MISSION OVER MARS (M-O-M) web series review is here. The fictional adaptation of the historic M.O.M. – Mission Over Mars mission is created by Ekta Kapoor’s AltBalaji. The web series is streaming on AltBalaji and Zee5 from September 10 2019. Starring Sakshi Tanwar, Mona Singh, Nidhi Singh and Palomi Ghosh in pivotal roles, the web series captures the journey behind the historic India’s first-ever Mars mission, Mangalyaan – The mission launched by ISRO which took the Mars Orbiter into space on its twenty-fifth flight is helmed by Vinay Waikul. Does M.O.M lands safely?. Let’s find out in the review of the initial three episodes of MISSION OVER MARS (M-O-M).
Immediate reaction when the end credit rolls
An ode to the magnificent four – a salute to true nationalism, feminism, a window into history, and a crowd pleasing engaging drama that holds and beholds!! M.O.M – MISSION OVER MARS is all in one.
The Story of M.O.M. MISSION OVER MARS
Dramatized account of the four magnificent women behind the success of India’s pride Mangalyaan – The mission launched by ISRO which took the Mars Orbiter into space on its twenty-fifth flight sees Mona Singh as Moushumi Ghosh a divorcee torn between her personal and professional demands, Sakshi Tanwar as Nandita Hariprasad a concerned mother who has to balance between her teenage son and Indian Space Agency’s dream mission, Nidhi Singh as Neetu Sinha a newly married Indian wife who has to ‘plan’ her priorities personal and professional priorities and Palomi Ghosh as Meghan Reddy a hard core analyst who can think thrice before a sneeze.
M.O.M. MISSION OVER MARS review
The first five episodes of the series is streaming on Alt Balaji and Zee 5 platform from 10 September 2019. Names have been changed and situations are dramatized for cinematic effect. It may seem a bit early to comment for some but one thing is sure, stories like M.O.M – MISSION OVER MARS are the one that needs to be told every now and then. Yes, MISSION MANGAL starring Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, Nithya Menen, Kirti Kulhari, Sharman Joshi, and Sonakshi Sinha is playing in theatres and a true Indian is awed by the inspirational saga, the web series MISSION OVER MARS aka M.O.M can claim to have the difference. Firstly it centers around those real magnificent four – Ritu Karidhal, Moumita Dutta, Nandini Harinath and Minal Rohit. As it is said, well begun is half done, director Vinay Waikul and his writer Sambit Mishra begin with the introduction of Moushumi Ghosh and bang on its an instant connect that speaks on gender discrimination, dreams, typecasting of small town individuals and more. There is no ‘heroism’ in the beginning. Slowly and surely the writer director make the audience feel the character and get familiar with their surroundings and gradually mould this drama into an absorbing story of determination. Some sly comments on the politics and the system do appear but the prime focus on the ladies never loses the grip. Ashish Vidyarthi as K Muralidharan the chief of Indian Space organization works as a fantastic link between dreams and reality and delivers a fine performance. Moments like the ‘common man’, Sakshi Tanwar’s concern for her teenage son, the indifferent attitude of other senior male members of the organization add value to the narration and make sure that it’s not just a docu – drama making it acceptable to the crowd as well. Looking for technical expertise in providing insight info about the mission in a web series designed to entertain and if possible enlighten as well is not a smart move. M.O.M – MISSION OVER MARS works entirely on its great motivating truth behind the unsung heroes of Mangalyaan and its appeal to engage and inspire.
Without the marvelous performances coming from the magnificent four M.O.M is incomplete.
Beginning with Sakshi Tanwar who begins as an obedient controlled assistant slowly and gradually taking control and gaining better understanding of dreams and reality shines bright and gains right nuances at the right occasions. From a subtle nod in the beginning to a stern warning to her disinterested colleagues Sakshi gives a balanced and nuanced performance that stays.
Mona Singh as Moushumi Ghosh is the fuel that keeps the fire of the mission burning. Playing the no nonsense scientist outspoken scientist, gets the opportunity to show different shades when she tries to control her aggression and be pleasant. It’s an endearing performance and overwhelming as well as the audience is introduced to an Indian scientist who never losses hope.
Nidhi Singh as Neetu Sinha is a scientist with traditional routes. The newly married Indian wife believes in both rockets, space, stars and the one who made them all – god. She is amazingly natural.
Palomi Ghosh gets a rare quirk to her character as Meghan Reddy a hard core analyst and she is able to provide her character the required identity.
As said earlier Ashish Vidyarthi excels as the chief of Indian Space Agency and notable contributions come from Mona Ambegaonkar as the minister and it’s a pleasure to see the veteran Mohan Joshi as the ex chief of Indian space agency.
Flaws
At places things are over dramatized and filmy. It’s a web series so binge watching is a requirement to enjoy the series in its right element. In the first three episodes, surprisingly, the mention of the legendary Indian, former President and Missile Man of India – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam is missing. The character of Palomi Ghosh needed more depth. May be in later episodes.
Final words
MISSION OVER MARS aka M.O.M in its initial first three episodes achieves in its mission to unfold the story of these magnificent four Indian women who helped ISRO launch India’s Mars Orbiter into space. It’s manipulated, filmy at times but without any doubt you’ll want to stand up and cheer for these brave and beautiful women of India who gave a new adage of determination and talent winning over unfair and repressive system, gender discrimination, and politics. Powered by fantastic performances by Sakshi, Mona, Nidhi and Palomi these MOM’s are destined to hold relevance till we find life in Mars. With the world standing together in the honor and valor of our ISRO chief K Sivan, M.O.M could have not asked for a better time to remember India’s great space achievement.
