathy.” So, I got my answer there. If he doesn’t want sympathy, he doesn’t want to show sorrow. The idea is of a person who believes in dignity. He felt that no one could call him wrong. There was opposition. And that’s what I did.
Q: There are many cinematic moments in the story itself. At any point, did you think of making it into two parts or a web series?
a: I put a lot into this project. So much so that I could have made three films for the same subject. Also, I didn’t know if the first film would work or not. now I know. If I had the choice, probably yes. But, I wasn’t thinking along those lines.
Question: Injustice done to one person is injustice to the nation. This brings us to the topic of intolerance. Have you had any conversation in this regard?
a: No, it was not in our discussion at all. There was a story about it. He still says ‘India India’. So, I didn’t have to look for any other aspect.
Q: Acting in a biopic is a big deal in itself. Along with this, you are also directing it. How much pressure was there?
a: Anyone telling me that a person is directing, acting, producing and even writing songs for a film, I always used to smile. I’d be like, ‘What an idiot.’ Because conquering a region in itself is difficult and managing everything is a Himalayan task. Now people will laugh at me. They will say that I am an actor and what would I know about directing? They are absolutely right. But, I had no choice. Either I have to do the film or leave. So, if I have made a bad film, I am ready to face bricks and stones. My intention is to tell a story about Nambi Narayanan and not to prove myself as a director. If I am able to achieve this, then I am successful.
Q: You started out as an actor and now your directorial debut went to Cannes, Nasdaq and Times Square. How does it feel?
A: It’s so real. First of all, this is my first directorial venture. I didn’t think Suriya and Shah Rukh Khan would agree to do the film. The last thing on my face was the delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I thought I would release this film and complete it. Suddenly Cannes and Times Square are happening after Kovid. Sunita Williams is happening. And I didn’t expect this to happen in my first film as a director. I am very worried about what will happen to my next project. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed the process yet. I am so intrigued by the release (what the audience will say) that I don’t even care about the rest of it. I hope they will recognize Nambi sir’s contribution. That’s what’s going on in my mind now.
Q: Suriya and Simran are part of the cast. What do you have to say about the casting process?
A: They are sent by God. Each of my actors had to speak in three languages and not do dubbing. It is sync-sound and also a period film. All the actors were to perform perfectly and speak three languages. On that front, there is Simran, who already speaks two languages. She is playing the role of my wife in the film. It was like Kannathil Muthamittal, but much more demanding.
Q: I heard you also wanted your teeth to look like Nambi Narayanan’s…
a: Yes, I had to break my jaw to look like him. It took a year and a half. We did a lot for the first time that no one had ever done before. It was all worth it. We’ve done some crazy things.
Q: How did you have a conversation with Nambir sir?
a: Oh, everything under the sun. But, it is mostly about space travel and interstellar. He is happy with my understanding of science. I know he tolerates my stupidity. But, I have a great time talking to him. It is extremely insightful.
Q: It has been 22 years since you made your Tamil debut. If you had anything to say to young Madhavan, what would it be?
a: I would have told her to be careful about my outfit and weight (laughs). But, I would have told him that he was on the right track. And the fact that I’m still relevant 20 years later is a big deal.
Q: What next after Rocketry?
a: Definitely neither directing nor writing (laughs). I have only a few more years as an actor, so I want to act in as many films as possible.
Q: Have you set any goals in your career?
a: Never was! I have always believed that I want to live in the present. My goal is to live life and make myself and everyone around me happy. Basically, live and let live.