The film follows Ayyan Mani, a middle-aged man working as an assistant to an astronomer at the National Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. He lives in a slum with his wife and son. Furious at his situation in life, Ayyan develops an outrageous story that his ten-year-old son, Adi, is a science genius.
Adi, though a bright boy, is no genius. Ayyan coaches him on what to say and do in public, and he uses a Bluetooth hearing aid to provide the boy with answers. Ayyan's scheme works, and Adi soon becomes a local celebrity. He is invited to give talks at schools and universities and is even featured on national television.
Ayyan's success attracts the attention of a local politician, who sees Adi as a potential asset for his party. He offers Ayyan a large sum of money if he can convince Adi to endorse the politician's party in the upcoming elections. Ayyan agrees but soon realizes that he has made a mistake.
In the end, Ayyan's deception is revealed. The family moves to a seaside village to live a simpler life.
The film is based on the book Serious Men by Manu Joseph.[2] The makers of the film decided to cast Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the lead in June 2019.[7] Principal photography commenced in September 2019.[8]
Release
The film was released on Netflix on 2 October 2020.[4]
