ISRO Chief Responds to Akshay Kumar’s “Mission Mangal”

In recent years, the trend of making biopics and films based on true events has been on the rise in Bollywood. One of the notable films released in 2019 is Akshay Kumar’s “Mission Mangal,” which vividly portrays India’s journey to Mars and showcases the remarkable efforts of ISRO scientists to make this mission a success. Alongside Akshay Kumar, the film features a stellar cast of talented women, including Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Sonakshi Sinha, Nithya Menen, Sharman Joshi, and H.G. Dattatreya, all of whom add depth and dynamism to the narrative.

Recently, the film marked its five-year anniversary, and it remains one of director Jagan Shakti’s most celebrated projects. “Mission Mangal” received multiple awards and accolades, emerging as a major box office success. Dr. S. Somanath, the Chairman of ISRO, recently shared his thoughts about the film in a podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia.

ISRO Chairman’s Insights on “Mission Mangal”

During the interview, Dr. Somanath confirmed that he and his entire team had watched “Mission Mangal.” When asked if the ISRO team found the film relatable and accurate, he nodded in agreement, revealing their appreciation for the film’s portrayal of the Mission. He stated, “You’ve probably seen all the women involved in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. They were all there. Although the film humorously suggests that many women in the control center are involved in traditional roles like cooking, that’s not entirely true.”

Dr. Somanath Calls It an Entertaining Film

Discussing the representation of female employees in the organization, Dr. Somanath highlighted the importance of showcasing their contributions to the mission. He added, “It’s a fun film. I see it as an entertaining piece. It was great that it highlighted some aspects of the ISRO team’s lives.” His feedback emphasized not only the entertainment factor but also the reflection of real-life scenarios within ISRO.

Taapsee Pannu’s Delight at Being Part of the Film

“Mission Mangal” had an impressive box office debut, crossing the 100 crore mark within just five days of its release. Actress Taapsee Pannu, who plays a supporting role, expressed her joy at being part of such a significant project. She remarked, “For me, this is a major opening film. It’s a big hit for all of us involved, whether it’s Akshay Sir, Vidya Ji, or myself. We take pride in being part of this film.”

Proud to Contribute to a Historical Narrative

After the film’s release, Taapsee stated, “People often say that Akshay Kumar shouldn’t take on films where women hold pivotal roles. We can prove that it was our combined efforts that gave Akshay Sir his biggest opener.” This underscores the significance of female roles in the film industry and the value of collaboration in storytelling.

Financial Success of “Mission Mangal”

“Mission Mangal” was produced with a budget of approximately 95 crore INR. The film opened with a remarkable earning of 29.16 crore INR on its first day and went on to gross an impressive total of 279 crore INR worldwide, establishing itself as a blockbuster hit.

Film Title	Release Year	Director	Budget (INR)	Box Office (INR)	Key Cast
Mission Mangal	2019	Jagan Shakti	95 crore	279 crore	Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, Sonakshi Sinha

In summary, “Mission Mangal” has not only entertained audiences but has also sparked conversations about women’s roles in science and engineering, proving to be a landmark film that continues to resonate even five years after its release.