In 2013, ISRO successfully launched a space probe to Mars and achieved India’s first interplanetary mission, while also becoming the only nation to do so in its maiden attempt. This was possible due to a team of talented scientists, and their inspiring story gets a dramatic retelling in Mission Mangal, the trailer of which released today. 

Starring Akshay Kumar as the lead scientist of the mission – Rakesh Dhawan – the trailer hints at the efforts it took to build India’ space probe for Mars. 

While the trailer makes it clear that it’s Rakesh Dhawan leading the mission, he is ably joint by a team of talented scientists and technicians. 

This team is made by Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha, Taapsee Pannu, Nithya Menen, Kirti Kulhari, and Sharman Joshi. However, the name of any of the other characters is not revealed in the trailer. 

It does appear that while every character struggles to accept the viability of the project, Rakesh Dhawan’s conviction remains unperturbed. 

The movie also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, though once again, in a supporting role. 

Though inspired by true events, the trailer does appear to hint more heavily on fiction than fact. However, whether the movie does justice to the story can be determined only once the movie releases. 

You can watch the trailer here. 

The movie releases on August 15, 2019. All images are screenshots from the trailer.