Rocketry: The Nambi Effect

Nambi starts his journey at the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station, where he demonstrates his skill by saving a colleague, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, from a major experiment accident. This experience marks his dedication to India's space ambitions and showcases his technical expertise early on.

In 1969, Nambi gets accepted into Princeton University for his MSE in chemical rocket propulsion, funded by the Indian government. His performance earns him a recommendation for a fellowship at NASA, highlighting his recognized talent in rocket science.

While working at NASA with Barry Amaldev, Nambi is offered lucrative positions but chooses to return to India. His aim is to contribute to ISRO and advance India's space capabilities despite tempting offers from abroad.

Back in India, Nambi secures 400 million pounds worth of equipment from Scotland for free to support ISRO's projects. However, with the death of Vikram Sarabhai, he faces reduced support and funding from the government for his research.

Nambi forms a deal with France to learn advanced liquid fuel engine technology, as India lacks resources. His team learns French and investigates French engines, discovering faults that they exploit to access test data and build their own engines.

Returning to India, Nambi's team works on building the VIKAS liquid fuel engine, which takes eight years to develop due to resource constraints. The engine is eventually tested successfully in France, surpassing pressure thresholds.

Nambi shifts his focus to cryogenic engine technology, aiming to boost India's satellite capabilities. He strikes a deal with the USSR to import four cryogenic engines, maneuvering around U.S. restrictions with Russian help amid international tensions.

Without warning, Nambi is falsely accused of espionage and treason, and is arrested in Trivandrum. He endures brutal torture and threats to confess, but maintains his innocence despite the pressure and recording devices capturing every moment.

CBI official P. M. Nair investigates, revealing that Mariam and her associates were coerced by Malayali police to falsely incriminate Nambi. The case uncovers a conspiracy by powerful parties aiming to hinder India's cryogenic research progress.

After months, Nambi is granted bail and returns home, only to find his family traumatized by societal rejection and his wife's mental health crises. Determined to clear his name, he decides to fight publicly against the false allegations.

The Supreme Court eventually proves Nambi's innocence, allowing him to rejoin ISRO. He contributes once more to India's space missions, including supporting the Mangalyaan project, restoring his reputation and career.

In 2019, Nambi receives the Padma Bhushan for his pioneering work in rocket science. This formal recognition publicly acknowledges his contributions and the injustice he endured, symbolizing national appreciation.

Actor Shah Rukh Khan/Suriya, moved by Nambi's story, publicly apologizes on behalf of the nation for the injustices he faced. Nambi is later shown receiving the Padma Bhushan from the President of India, symbolizing national acknowledgment.