A.R. Rahman prefers R. Madhavan-helmed Rocketry: The Nambi Effect to Nolan’s Oppenheimer, the music composer has revealed on X (formerly Twitter) after Madhavan’s film received the National Award for best feature film on Thursday.

Re-sharing a picture taken with Indian aerospace scientist Nambi Narayanan during Cannes film festival in 2022, Rahman wrote on Friday, “Congrats Madhavan….I still remember the impact of your movie watching at Cannes ….have to confess now (great timing)… I liked yours better than #Oppenheimer .”

The old tweet contained Rahman’s thoughts after watching Madhavan’s biographical drama at Cannes. “Just watched #Rocketrythenambieffect at Cannes ..Take a bow @ActorMadhavan for bringing a new voice to Indian cinema #changeishere #respecttoIndianscientists ,” he had written.

On Thursday, Madhavan took to X to post a picture with his mother on her birthday along with a screenshot of the TV announcement of his big win. He wrote, “Wish you the Happiest Birthday yet Amma.. All yours, Appa’s and Nambi Sirs Blessings. A Heartfelt “Thank You” to all the jury members of the National Award, @MIB_India Shri @ianuragthakur Ji and all in his team. Thank you for the auspicious beginning in Cannes. Team Rocketry and @NambiNOfficial. I don’t know what to say. For once Truly speechless.”

Rocketry: The Nambi Effect released in 2022 is a biographical drama film which marks Madhavan’s directorial debut. The film is based on the life of Nambi Narayanan, played by Madhavan, an East Indian scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation.

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is also a biographical film which depicts the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer who invented the atomic bomb.

Madhavan also received the IIFA award for Best director in 2023 for his film.