We made Vikram Sarabhai, Homi Bhabha relatable: 'Rocket Boys' creator Nikkhil Advani

Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani says it was a deliberate attempt to portray the two main characters of "Rocket Boys" -- Dr Vikram Sarabhai and Dr Homi Bhabha -- as regular people rather than accomplished scientists. Written and directed by Abhay Pannu, the first season of the Hindi period drama premiered on SonyLIV in February last year. Its sophomore chapter was released on Thursday.

Through the lives of Bhabha (Jim Sarbh) and Sarabhai (Ishwak Singh), the first installment of "Rocket Boys" mapped the efforts of the two scientists in the nuclear science and space programme.

"We didn't treat them as Dr Vikram Sarabhai and Dr Homi Bhabha but we treated them as Vikram and Homi. We treated them as two friends and we told the story from the point of view of mentor and protege. We took the audience into their world rather than making them see from an outside perspective.

"We made them relatable rather than making it like, these are great people," Advani, who also serves as a producer on the show, told a news agency in a virtual interview.

Through the lives of the two nuclear physicists, the creator said, they have explored the theme of patriotism in a different way.

"We have shown that Dr Sarabhai and Dr Homi Bhabha's idea of patriotism has been a contributor to what India will become. They have dreams, goals and ambitions and it is all about nation building," he added.

Advani said it was heartening to see the audience warming up to season one of "Rocket Boys".

The new season of "Rocket Boys" will continue the incredible journey of the two scientists, shaping a new era where no one dared to challenge their country's sovereignty.

For the creator, the second season marks the end of the show's journey.

"There is no further season. I am ending it here on season two. You have to ask Siddarth Roy Kapur (producer), what his plans are for 'Rocket Boys'."

"Rocket Boys 2", also starring Regina Cassandra, Rajat Kapur, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Namit Das, Saba Azad, and Charu Shankar, is currently streaming on SonyLIV.

Created by Advani, Roy Kapur Films & Emmay Entertainment, the show is produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, Monisha Advani, and Madhu Bhojwani.