Space Gen: Chandrayaan trailer - Nakuul Mehta and Shriya Saran lead gritty retelling of ISRO’s journey from 2.1km heartbreak to lunar glory

Space Gen: Chandrayaan is a dramatised retelling of the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) journey from the failure of the Chandrayaan-2 mission to the historic triumph of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. It is set to release on JioHotstar (OTTPlay Premium). Anant Singh, the series' director, and The Viral Fever (TVF), its producer, will debut the five-part series on January 23, 2026.

How did the failure of Chandrayaan-2 impact the scientific community?

Sadly, the Chandrayaan-2 mission lost touch with its lander, Vikram, only 2.1 km from the lunar surface, setting the tone for the series' opening episode. The trailer focuses on what happened right after this public embarrassment, showing how the scientific community was subjected to intense scrutiny, harsh criticism, and emotional strain. Careers and reputations were at stake during this national reckoning, and the series captures all of it.

The story revolves around the daring choice made by the newly appointed chief of ISRO to have faith in the original mission team. It all comes together to set the stage for a story that is more concerned with salvation than with mere technical achievements. As India prepared to return to the lunar South Pole, the series sought to offer an inside look at the high-stakes atmosphere where internal uncertainties and external pressures clashed.

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What external geopolitical and logistical hurdles did the Chandrayaan-2 mission face?

Known for grounded storytelling, TVF brings a restrained approach to this space drama. The emphasis moves from the spectacular rocket launches to the human aspects, such as the sacrifices made, the careful problem-solving, and the perseverance of the people involved.

There were more than simply scientific challenges, as the trailer makes clear. As other countries, including Russia with its Luna-25 mission, declared their own lunar goals, the project became a high-stakes race, depicting the geopolitical strain. The series also explored the COVID-19 pandemic's logistical problems, which halted worldwide supply chains and prompted the scientists to shift their focus to making Chandrayaan-3 in India, a "mammoth" undertaking according to the trailer.

Who are the lead actors featured in Space Gen: Chandrayaan?

Nakuul Mehta, Shriya Saran, Danish Sait, Prakash Belawadi, and Gopal Datt are the lead actors in the series.

The series delves into the aftermath of a failure, with Mehta, who plays a pivotal role in the mission, emphasising the weight of responsibility that comes with stepping up to rectify a mistake in judgement under intense scrutiny. Mehta described the role as a subtle study of resilience.

What is Shriya Saran’s role in Space Gen: Chandrayaan?

Saran plays a key role in the mission team. Reflecting on the invisible emotional costs and sacrifices made by those at the core of such high-stakes national endeavours, she emphasised the "inner strength" necessary for the role.

In his leadership role, Belawadi highlighted the show's authenticity in portraying responsibility. Rather than idealising achievement, he said, the play highlights the burden of leadership during times of profound uncertainty.

How does the series portray the technical evolution of Chandrayaan-3?

You can see some of the technical difficulties that went into making Chandrayaan-3 in the trailer. The series emphasises the move towards domestic manufacture and the extensive testing that was necessary to avoid making the same mistakes, such as possible engine failures or inaccurate simulations.

To the pioneers and innovators of India's scientific community, Space Gen: Chandrayaan is a fitting homage. The series tries to show that learning from public failures is frequently the root of development by following the four-year path between the two missions.

Where and when can audiences watch Space Gen: Chandrayaan?

Beginning January 23, 2026, the series will be streamed exclusively on JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium). As one of the most anticipated platform releases of the year, it centres around a character-driven drama set against the backdrop of real-world events.

Space Gen: Chandrayaan FAQs:

Q: When is the Space Gen: Chandrayaan release date?

A: Space Gen: Chandrayaan is scheduled to premiere exclusively on JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium) on January 23, 2026.

Q: Who is in the cast of Space Gen: Chandrayaan?

A: Space Gen: Chandrayaan features an ensemble cast led by Nakuul Mehta and Shriya Saran. Other key cast members include Danish Sait, Prakash Belawadi, and Gopal Datt.

Q: Who directed Space Gen: Chandrayaan?

A: Space Gen: Chandrayaan is directed by Anant Singh and produced by The Viral Fever (TVF).