Dr. Bhabha.
Panditji has agreed to see you now.
Sir, China has sent a ceasefire proposal.
It's a three-point formula, sir.
They want us to retreat.
Sir, they want us to respect the Line of Control.
They want us to order our soldiers to step back.
Panditji, I think this decision is right.
We should think about China's ceasefire proposal.
That would mean accepting our defeat, Shastri.
Exactly, sir.
We can win this war.
Last year in 'Operation Vijay' we proved our military strength.
With all due respect, Mr. Menon.
China's military capabilities, weapons, resources,
are far more sophisticated than the Portuguese.
- They are far more powerful... - We know about China's military capabilities.
- But we also know our own military strength. - Yes.
- But the intelligence report... - Dr. Bhabha!
I'm the Defence Minister of this country,
and this is a matter of national security.
Well, since we're all stating our qualifications,
I am the Chairman...
- ...of the Atomic Energy Committee... - Homi.
Panditji, give China's proposal a thought.
I don't accept this three-point formula.
I do want this war to end,
but not by accepting defeat.
Homi.
The AEC Board has come to a unanimous decision.
Everyone has voted in favour of the 'bomb'.
Even Raza?
Even Raza.
You said it yourself.
Losing is not an option.
My 12-year-old niece called from America last night.
You know why, Homi? To say goodbye.
She overheard her papa talking about the missile attacks from Cuba.
Bhai..
Even a 12-year-old kid knows that a war...
and an atomic war means death and destruction.
I cannot repeat Kennedy and Khrushchev's mistakes.
Homi.
Mrs. Gandhi.
How are you?
Unsure.
- Homi was just leaving. - Was I?
Bhai, you rejected the ceasefire,
but now what?
The media, opposition, even the people are saying that...
I am weak. Right?
Papa.
If you're willing, you can still easily change,
people's thought process and the outcome of the war.
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind, Indu.
Whatever decision your committee has taken,
but I'm still the Prime Minister of this country.
And my decision is 'no'.
Bhai, have you heard about the Nash Equilibrium?
Soviets won't fire their missiles,
nor will the Americans.
Because they are equally armed.
I know that it is frightening,
but India now doesn't need a freedom fighter.
It needs a leader.
For the rest...You are still the Prime Minister of the country.
'In recent news, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru,
has rejected China's three-point ceasefire formula.
Defense Minister VK Menon said while reassuring the people,
that our soldiers will hold their ground on the battlefield.'
Good evening.
From Mr. Kalinin?
Take the car.
Thank you.
What the...
What the f**k is he doing at the Kremlin?
- Sir, that's... - It's Homi Bhabha.
What the f**k is he doing with the Soviets?
It was just some meeting.
Some convention of Physicists.
Like a f*****g spa retreat?
He's singing Kumbaya with our biggest f*****g enemy.
This man is pushing to make India an atomic bomb.
And who's that?
Anton Kalinin.
Sorry, what does he do?
The Soviet Director of Nuclear Operations.
Smith, what are you in fucking third grade?
I need to spell this out for you?
Sir, but if I may?
Doesn't it seem a bit far-fetched,
the Indians being capable enough to build a bomb?
Let me ask you a question.
When we dropped those bombs in '45
did you really think that we would be the only ones to ever have one?
Because Oppenheimer didn't? Einstein didn't.
They knew this would be the beginning of the global nuclear race.
And you know what?
Because four years later, Soviets tested 'boom'.
And then Brits tested 'boom'.
Then France.
And we know the Chinese are making one right now.
And the last goddamn thing I need on my plate today...
Is India joining the club.
Bingo!
Let's send Nehru a message that we know what his golden boy is upto.
Can you handle that, Smith?
Yes, sir.
Good. Go.
Sir.
You f**k!
Bhai.
It must be freezing in Russia.
We are at war. The Chinese have us cornered,
but you're too consumed by your own pride to even notice that.
Head of the Soviet Nuclear Program Anton Kalinin...
Friend of yours, Homi?
I've information that China has sanctioned their nuclear weapon's program.
As usual, we're 10-years too late.
- It's not a game, Homi... - I know it's not a game, bhai.
They have a bomb, so we must have a bomb too.
Are you planning to start an arms race?
I am planning to catch up to an arms race that has already started.
I'm trying, bhai, to help us win this war.
We're being absolutely demolished by the Chinese.
We're being pulverised at the border.
What do you think will happen once they have the bomb?
This is the only way.
I...
I can't understand how you don't see it.
I don't think you have the right or the authority to tell me,
what I should do for the nation, Homi.
My advisors were probably right about you.
Right about what?
That you're using our friendship to push your own personal agenda!
My own personal...
What will I personally do with an atom bomb, brother?
Bury it in my backyard?
Keep it in the Homi Atomic Bhabha Museum?
All of this hard work, is for the country..
is for you!
- For me? - Yes.
Is that why you went behind my back colluding with the Russians,
without informing me?
What am I supposed to believe?
- What am I supposed to tell Kennedy? - What does it matter?
Where are the Americans?
I went to the Russians asking for help.
You went to Kennedy.
When will you open your eyes to the realities of this world?
No one is coming to help us.
We're on our own...bhai.
No, Homi. You are on your own.
'After the disgraceful defeat by China,'
'the Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru,
'had to face no confidence motion at the Parliament of India.'
'The leaders of eight opposition parties,'
'blamed the government for corruption, incapability'
...'and their inability to protect the country against the Chinese.'
'Thousands of party workers have led demonstrations on the streets against the government.'
'All of the demonstrators had only one demand.'
'Nehru's resignation.'
'After taking the responsibility of the crushing defeat'
'the public's wrath has turned towards the defence minister.'
'And now, resignation of Krishna Menon has risen.'
'Not only the defence minister,'
'even the Eastern Army Command is being questioned.'
'After this defeat,
'will a strong and secure India just remain a dream?'
Why are you sitting alone?
I met Homi.
We fought...again.
We've been fighting over the same thing for years.
At least you two talk.
When did you return?
Two days ago.
I didn't want to miss Mallika's school play.
How was Malli's performance?
Beautiful.
You would've been proud.
- Mrinalini, I know... - Why did you fight?
Why did you fight, with Homi?
I don't agree with some of his nuclear policies.
I think they are rash.
That sounds just like Homi.
That's not it.
He thinks since everyone's armed up,
we should too.
And you think it's wrong.
Yes, it's wrong.
Because we have a moral obligation towards the people of this country.
Whatever we do will affect the lives of millions.
Once we make a decision, we cannot go back.
You know, Vikram, we think we make our own choices.
But that's not true.
Are you talking about Kelvin's philosophy and predestination?
I thought you didn't believe in any of this.
Only until I didn't experience it personally.
Till then.
I thought my choices would decide the course of my life.
And it happened.
But the biggest decision of my life was made...
...by someone else, not me.
We've lost the war, Vikram.
The choice has already been made.
I don't think you have any more choices.
I don't know what to do.
Try to do the right thing.
Maybe I was wrong.
We were attacked. We weren't prepared.
And I don't like to be wrong.
Sometimes being wrong is the right way,
even if it's against our principles.
We can still change the outcome, man.
For two sides to remain equal,
both must arm themselves with an equal amount of ammunition.
Because if both have an equal amount to lose,
then neither will attack.
Sounds familiar.
I read about your Nash Equilibrium theory.
Go make your bomb, Homi.
I'll get right to it, bhai.
I'll call for a meeting of AEC tomorrow morning.
No, not the whole committee.
Choose only those you completely trust.
Mathur.
Bhatnagar.
And Raza.
I trust him.
And Vikram?
Ah. Well,
I think he too wants to see the end of mindless wars.
Only the dead have seen the end of war, Homi.
No, no, there's absolutely no way we can get Raza on board.
We cannot trust that man.
- And we don't need him. - We need him, Mathur.
Why? Why?
I am handling everything.
Let me handle this, please.
Of course, you are, Mathur.
And you're doing a fantastic job.
Then?
No one's questioning you, Mathur.
It's just if something were to happen to me,
I would need a successor.
You're serious.
Raza?
He's the most qualified man for the job.
Homi, I am...
I am not okay with this.
Hmm.
No.
You made Raza a member of AEC.
I said nothing.
I supported you.
But now you're being unreasonable.
He's not the right man. He'll get us in a mess.
Do you hear me, Homi?
My ears still work, Mathur.
Your mind clearly isn't.
Look, Homi.
Let's not be hasty in taking decisions.
Maybe you're drunk. Once you're sober...
Sorry.
That's alright.
Where's Vikram?
He's in...
He is in Thumba.
Thank you, Mathur.
Ma'am, I've been here before.
They completely changed the shape of the village.
Good morning. Good morning.
I am APJ Abdul Kalam.
Pratima Puri ma'am, it's very nice to meet you.
Mr. Kalam, very good morning.
And you can call me Pratima.
Would you all like to see the spectacle up close?
- Of course. - Please follow me.
Yes.
- So, Mr. Kalam, are you ready? - Absolutely.
The Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching...
Station has been in the making for years.
The result is in front of you.
Today evening at 6 o'clock,
India will launch its first rocket into space.
A rocket station in the middle of a tiny village.
How did you achieve this feat, Mr. Kalam?
The locals have been very cooperative and supportive.
The bishop has been very kind and generous,
and has given us complete access.
And that's how we've seen this village...
...transform right in front of our very own eyes.
But the credit of all this should go to our captain,
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
That brings me to my next question.
I was going to ask you where is Dr. Vikram Sarabhai,
the architect of this launch station on this historic day?
My apologies.
There he is.
That's Dr. Sarabhai?
What is he doing?
Making sure that everything goes according to plan.
But...is that the rocket?
That's the Apache steel nozzle for the rocket.
Dr. Sarabhai will never allow anybody near it.
- Let's fire this rocket, gentlemen! - Yes, sir!
So speaking of Dr. Sarabhai.
He started the Physical Research Laboratory.
He opened ATIRA for the mill workers in Ahmedabad.
He's behind the launch of the Indian Institute of Management.
He's on the board of the Atomic Energy Commission.
And now this.
Forgive me, but in America, we have this phrase,
"Jack of all trades, Master of none".
- What would you say... - Look, Mr. Richard.
Most people are ignorant, ill-informed and frankly illiterate.
And as far as the figure of speech is concerned, the complete saying is,
"Jack of all trades is a master of none".
"But often times better than a master of one."
Do you agree with me, Mr. Richard?
You will, at 6 o'clock.
You'll can keep your cameras there and take a few pictures.
I need to get back to Dr. Sarabhai.
I'll see you later, ma'am.
Pratima.
You know, from the looks of it,
it's not really a master of anything.
All day we've seen parts of the rocket being lugged around,
on bullock carts, bicycles and tongas.
What a waste of a trip.
Mr. Richard Mitchell, right?
Right.
Mr. Mitchell, see I know,
back home, you might not even blink twice,
before destroying a native village and its ecosystem.
But here, I think Dr. Sarabhai and his whole team,
have been extremely mindful of the natural systems.
Not just their own gain.
What you call a waste, I think this is ingenious.
And perhaps you should write about it in 'Chicago Tribune', right?
After all, you've travelled 8000 miles to see this.
I'll see you around. Have a great day.
Sir.
Kalam, where were you?
Sir, press.
That was the lovely lady you were talking to?
Is she your friend?
Sir, Pratima Puri.
Boys go mad over her voice on Akashvani.
- You should get married. - No, sir.
It's important.
You know family, wife and kids.
It's important.
Find a good girl and just do it.
It's okay, sir.
Sir, is your family coming?
Yeah, maybe.
Let's go to the control room.
Take the pressure readings.
- Morning. Good morning, everyone. - Good morning, sir.
How is everyone doing? Good.
Good, sir.
I want to tell you all that you've worked tirelessly,
and very hard for this day.
And I want to thank you for your efforts.
Thank you, sir.
Now we've got just four hours to hoist the rocket.
- Are you all excited? - Yes, sir!
Then let's get back to work.
Yes, sir!
All okay?
All okay. Everything under control.
You know what I'm thinking?
200 kilometers, my friend.
Soon.
What was that?
Oh no.
Murli.
Chitnis sir come in, Chitnis sir.
'Yes, Kalam.'
Sir, the hydraulic system has failed.
And the fluid conductor?
No, the fluid conductors are fine.
The reservoir is leaking.
'Pass the walkie to Vikram sir.'
Yes, sir.
'Sir, the remote signal mechanism has also failed, sir.'
'I can't operate it.'
We're coming over there.
Yes sir. Hello.
What's the status, Chitnis?
Sir, the launcher can't lift more than 45 degrees.
Okay.
What about the reservoir?
It's leaking, but we'll manage that.
None of your makeshift solutions, Kalam.
What do we do, sir?
Inform the press that we're running late.
Okay.
- Kalam. - Yes, sir.
Take a team, do a thorough inspection.
I want to know exactly which point of the launcher is malfunctioning.
Yes, sir.
Kartik. Rajan.
We apologize but there's a slight delay.
For the launch? Not for the launch,
but for sir to arrive.
Sir, there's a manufacturing error in the remote system.
The gear pump is not working properly,
and we will have to repair it.
- How long will it take? - Sir, uh...
Only an expert can do that.
Ratilal Panchaal.
Isn't he in Ahmedabad?
Yes, sir.
Sir... why don't we raise the angle by 10-15 degrees?
It just might get a flight.
Let's take that chance, sir.
But if it malfunctions, the rocket may be damaged.
But, sir...
Kalam, there's a huge crowd outside.
If we don't get the trajectory right,
we'll be endangering everyone's life.
And I can't risk the lives of people for my launch.
I'm sorry, everyone. We'll have to cancel the launch.
Sir...
Sir, I think we should inform the press.
This is my responsibility. I will inform them.
Good evening, everyone, my name is Vikram Sarabhai.
First of all, I would like to thank all the journalists
and media personnel for being present here at the launch today.
We had the support of Father Pereira, Mr. Nayyar and the people of Thumba.
- For that... - Mr...Dr. Sarabhai.
Richard Mitchell, Chicago Tribune.
We can't help but notice that there's been a delay.
Is there any chance that the launch is going to happen today at all?
Mr. Mitchell, unfortunately, due to certain shortcomings on my end,
I regret to inform you that...
The launch will happen today.
However, it is slightly delayed,
due to unforeseen...weather conditions.
However...
What time is the launch supposed to be?
- 6 o'clock. - 6 o'clock.
The launch will now be happening at 6:30 pm sharp.
Yes. Please in the meantime enjoy some refreshments.
Thank you.
What are you doing?
Can't miss history now, can we, Sarabhai?
There is no history.
Why?
I'm cancelling the launch, Homi.
Why?
The crane's hydraulic system has developed a fault.
Plus the remote trigger is also not working.
It's too dangerous.
We'll have to cancel it.
Jesus Christ, man.
There used to be a church here. Have some faith.
If not in God, then in me.
Let's take a look.
- Can't be serious, Homi. - Let's take a look.
- Come on. - Performance anxiety happens to everyone.
Trigger's not working, there's a leakage in the tank,
even the pump has failed.
But these are the problems?
What are the solutions?
There are too many variables.
I've tried everything.
We need to be objective.
Often the best minds tend to lose objectivity in their...
...pursuit for excellence.
I won't take no for an answer, Sarabhai.
What's the solution?
I think we should start by fixing the tank. Kalam.
The makeshift solution you were telling me about...
The quick fix, sir?
- Quick fix. - Do your quick fix.
Yes, sir. Okay, sir.
Brilliant. Prasad.
Brilliant.
What's next? The hydraulic mechanism.
- What about that? - It has to be replaced and not fixed.
Sir, we don't have a spare gear pump.
Okay, where's the closest factory?
Not possible, sir. It will take us at least two days to bring it here.
Okay. Okay.
The hydraulic mechanism operates the boom,
- right? - Yes, sir.
But sir, we don't have a solution for counter-weight maneuvering.
We cannot launch the rocket without counter-weight maneuvering.
It is impossible, sir.
- Everything is impossible... - But we can.
If we do it manually...
Until it isn't.
We're going to launch the rocket manually.
We just need to rig it and bring it to 80 degrees.
- What do you think? - Yes, sir. We can do it.
It has to be precise, but we can do it, sir.
Precisely. What do you all think?
- Yes, sir! - Are you all with me?
Yes, sir.
Sir, are we going to lift the rocket manually?
If we can transport the rocket on a bullock cart,
then we can also lift it with ropes.
This is what we're going to do, gentlemen.
- Yes, sir. - I know that, sir.
But sir, let's just rethink.
Because if we fail,
we'll become a laughing stock in front of the entire world.
That we will still be if we cancel the launch.
I trust your abilities.
So I won't give up nor let any of you give up.
Gentlemen, I'm going to send this rocket right where it belongs,
up in the sky, beyond the stars.
I'm going to see that sodium vapor cloud tonight.
Are you all with me, gentlemen?
Yes, sir!
Are you ready for this launch?
- Yes, sir! - Then let's get to work.
We are ready sir.
Copy that.
Ready, sir?
Are you ready, boys?
On your count, Homi.
No, Sarabhai. Your baby, your count.
One, two, three...heave!
One, two, three...heave! Heave.
One, two, three...heave!
- Prasad. - Hold it tight.
- Kalam, what does it look like? - Looks sturdy, sir.
What do you think?
I think it will do.
Sure?
Shall we fire up this bad boy?
Let's do that, Homi.
Let's do that.
Kalam, clear up the field. - Okay, sir.
We're ready for the launch.
Should do.
Ten..
Nine.. eight.. seven..
Six.. five..
Four.. three..
Two.. one..
Zero.
Yes!
Dr. Sarabhai, by launching the first rocket of India,
you've made history.
How do you feel?
It's a very proud moment, Ms. Puri.
And I guess we've proven that...
...India and Indian science is at par with the rest of the world.
And that sky is the limit for us.
But this isn't a one-man job.
My passionate team, an amazing village,
and every citizen of this country who trusted us, has contributed to this.
This launch proves that
with faith and support of your kin,
nothing is impossible.
And I guess we've proven that...
..."India and Indian science is at par with the rest of the world."
"And that sky is the limit for us."
"My passionate team, an amazing village,"
"and every citizen of this country who trusted us, has contributed to this."
"This launch proves that"
"with faith and support of your kin,"
"nothing is impossible."
It is a bit more professional than your setup in Bangalore.
Thank you for coming, Homi.
You saved the day.
Wouldn't have missed it for the world.
I know.
Speaking of the world and its safety...
I spoke with bhai.
He's sanctioned the bomb.
Now I know you have your reservations,
- but I wanted to tell you personally... - You're right.
I am right?
Yes.
About?
About the bomb.
- We should make it. - Sorry, just say it again, please.
You should make the bomb.
- We should make the bomb. - Mother Mary, I was...
I was expecting a war.
It's always been a friendly fire. Between us.
Jesus Christ!
This better be good, Crowley.
I got to be at Kennedy's f*****g memorial service in 20 minutes.
Bhabha's building a bomb.
My source confirms it and we have audio tapes to prove it.
Okay.
Okay, meaning?
Take him out.
Thank you, sir.
Tell our men in India, we're going to execute the plan.
You?
I did not expect you here.
Hello, Mr. Dey.
Can we shut the door?
Is everything fine, Raza? What happened?
I want to tell you something.
Can you please shut the door?
Please.
Sure.
How are you, Mr. Mathur?
Panditji's official approval for the bomb.
Crow will be happy to know.
What about Raza?
A couple of years ago some people came to me.
Well...a guy came to me.
He wanted me to work for him.
And he was obsessed with you, Homi.
Raza. We were wrong about him.
He loves his country more than he hates Homi.
Love is a much more powerful an emotion than hatred, Mr. Dey.
What if he opens his mouth?
When I heard that Panditji has sanctioned the atom bomb,
I thought it was important to tell you this.
Your life is in danger.
What?
We must silence Raza.
You don't worry about him.
Raza still has a role to play in this story.
It is all part of the plan.
You met with a nuclear physicist in Russia?
Yes.
Do you know what happened with him?
No.
He was killed.
Seriously?
Yes.
You don't know Raza, I do.
He won't stay quiet.
- And your plan... - Raza doesn't know enough.
And even if he did, we both know that Homi won't stop.
And our agreement?
Two years.
Within two years, you'll be the chairman of the Trombay Centre.
Cheers.
Oh, shit, who is that?
Homi...
Raza...
All I'm trying to tell you is that,
there are people coming after you.
- You need to be careful. - I know, Raza.
- No, listen to me... - I know...
People are coming to kill me.
They will be coming to kill you too.
That's the job.
You can't shuffle the world order without ruffling some feathers.
It's...inevitable.
You know my reasons, Mr. Dey.
Even I love my country.
Much more than that Raza.
And Homi...
Homi is only loyal to himself.
I've given 20 years to AEC.
20 years of my blood, sweat and tears.
When the time came to choose his successor,
Then,
that thankless son of a bitch, my dear friend Homi...
He chooses Raza.
You're right, Mr. Mathur.
Homi is an a*****e.
He knows how to use people and discard them.
Take yourself for example.
You should get what you deserve.
It's what I didn't get.
Now I'll have to snatch it.
I made Homi,
now I will destroy him.
Dear Vikram,
I am writing to you today as our country...
...emerges from the bleak shadows of a battle.
The war, however, is far from over.
This is just the beginning.
We all have lost something or the other.
Some, a little more than the others.
But now is the time, to move ahead,
fearlessly,
whole heartedly
and freely.
It's time for the old
to make way for the new.
I know that time is scarce and enemies are a plenty,
but a wise man once said..
that it's our responsibility to prioritise our country,
and freedom is our right.
So, I suppose,
we will have to keep fighting.
With you by my side though,
I feel there is hope.
Hope for a brighter future,
hope for a braver, new India.
See you at the next launch, Rocket Boy.
No need to worry.
Everyone will think it was an accident.