Space MOMs

Space MOMs, directed by Radha Bharadwaj and released in 2019, is a remarkable Indian film based on the inspiring journey of India's Mars Orbiter Mission, accomplished by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) in 2013. The movie stands out with its zealous all-female cast, headlined by Bhavna Pani, Swati Das, and M.D. Pallavi.

Deviating from the traditional melodrama in movies, Space MOMs encapsulates the true potential of Indian cinema, illuminating the unnamed and unseen women who have made a significant impact on the space research platform, previously dominated by male scientists.

The main protagonist of the story is an underprivileged homemaker, Neeta, played by Bhavna Pani. She's a low-income earner who stitches clothes for upper-class society to provide for her family while enduring consistent, class-based prejudices. Her world takes a dramatic turn when she's unexpectedly selected by the ISRO to participate in the Mars Orbiter Mission. Bhavna provides a stellar performance, portraying a compelling mixture of vulnerability and strength, making Neeta a relatable and endearing character.

Swati Das portrays the role of Gita, another team member, and M.D. Pallavi sweetens the narrative with her charming portrayal of Maya. Both these characters contribute to the dynamic quotient of the film, or rather the Mars Orbiter team, through their talent and individual prowess. Together, they elevate Space MOMs to an inspiring tale of excellence coming from ordinary circumstances.

Bharadwaj takes great care to represent the social challenges each of these women confronts daily—juggling their domestic responsibilities while managing their professional lives, society's disregard for women in scientific fields, the subtle sexism at work, and more. The screenplay takes a compassionate dive into these issues, delicately balancing them with the main plotline, and constructing a three-dimensional exploration of the characters' lives.

Space MOMs centers around the Mars Orbiter Mission – the monumental scientific achievement of ISRO, rightfully narrated through the lens of these determined women. At its core is the democratization of space exploration and the dismantling of gender and class-barriers. Through an intelligent merge of a scientific event with socio-cultural realities, the film underscores the notion that the domains of space and science are not exclusive to a particular gender or class.

The film is presented in a realistic and gritty style, often taking the narrative to the heart of Indian society's dense fabric where the class divide remains unbroken. Exceptional cinematography carries the audience through an emotional journey, while the background score enhances the sentiments attached to the characters and their endeavours.

The movie also focuses on the struggles of ISRO, suggesting the common thread between ISRO's extraordinary journey to Mars and these women's personal journeys. It captures the down-to-earth, hardworking nature of the scientists who worked for the mission, defying the over-the-top, glamourous portrayal of scientists commonly depicted elsewhere.

The film's production value, while not extravagant, is solid and enhances the movie's realistic tone. The office cubicles with stacks of papers, the small, cramped apartments of the characters – every meticulous detail contributes to creating an authentic portrayal of life in middle-class India.

Despite being a story set in the sphere of science, the film doesn't delve deep into the technicalities of space exploration. It keeps the science simple for the general audience, focusing on the human aspect of the mission instead, offering an engaging narrative that doesn't alienate viewers who aren't familiar with the scientific concepts involved.

Space MOMs is a tribute to the unsung heroes of ISRO's Mars Mission, those women engineers from varied social strata who managed to achieve an extraordinary feat, handled with respect and brilliance by Bharadwaj. It also addresses larger socio-cultural issues, providing commentary on the intersection of gender, class, and scientific achievement. It is a captivating real-life drama, well worth a watch, not only for its intriguing plot but also for the delicate manner in which it handles its characters and themes.