MOM - Mars Orbiter Mission aka Mangalyaan was undoubtedly India's greatest achievement in the field of Space innovation. And it did not come easy. An idea that started in 2010, took 4 years to see the light and with flying colors. So first all the kudos to the Indian Scientists that made us all proud.
Coming to the movie, I watched the whole movie, okay almost the whole movie, with moist eyes and heavy heart. Because it is not very often that a history making achievement like this happens and then made into a almost well made movie.
Akshay is the poster boy for the movie but the movie belongs to Vidya Balan. She time and again proves why she is the finest actress of India. She so effortlessly breathes innocence, determination and child like enthusiasm into the role, without which the role could have easily spoiled the proceedings. Akshay always had a nerdy side to him and he uses it to his advantage in this. He goes over-board here and there but overall stays true to the role and does a decent job. In short he did not play Akshay in this but a scientist. Nitya, Tapsee, Sonakshi, Kirthi, Dattatreya and Sharman nailed their roles. They have good back stories justifying their roles and that's what makes the proceedings endearing in first half.
Not to compare and bring down any Hollywood movie as they are indeed way ahead of Indian cinema technology wise. But in most of the such Hollywood movies character graphs are developed on single dad or single mom or a failed predecessor in the family etc. Mission Mangal uses a wide variety of stories to build the characters and it does well, of course in a commercially viable way. Sharman's role is straight out of 3 Idiots. Tapsee's story is a good one. It emphasizes why a Space Scientist's role is as important a job for the nation as a soldier. Also in the end, as soon as the mission is complete there are some very subtle moments where these women switch gears from being the superwomen to the homemakers right after finishing one of the humanity's greatest achievements. That is so touching.
One of the major highlights of the movie is few references to Abdul Kalam Sir. They are totally clap worthy and he deserves more. A great man who would have been the happiest on this achievement.
One major hiccup was Dalip Tahil's role. It was totally out of 80s-90s movies, so over board and cliched. The whole space terminology and mission is very simplified and explained for common moviegoers. That is a huge plus for the movie. The ending scene when the women lead the way is so beautiful done. Vidya and her home science "jugaads"(hacks) will stay with you much after the movie is done.
Overall, Mission Mangal makes you proud, brings you tears and fills your heart with joy and its worth ignoring the few cringe-invoking scenes as minor glitches.
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