‘Mission Mangal’ Movie Review: An engrossing space drama that’s bound to inspire a generation of young scientists

Directed By: Jagan Shakti

Produced By: Cape of Good Films, Fox Star Studios and Hope Productions

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha, Taapsee Pannu, Nithya Menen, Kirti Kulhari, Sharman Joshi

Bollywood Bubble Rating: 3.5/5

One of the biggest achievements of ‘Mission Mangal’ is that it does justice to the extraordinary feat accomplished by ISRO scientists. It is not easy to make a science film and make it entertaining. In the last few years, we have rarely seen any Indian film do that. So Mr. Jagan Shakti, hats off to you.

Coming to the plot of the film, the movie starts by showing a failed ISRO mission. Rakesh Dhawan (Akshay Kumar) is then shifted to a Mars project and along with Tara Shinde (Vidya Balan), he hatches a brilliant plan to put India on the space map. After a lot of struggle to get requisite funds, the entire team (actresses like Sonakshi Sinha and Taapsee Pannu don’t have much to do) manages to achieve the impossible. They manage to make a satellite enter the Mars orbit.

In one scene, Tara explains how a simple home science concept (used in frying puris) could be used to reach Mars. It’s commendable that such concepts are easily explained and there is very little scientific jargon. In another scene, Rakesh fakes a conversation with APJ Abdul Kalam. He imbibes the spirit of a scientist extremely well and I am sure that several kids who will watch the movie will be inspired to become scientists.

Coming to performances, a special mention should be given to Dalip Tahil for nailing the role of a NASA return ISRO scientist. He is hilarious and his one-liners had the entire audience in splits. Akshay Kumar too aces his part and you need to tip your hat to the screenwriter for giving him some great dialogues. Among the ladies, only Vidya Balan manages to leave a mark mainly because the others are hardly given any screen time.

A lot of points should also be given to the film for the breathtaking climax. Even though you know it is bound to be a successful mission, the director manages to keep us on the edge of our seats (I chewed half my nails off).

Final verdict: 

Finally, I would like to say that this is a perfect Independence Day family film that will make your heart swell with pride.

Watch trailer: