Rocket Boys (web series)

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Rocket Boys
GenreDrama
Created byNikkhil Advani
Written byDialogues:
Kausar Munir
Abhay Pannu
Screenplay byAbhay Pannu
Story byAbhay Koranne
Directed byAbhay Pannu
Starring
Music byAchint Thakkar
Country of originIndia
Original languageHindi
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producersMalvika Khatri
Rameshchandra Yadav
ProducersSiddharth Roy Kapur
Monisha Advani
Madhu Bhojwani
CinematographyHarshvir Oberai
EditorMaahir Zaveri
Running time35–40 minutes
Production companiesRoy Kapur Films
Emmay Entertainment
Original release
NetworkSonyLIV
ReleaseFebruary 4, 2022 (2022-02-04) –
March 16, 2023 (2023-03-16)

Rocket Boys is an Indian Hindi-language biographical streaming television series on SonyLIV based on the lives of Homi J. Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai.[1] It is directed by Abhay Pannu[2] and produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur with Monisha Advani, and Madhu Bhojwani under the banners Roy Kapur Films and Emmay Entertainment, respectively.[3] The series stars Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh along with Regina Cassandra.[4]

The web series was released on 4 February 2022 exclusively on SonyLIV.

Rocket Boys Season 2 was released on 16 March 2023, exclusively on

Sony LIV. The first look for the second season was unveiled on 15 August 2022,[5] on the 75th Indian Independence Day, while the second teaser was released on 12 February 2023. The second teaser focuses on how imperative it was for India to become a nuclear nation amidst imminent global threats of war resulting in India's first nuclear test also known as Pokhran I in 1974.[6] The series will cover the incredible journey of India's greatest scientists as they shape a new era where no one dared to challenge their country's sovereignty.[7] Jim Sarbh earned a Best Actor nomination at 51st International Emmy Awards for his role as Dr. Homi J. Bhabha.[8]

Synopsis

Season 1

Rocket Boys is a story of two extraordinary men Dr. Homi J. Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. The story is set around the three crucial decades (1940-60s) in the history of India and how the nation is moving towards being a strong, brave, and independent nation. It is the story of Independent India's formative years in the field of science.

With dreams in their eyes and a vision in their minds, Dr. Homi J. Bhabha engineered India's Nuclear Programme and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai established the Indian Space Programme and many other institutes. Their journey also involves Mrinalini Sarabhai, a strong pillar in Dr. Sarabhai's life, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who pioneered modern Indian aerospace and nuclear technology, Parvana Irani a close companion of Dr. Bhabha, Raza Mehdi (not a real person but a fictional character scripted as antagonist for dramatization), a distinguished scientist, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who supported them at every step.

The season builds upon their friendship, sacrifice, and great determination and how everything led to India's first rocket launch; its emblematic of the journey of India as the country emerges into a new, post-war world.

Season 2

The second season of Rocket Boys takes place during the early years of independent India when the nation was experiencing political unrest, internal power shifts, and international organizations keeping a close watch on its aspirations. The series continues the account of the extraordinary lives and times of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as they navigate obstacles in their quest to make India a nuclear power.

Cast

Production

The Hari Mahal Palace in Jaipur was used as a location of the "Retreat", the Sarabhai family house. The art team met Mallika Sarabhai, daughter of Sarabhai, for detailed information about their home, culture, environment and lifestyle.[11]

Episodes

Season 1

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
1"War and Peace"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir4 February 2022 (2022-02-04)
With a difference of opinion related to the ongoing war, Dr. Homi Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai look back at the time when they first met each other.
2"It's Like Gravity"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir4 February 2022 (2022-02-04)
As Homi and Vikram's friendship grows, an unexpected roadblock leads them to meet a few people who will alter the course of their lives.
3"The Greater Good"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir4 February 2022 (2022-02-04)
Homi and Vikram set out on their individual paths in hopes to achieve their dreams.
4"A Tryst with Destiny"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir4 February 2022 (2022-02-04)
Emerging as an Independent country, Homi and Vikram share their vision for the country. A new face comes to light while a threat lurks in the shadow.
5"The Outsider"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir4 February 2022 (2022-02-04)
Homi and Vikram face a backlash both at personal and professional life.
6"A Democratic Process"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir4 February 2022 (2022-02-04)
Their ideas and ambitions are challenged by a fierce rebellion. They must choose a path that they deem fit.
7"We are at War"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir4 February 2022 (2022-02-04)
While India gets ready to take its first step in Nuclear science, another dream gets into acceleration, but an impending war threatens to tear it all down.
8"A New Dawn"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir4 February 2022 (2022-02-04)
As the country starts to heal the wound from the war, the great men come together for one final showdown to do the impossible.

Season 2

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
1"Lift Off"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir16 March 2023 (2023-03-16)
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is getting ready to launch a rocket when he finds out that the entire space programme might be in danger. On the other hand, Dr. Homi J. Bhabha is juggling between his aspirations and threats to his life.
2"Burden Of Proof"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir16 March 2023 (2023-03-16)
Vikram's ambition falters prior to taking off. Mrinalini makes a daring move to assert her right as he tries to make progress. Homi's deeds in the meantime drive the enemy to act. Is he prepared to take part in battle despite being invited?
3"A Lasting Legacy"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir16 March 2023 (2023-03-16)
As political vultures close ranks, the nation experiences a severe loss and a change in power is organised. Vikram and Homi are compelled to choose a side. Would they continue to put their country before themselves in the face of an uncertain future?
4"The Price Of War"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir16 March 2023 (2023-03-16)
While Homi fights for his life in a race against the clock, Indira tries to emerge from her father's enormous shadow. While the nation is under threat of a new war, Vikram and Mrinalini fight on the home front.
5"Behind Enemy Lines"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir16 March 2023 (2023-03-16)
Homi disregards caution and engages the adversary head-on as India's nuclear future is on the line. The distance between Vikram and Homi is widening as he mulls over forgiving him.
6"Power Over Peace"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir16 March 2023 (2023-03-16)
Vikram assumes a new role that is directly opposed to all he holds dear. He is compelled to face the past and the truths hidden in it even as he has hope for the future.
7"The Last Guard"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir16 March 2023 (2023-03-16)
While Homi's plans for the future of the nation's nuclear programme begin to take shape, a wonderful new chapter in India's satellite programme begins. But an unexpected tragedy upsets the balance.
8"Smiling Buddha"Abhay PannuAbhay Pannu, Kausar Munir16 March 2023 (2023-03-16)
India and its experts have just eight hours to accomplish an impossibly difficult task in the world's greatest race against time.

Reception

Season 1

The show received positive reviews from critics and audience, with praise for the performances, direction, writing and other technical aspects.

Rediff gave a rating of 4 and stated that Rocket Boys is a soaring tribute to the two pillars of India's science world.[26] Shekhar Gupta of The Print criticized in his article titled 'Rocket Boys’ crime on history: Inventing Muslim villain, stealing Meghnad Saha's identity' saying "That he [Meghnad Saha] was from a lower caste, and has mostly been forgotten in our popular memory since (on his centenary in 1993, the Narasimha Rao government issued a postage stamp), probably made it more convenient to bury his character in what pretends to be a “true” history and give him a mostly evil, dark, Muslim avatar. In our book, this is a crime on not just history but on all the ideals so dear to people like Saha, Bhabha and Sarabhai. Remember, those incredible scientists were freedom fighters too."[27]

Amrita Shah, author of Vikram Sarabhai – A Life criticised the series for distorting history with fictionalized events, puerile depiction of India's technological programmes in space and nuclear energy and egregious misrepresentation of Sarabhai's character that diminishes his significance and lacks depth without any nuance.[28] Journalist Gita Aravamudan (wife of Ramabhadran Aravamudan and co-author of ISRO: A Personal History) found the series reducing iconic Indian scientists into Bollywood stereotypes, falsifying major events and dates and concocting a fake version of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam that suits the script. She adds that real story of Indian nuclear and space programs is far more richer than fictionalized screen version which ignores scientific and technical aspects of their journey.[29]

Season 2

The second season of Rocket Boys received positive reviews from critics as well as the audience.

Archika Khurana of The Times of India[30] called the series a ‘Factual and thrilling drama about Indian scientists.’ Sanyukta Thakare from Mashable said that the series ‘Remains true to its heroes.’[31] India Today’s Roktim Rajpal called the second season an ‘engaging narrative.’[32] Dainik Jagran stated the second season is a ‘beautiful portrayal of ambitions.’[33] The Quint praised the lead actors, saying, ‘Jim and Ishwak confidently carry Homi and Vikram on their shoulders, making us root for their friendship even as they don't see eye to eye on many things.’[34]

Firstpost mentioned that the new season is denser and more conflicted this time.’[35] The Print called it a ‘heady mix of fact and fiction.’[36] The New Indian Express noted that the series is ‘A love letter to India and its men of science.’[37]

India Forums said, ‘With impeccable performances, fine writing, and crackling music, this season also cannot be missed out on.’[38] Peeping Moon said, ‘Rocket Boys is hailed as one of the best shows to come out of India and it retains the title with sheer honesty.’[39] Movie Talkies stated, ‘Every episode ends on an exciting note, which leaves you curious to know what happens next.’[40]

Koimoi’s Shubham Kulkarni stated that the series is ‘more about politics and personal battles than just accolades where the horizon broadens to serve yet another spectacle.’[41] Pooja Darade from Leisure Byte said that the second season is ‘emotional and thrilling at the same time.’[42]

Public Reception

Rocket Boys gauged a soft spot in the audiences' hearts with its compelling storytelling, impeccable performances by the entire cast and flawless writing. While the internet was flooded with audiences appreciating Rocket Boys, the series was also among the Top 5 most-liked Hindi shows on the Ormax Power Rating (OPR) 2022. In the same year, Rocket Boys made it to the Top 5 on IMDb's Most Popular Web Series list. Praises from renowned Indian actors like Hrithik Roshan,[43] and Arjun Kapoor added to the hype around the show. Notably, Amul India used its mascot to praise the show in its own quirky way. In 2022, the show garnered over 30 award wins in prominent categories like Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Series, among various others.[citation needed]

Following the release of Rocket Boys 2 on 16 March 2023, the show received an 8.9 rating on IMDb.[44] The show has gained immense love and appreciation for its inspirational narrative and exceptional performances that have struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. The premiere event of season 2, episode 1, caught praises from Bollywood celebrities like Hrithik Roshan, Srishti Shrivastava, and director Sudhir Mishra.[45]

Promotion

For season 1,

The Times Of India, by taking its readers back to the original headlines covering the day of India's first rocket launch. The advertisement featured a landmark page, taken from the archives.[46]

For season 2, the Sony LIV team used another innovative jacket advertisement on India's leading daily, The Times Of India. The advertisement recreated headlines covering the success of the nuclear test in 1974 and highlighted the milestones leading up to the success of the test. Additionally to promote Season 2, Sony LIV partnered with popular delivery platforms such as Swiggy India[47] and Zepto[48] to reach a wider audience and increase awareness about the inspiring contributions made by India's greatest minds.

Soundtrack

The theme, soundtrack and the score of both the seasons was composed by Achint Thakkar. The score has as interesting mix of orchestral music infused with Indian melodies.[49]

Awards and nominations

Year Awards Winner Category Ref
2022 Filmfare OTT Awards 2022 Abhay Pannu Best Director, Series [50]
Best Series
Jim Sarbh Best Actor, Critics Drama
Harshveer Oberai Best Cinematographer, Series
Abhay Pannu Best Original Screenplay, Series
Meghna Gandhi Best Production Design, Series
Biju & Uma Best Costume Design, Series
Variate Studio Best VFX, Series
2022 Indian Telly Streaming Awards 2022 Best Story
Best Series - Hindi [51]
Jim Sarbh Best Actor - Hindi Series
Harshvir Oberai Best D.O.P - Hindi Series
2022 Indian Television Academy Awards 2022 (ITA) Abhay Pannu Best Director
Best Web Series
Abhay Pannu, Abhay Korane Best Story [52]
Jim Sarbh Best Actor Web Series
Maahir Zaveri Best Editor
Variate Studio Best VFX
2022 SPOTT Awards 2022 Drama Show on Web [53]
Web Series - Hindi Fiction Show
Abhay Pannu Director of the year
Maahir Zaveri Editor of the year
Jim Sarbh Performance in a leading role ( Male)
Regina Cassandra Performance in a leading role ( Female)
Saba Azad Performance in a supporting role ( Female)
Harshvir Oberai Cinematographer of the year
2022 Yellowstone International Film Festival Awards 2022 (YIFF) Jim Sarbh Outstanding Performances in a show (Male)
Ishwak Singh Outstanding Performances in a show (Male) [54]
2022 Promax Asia 2022 Best Drama Promo (Gold)
Best Launch Campaign (Silver)
2022 Digital ReInvent 2022 Best Trailer Programme - (Gold) [55]
2023 Hitlist OTT Awards Season 4 Ishwak Singh Best Actor - Male [56]
2023 Critics Choice Awards Best Web Series
Jim Sarbh Best Actor
Abhay Pannu, Kausar Munir Best Writing [57]

References

  1. ^ "'The Fame Game', 'Rocket Boys' and 'Raktanchal 2': Web series to watch out for in February 2022". The Times of India. 6 February 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  2. ^ Sudevan, Praveen (4 February 2022). "'Rocket Boys' director Abhay Pannu: I want Gen Zs and millennials to know about Sarabhai and Bhabha". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  3. ^ Khan, Arman (7 February 2022). "A Nuclear Physicist Reviews 'Rocket Boys', a Show About India's Nuclear Physicists". Vice News. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  4. ^ "How 'Peripheral Reading' Helped Ishwak Singh Prepare For Vikram Sarabhai's Role in 'Rocket Boys'". Outlook. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  5. ^ "Rocket Boys Season 2 teaser out. Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh bring you story of Pokhran nuclear test". India Today. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  6. ^ "Rocket Boys 2 teaser shows Pokhran nuclear test; Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh return and Indira Gandhi appears too. Watch". Hindustan Times. 15 August 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  7. ^ "Rocket Boys 2 new trailer: Ishwak Singh, Jim Sarbh bring you the story of Pokhran nuclear test". WION. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  8. ^ "International Emmy Awards 2023: Shefali Shah, Jim Sarbh And Vir Das Nominated". NDTV. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  9. ^ "Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh talk about what went into playing Homi Bhabha, Sarabhai". Hindustan Times. 5 February 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  10. ^ Prasad, Sumith (4 February 2022). "Rocket Boys charts India's 'tryst with destiny' — one that Bhabha and Sarabhai took forward". ThePrint. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  11. ^ "Rocket Boys: A deep dive into Vikram Sarabhai's home, The Retreat". Architectural Digest India. 17 March 2022. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  12. ^ "Rocket Boys Season 1 Review: Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh's show is a glowing tribute to India's scientific luminaries". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  13. ^ Kumar, Anuj (5 February 2022). "'Rocket Boys' review: SonyLIV series hits it out of the orbit". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  14. ^ Deshpande, Shefali (4 February 2022). "'Rocket Boys' Review: Vikram Sarabhai & Homi Bhabha's Tale Is Here to Win". The Quint. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  15. Moneycontrol
    . Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  16. ^ "Rocket Boys review: An absorbing state-of-the-nation saga". The Indian Express. 5 February 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  17. ^ "Rocket Boys review: Jim Sarbh soars with an exceptional cast, SonyLiv finally delivers a great successor to Scam 1992". Hindustan Times. 4 February 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  18. ^ Ramnath, Nandini. "'Rocket Boys' review: Dreams and drama as Indian science takes its first halting steps". Scroll.in. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  19. ^ "Rocket Boys Review: India Comes of Age in SonyLIV's Terrific New Series". NDTV Gadgets 360. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  20. ^ "Rocket Boys Review: The Lives And Times Of Homi Bhabha And Vikram Sarabhai". NDTV. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  21. ^ "Rocket Boys charts India's 'tryst with destiny' — one that Bhabha and Sarabhai took forward". ThePrint. 4 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  22. ^ Hazra, Priya (4 February 2022). "On-Point Casting & Brilliant Storytelling Make 'Rocket Boys' A Biopic Bollywood Could Learn From". ScoopWhoop. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  23. PINKVILLA
    . 4 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  24. ^ "'Rocket Boys' Review: Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh Shine In Humanised Tale Of India's Greatest Scientists". Outlook India. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  25. ^ "Rocket Boys is a game-changing portrayal of two iconic scientists". Arré. 4 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  26. Rediff
    . Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  27. ^ "Rocket Boys' crime on history: Inventing Muslim villain, stealing Meghnad Saha's identity". ThePrint. 19 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
  28. ^ "'Rocket Boys' gets Vikram Sarabhai wrong". The Indian Express. 2 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  29. ^ "Why Rocket Boys didn't need to take so many creative liberties". Mintlounge. 24 February 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  30. ^ "Rocket Boys Season 2 Review : This biographical drama about Indian scientists is both factual and thrilling". The Times of India. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  31. ^ Thakare, Sanyukta (16 March 2023). "'Rocket Boys 2' Review: Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh's Show Gets Dense But Remains True To Its Heroes". Mashable. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  32. ^ "Rocket Boys Season 2 Review: Watch Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh's series for its engaging narrative". India Today. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  33. ^ "Rocket Boys Season 2 Review: Beautiful Portrayal Of Ambitions And Hopes As India Becomes A Nuclear Nation". Dainik Jagran. 16 March 2023. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  34. ^ Bagchi, Tanisha (18 March 2023). "Five Reasons to Watch Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh-Starrer 'Rocket Boys' Season 2". The Quint. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  35. ^ "Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh's Rocket Boys season 2 review". Firstpost. 16 March 2023. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  36. ^ Das, Tina (16 March 2023). "Rocket Boys comes back stronger. Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh deliver their career best". ThePrint. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  37. ^ "'Rocket Boys Season 2' review: A love letter to India and its men of science". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  38. ^ "Review: 'Rocket Boys 2' is still one of the best Indian web shows ever inspite of a few shortcomings". India Forums. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  39. ^ "Rocket Boys 2 Review: Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh and Arjun Radhakrishnan make 'Mission Second Season' successful; Bhabha, Sarabhai and Kalam would be 'smiling'". Peeping Moon. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  40. ^ Ahire, Sameer (16 March 2023). "Rocket Boys 2 Review - India's Rocket Boys Fly High Again - Movie Talkies". www.movietalkies.com. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  41. ^ Kulkarni, Shubham (15 March 2023). "Rocket Boys Season 2 Review: More About Politics & Personal Battles Than Just Accolades Where The Horizon Broadens To Serve Yet Another Spectacle". Koimoi. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  42. ^ "Rocket Boys 2 Review: Emotional and Thrilling at the Same Time! | Leisurebyte". Leisure Byte. 16 March 2023. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  43. ^ "Saba Azad and Hrithik Roshan make heads turn at the screening of Rocket Boys 2, see photos". The Indian Express. 11 March 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  44. ^ "Rocket Boys (TV Series 2022– ) - IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  45. News18
    . Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  46. ^ "SonyLIV's TOI print ad for Rocket Boys time travels to November 1963". afaqs!. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  47. ^ Delhi, BestMediaInfo Bureau (20 March 2023). "Sony LIV partners with Swiggy to promote season 2 of Rocket Boys: Best Media Info". www.bestmediainfo.com. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  48. ^ "Why are satellites delivering orders for Swiggy?". afaqs!. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  49. ^ Rocket Boys (Theme), retrieved 2 February 2024
  50. ^ "Filmfare OTT Awards 2022: Rocket Boys and Tabbar dominate; Panchayat also wins big. Check full list". India Today. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  51. ^ "Congratulations! Jim Sarbh, Amruta Subhash, Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, wins big at Indian Telly Streaming Awards 2022". Tellychakkar. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  52. ^ "22nd ITA Awards: Winners list". www.bizasialive.com. 1 January 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  53. ^ "SPOTT Awards 2022 winners: Honouring brilliance in video and audio streaming - ET BrandEquity". ETBrandEquity. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  54. ^ Bureau, ABP News (1 October 2022). "Yellowstone International Film Festival: Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, Jim Sarbh & Others Honoured". ABP News. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  55. ^ Desk, The News (11 November 2022). "Winners of Digital Reinvent's awards for OTT & Digital Marketing Innovations 2022 announced; Netflix bags 11 metals, Zee Group secures 14". MediaBrief. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  56. Mid-day
    . 18 March 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  57. ^ "Critics Choice Awards 2023: Rocket Boys, Gargi lead nominations list, check out the full list here". WION. Retrieved 18 April 2023.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rocket_Boys_(web_series)&oldid=1220166555"