Fascinating drama shines a light on an unsung hero

WHILE the overall story remains exactly the same, it is important to know that this film was simultaneously shot in three different languages, Hindi, English and Tamil.

There are also various dubbed versions available if you can find them. They will likely impact audiences in different ways because Shah Rukh Khan has an extended cameo in the English and Hindi versions, while Suriya plays the same role in Tamil. Lead star R Madhavan also writes, co-produces, and directs this true-life of brilliant Indian scientist Nambi Narayanan, who does path-breaking work for his country and then is wrongly arrested for espionage. We follow his journey around the world from his student days at Princeton University to making a global mark, returning to India, and then trying to clear his name.

The fascinating story of an unsung Indian hero shines a light on Narayanan’s remarkable achievements in science, what led to the shocking arrest and trying to clear his name.

The story set across different time periods effectively captures chapters from Nambi Narayanan’s life and gives a great insight into everything from his personal to professional moments, to the souldestroying wrongful arrest.

Madhavan transforms himself magnificently for a multi-layered performance across the life of the fascinating individual, who was ultimately betrayed by a country he gave so much to. While his acting is flawless, the same can’t be said about the actor’s writing and directing skills. Instead of a gripping biopic, it comes across more like a onedimensional docu-film and this removes much of the drama. A tighter screenplay and more seasoned director would undoubtedly have injected more life into it. That shouldn’t stop you from watching this film about a fascinating individual, with such an interesting life and struggle for justice.