Space has always been a fascinating subject for filmmakers, and Bollywood is no exception. Over the years, several Indian movies have explored the mysteries of the cosmos, taking viewers on thrilling journeys beyond Earth. From alien encounters to missions to Mars, these films have captured the imagination of audiences. Here are 9 must-watch space-related Bollywood movies:
1. Koi… Mil Gaya (2003)
Koi… Mil Gaya is a heartwarming sci-fi drama that tells the story of Rohit (Hrithik Roshan), a young man with a developmental disability who befriends an alien named Jadoo. Rohit’s father, a scientist, had been attempting to communicate with extraterrestrial life before his death. When Rohit accidentally establishes contact using his father’s computer, Jadoo’s spaceship crashes near their town. Rohit and his friends protect Jadoo from the authorities while the alien helps Rohit gain superhuman abilities. The film beautifully portrays the bond between Rohit and Jadoo, highlighting the power of friendship and acceptance.
2. Krrish (2006)
A sequel to Koi… Mil Gaya, Krrish follows the story of Rohit’s son, Krishna (Hrithik Roshan), who inherits his father’s superhuman abilities. Krishna falls in love with Priya (Priyanka Chopra) and moves to Singapore, where he discovers a mask that transforms him into the superhero Krrish. As Krrish, he battles the evil Dr. Siddhant Arya (Naseeruddin Shah), who seeks to misuse a device that can see the future. The film seamlessly blends elements of science fiction and superhero genres, showcasing breathtaking action sequences and special effects.
3. Joker (2012)
Joker is a sci-fi comedy that revolves around Agastya (Akshay Kumar), a NASA scientist who returns to his village, Paglapur, to find a cure for his ailing father. Agastya discovers that Paglapur has been wiped off the map due to a clerical error and decides to use this opportunity to attract attention to the village’s plight. He creates a hoax about aliens visiting Paglapur, which spirals out of control as the media and government agencies descend upon the village. The film offers a satirical take on the fascination with extraterrestrial life and the gullibility of the masses.
4. Tik Tik Tik (2018)
Tik Tik Tik is a Tamil-language space thriller that follows the mission of an Indian team to stop an asteroid from colliding with Earth. The film stars Jayam Ravi as Vasu, an escaped convict who is recruited by the Space Agency to join the mission due to his expertise in breaking safes. Along with a team of astronauts, Vasu embarks on a dangerous journey to plant explosives on the asteroid and destroy it before it reaches Earth. The film features impressive visual effects and edge-of-the-seat action sequences that keep viewers hooked.
5. Mission Mangal (2019)
Mission Mangal is based on the true story of India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan. The film follows a team of scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who overcome various challenges to successfully launch a satellite into Mars’ orbit on a shoestring budget. Akshay Kumar leads an ensemble cast that includes Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, Sonakshi Sinha, and Nithya Menen. The film celebrates the spirit of innovation and determination, highlighting the achievements of India’s space program.
6. Cargo (2019)
Cargo is a unique sci-fi film that blends elements of mythology and afterlife with a futuristic setting. The story takes place on a spaceship named Pushpak 634A, where a demon named Prahastha (Vikrant Massey) works in the Post Death Transition services. His job is to recycle dead people for rebirth. When a new assistant, Yuvishka (Shweta Tripathi), joins him, Prahastha’s monotonous existence is disrupted. The film offers a philosophical exploration of life, death, and the cycle of reincarnation, set against the backdrop of a spaceship.
7. Antariksham 9000 KMPH (2018)
Antariksham 9000 KMPH is a Telugu-language space thriller that revolves around the mission to save a satellite from colliding with space debris. The film stars Varun Tej as Dev, a retired astronaut who is brought back into action to lead the mission. Along with his team, Dev faces numerous challenges as they race against time to prevent a global communication blackout. The film features stunning visuals of space and keeps viewers engaged with its gripping storyline.
8. Mangalyaan (2022)
Mangalyaan is an upcoming Hindi-language film based on India’s historic Mars Orbiter Mission. The film is directed by Abhishek Sharma and features an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, and Taapsee Pannu. While details about the plot are yet to be revealed, the film is expected to showcase the incredible journey of India’s first interplanetary mission and the challenges faced by the scientists involved.
9. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022)
Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is a biographical drama based on the life of Nambi Narayanan, a former scientist and aerospace engineer at ISRO. The film is directed by and stars R. Madhavan as Nambi Narayanan. It chronicles Narayanan’s pioneering work in the field of rocket science and his wrongful arrest in an espionage case. The film highlights the scientist’s resilience and his fight for justice, while also shedding light on India’s space program.
These space-related Bollywood movies offer a diverse range of stories, from alien encounters to missions to Mars. They showcase the creativity and vision of Indian filmmakers who have pushed the boundaries of the sci-fi genre. Whether you’re a fan of heartwarming dramas, thrilling adventures, or philosophical explorations, these movies have something to offer. So, grab some popcorn and embark on a space odyssey with these incredible Bollywood films!