Star-struck on Mars

New wave

Imagine being stranded in the middle of nowhere with the nearest help being ‘only 140 million miles away’! This is exactly what ‘The Martian’ is all about.

One of the biggest releases of this year, ‘The Martian’ has created a lot of interest among people for two reasons — the ongoing Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) and the intelligent use of graphics.

The movie portrays how a lone man stranded on another planet survives. It shows how grit can help one surmount the insurmountable. The movie has not only attracted science fiction buffs but also those who want to learn more about the ‘Red Planet’.

Reflecting reality

Johann, a student of final-year Computer Engineering, CMRIT, points out that it’s a matter of great pride that India has taken the lead in the successful launch of MOM.

“I am an amateur astronomer and a group of us regularly go to Madhugiri, near Tumakuru, to gaze at the skies because they are so clear there. The release of this movie has generated a lot of public interest and grabbed worldwide attention only because of the mission. Scientists in the other countries, including the US, have approached India for assistance.”

Unnecessary hype

Bipul N Pradhan, a student of BSc, Indian Academy Degree College, thinks that the movie is overrated.

“Some of the things shown in the film, like growing a plant on Mars, are unreal. Plants require the right amount of nutrients and sunlight. How can they grow a plant on a planet that has only water? However, I must say that they have used science and the ongoing research on Mars rather effectively in the film. There’s something new to read and understand about Mars everyday in the papers. But I still think the movie is hyped.”

Survival of the fittest

Purva Shivkumar, a student of BSc, Army Institute of Fashion and Design, says she was thrilled when she read that water was discovered on Mars.

“The movie grabs a lot of attention in light of all the research that is being done on Mars. It has raised everyone’s curiosity and I watched it only to understand how one can survive on Mars. It also shows the grit and determination of a man to survive when stranded in a peculiar situation. It is a must-watch.”

Lessons for life

Suhel Khan, a student of BSc, FAD, Army Institute of Fashion and Design, had heard so much about the intelligent use of graphics in the film that he couldn’t wait for its release.

“The director has presented fiction in a humourous way. How the lead actor manages to smile and be cheerful despite being in a do-or-die situation is commendable. It’s a test of how to overcome the worst crisis in one’s life with faith and confidence. I think there’s a lesson in it for all of us. It’s a unique concept.”

Message in a jiffy

Temi Cotek, a student of final-year BSc, Indian Academy Degree College, thinks the movie has proved what was initially thought as impossible to achieve about the Mars mission.

“Mars and Earth are referred to as ‘twins’ many a time and the movie is a brilliant portrayal of what science and research can unravel. It will also get a lot of youngsters more interested in science and research.  There’s a message in it for each one of us.”