As 2025 drew to a close, actor and filmmaker Imran Khan chose to reflect on a project close to his heart—a cinematic tribute to India's historic Mangalyaan mission. Taking to social media on December 31, 2025, Khan shared a detailed look back at the creation of his short film, expressing his enduring fascination with the space achievement and the collaborative effort behind the scenes.
A Science Nerd's Passion Project
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 'Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na' star revealed that he had signed on to make the short film back in 2018. The project aimed to depict India's mission to place a spacecraft into Martian orbit, a event he had followed keenly as it unfolded between 2013 and 2014. Khan described himself as a bit of a science enthusiast and expressed excitement at the chance to honor this landmark feat for Indian science.
His vision for the film was unique. He wanted to maintain factual and scientific accuracy while crafting the narrative with the tension and pacing of a suspense thriller. "I wanted to give scientists and engineers the 'hero' treatment usually reserved for gun-wielding protagonists," Khan explained, highlighting his desire to shift the spotlight onto the real minds behind the mission.
Creative Liberties and Cinematic Homages
To achieve this distinctive tone, Khan and his team took specific creative liberties with the film's aesthetic. He mentioned dressing the characters in sharply tailored outfits and constructing a sleek, modern control room set with the help of production designer Bindiya Chhabria. A personal touch included requesting RGB gaming keyboards for the set, a nod to his own fondness for video games.
The filmmaker also packed the short film with easter eggs and homages to beloved sci-fi classics. "Star Wars, Star Trek, Interstellar, Hitchhiker's Guide... they're all in there," he added, inviting viewers to spot the references.
A Collaborative Triumph
Imran Khan was quick to credit the talented team that helped realize his vision. He acknowledged producer Punit D Malhotra for his unwavering support and cinematographer Anuj Dhawan for bringing cinematic style and mood to the screen. He also praised the wonderful cast of actors who "breathed life into the characters and lifted them off the page."
"All films are the result of collaborative effort, and my intentions would be nothing without the incredible group of people who poured their energy and talent into the project," Khan stated, concluding his post by encouraging his followers to watch the film.
For those unfamiliar, Imran Khan—nephew of actor Aamir Khan—is known for films like 'Delhi Belly,' 'I Hate Luv Storys,' and 'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan.' He stepped away from acting after the 2015 film "Katti Batti," citing a loss of interest in mainstream roles and a desire to focus on personal well-being. His latest reflections show his continued passion for storytelling behind the camera.
