R Madhavan trains at NASA: Spacesuits are my new toys

R. Madhavan

R. Madhavan

Space odyssey Chanda Mama Door Ke won't be an easy film to make, but the actors are up for the challenge. Soon after leading man Sushant Singh Rajput returned from the USA after his elaborate training at NASA, his co-actor R Madhavan has headed to the US Space & Rocket Centre in Alabama to do his share of homework.

"I felt like a kid in Disneyland," says Madhavan, with glee, about his experience at the centre. "Over the first few days, I was putting on different space suits and learning all about their functionality. I was shocked when I heard how much a space suit costs! They are my new toys."

The actor, who, much like Sushant Singh Rajput, plays an astronaut in the Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan-directed drama, is currently stationed for a week in Alabama. Keeping him company is John Palmer, the special effects director, who is helping the actor get into the skin of his character.

"John helped me understand the technical aspects of each suit. Since he has worked on a bunch of Hollywood films - Geostorm [2017], Apollo 18 [2011] and The Astronaut Farmer [2006] - he gives me a great reference point to work on. Be it taking me through the process of getting into the suits or explaining safety measures, or helping me train under water, John has done it all."

R Madhavan feels he has developed a keen eye for detail with this film. "That's what being with experts like John does to you."

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