R. Madhavan's directorial debut 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' is set to have its world premiere during the 75th Cannes Film Festival. The film, a biographical drama, is based on ISRO space scientist Nambi Narayanan, who introduced the liquid fuel rocket technology in India in the early 1970s. India's Ministry of Culture has officially selected the film for its Red Carpet World Premiere. Actor-turned-filmmaker Madhavan plays the role of the eponymous Indian scientist, Nambi Narayanan, and has also directed, produced and written the film. Speaking on the occasion, Madhavan said, "I'm in a daze! I just started by wanting to tell the story of Nambi Narayanan and I'm unable to believe all that's happening. With God's grace, we've waited long and I'm grateful and thrilled to watch all good things happening for the film. As a debut director, my nervousness is making it difficult for me to breathe and all I hope is to make India proud."
The Palais des Festival premiere will take place during a prime-time slot at 9 pm on Thursday, May 19 as part of the celebration of India as the official country of honour at the Cannes Film Market this year - an inaugural tradition that will be continued at future editions. The launch of the festival tradition is particularly significant during its 75th year, coinciding with 75 years of Indian independence. The film, which also stars Phyllis Logan, Vincent Riotta and Ron Donachie, and special appearances by superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Suriya, has been shot simultaneously in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil and English across India, France, Canada, Georgia and Serbia. Produced by TriColour films, Varghese Moolan Pictures and 27th Investments, distributed by UFO Moviez and Red Giant Movies in India, and internationally distributed by Yash Raj Films and Phars Film Co, 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 1, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, English, Malayalam and Kannada.