Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, is currently the talk of the town for two reasons: its visually stunning theatrical experience — especially that one scene now dominating social media, and, more importantly, the adorable yet brave little alien, Rocky.
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, this live adaptation of the 2021 bestseller gets two things absolutely right — the science and technology that drive the film, and its emotional core that makes you root for Rocky, his heartfelt bravery, and even his broken English.
Among many other things, Rocky serves as a reminder of the few but iconic alien friends Indian cinema has seen and loved over the years. Much like them, his innocence, care, abandon, and adorable demeanour make him feel more human — as if he possesses more humanity than the average person. It is this very similarity that brings to mind three unforgettable alien characters from Indian cinema who, like Rocky, won hearts not through spectacle, but through connection.
Jaadu from Koi Mil Gaya (2003)
Arguably the most iconic alien in Indian cinema, Jaadu wasn’t just a visitor from another planet — he was a catalyst for transformation. When Rohit Mehra (Hrithik Roshan) befriends him, what begins as curiosity soon turns into a deeply emotional bond. In many ways, this very connection reflects the dynamic between Rocky and Ryland Grace (played by Ryan Gosling) in Project Hail Mary.
Jaadu’s innocence, playful nature and ability to understand human emotion — faster than he learns Hindi — make him instantly lovable. More importantly, his friendship (and powers — dhoop!) transforms Rohit’s life, giving him confidence and strength. What truly defines their relationship, however, is Rohit’s choice to use that strength to help Jaadu return home, even at the cost of losing it himself.
A similar emotional beat plays out in Project Hail Mary. Rocky saves Ryland at great personal risk, even taking on a six-year setback to help him get back to Earth. But when the moment of truth arrives, Ryland chooses duty first — fulfilling his responsibility towards Earth—before ultimately deciding to turn back and save his alien friend, even if it means never making it home. It might be heavily inspired by E.T., but Jaadu is Jaadu, folks!
Different worlds, same emotion. Maybe that crossover isn’t such a wild idea after all.
PK from PK (2014)
Unlike Jaadu, PK isn’t designed to be “cute” in appearance — though some might argue otherwise — but his behaviour and worldview make him endearing. Played by Aamir Khan, PK is an alien stranded on Earth, trying to understand human customs, often with hilarious and thought-provoking results. For example, at one point, he is perceived as a ‘Tharki Chokro’ (pervert) for trying to grab hold of people’s hands, while in reality, he is merely attempting to learn a language in his own alien way.
His bond with Jaggu (Anushka Sharma) is rooted in trust and curiosity. PK’s childlike questioning of religion, belief systems, and social constructs adds depth to his character, making him more than just comic relief. Like Rocky, he represents an outsider who learns about humanity while forming genuine connections. It makes you wonder — is this quality universal? And if it is, should it even be called humanity?
Tattoo from Ayalaan (2024)
Tamil cinema’s recent addition to the “friendly alien” list, Tattoo from Ayalaan, leans heavily into the adorable and mischievous archetype. Voiced by Siddharth, Tattoo arrives on Earth with a mission but ends up forming a strong bond with Sivakarthikeyan’s character. He is smart, capable, and strong.
What sets Tattoo apart is the blend of humour, emotion, and environmental messaging. He is aware of his situation and surroundings, and his “alien-ness” isn’t just a narrative device—it actively drives the story forward while building a heartfelt friendship. Much like Rocky, Tattoo’s loyalty and willingness to protect his human friend become central to the film’s emotional payoff. That is exactly why, even though the film didn’t perform as well as the other two at the box office, Tattoo makes the cut as a cute alien friend one would love to have.
The Adorable Aliens
The three mentioned above — and Rocky — have so much to offer. Honestly, had Project Hail Mary not been an adaptation of a book, a series on the adventures of Ryland Grace and Rocky would have been incredibly exciting. In fact, it almost feels tailor-made for an animated format.
The nostalgia-driven reaction when Jaadu’s return was announced for the fourth instalment of the Krrish franchise is proof of how deeply these characters are loved. Similarly, a sequel to Ayalaan was announced soon after its release, signalling that Tattoo’s story is far from over. And how can one forget how PK ended—with Aamir Khan’s character returning to Earth, this time accompanied by Ranbir Kapoor as another alien in the post-credits scene? One can only hope Rajkumar Hirani revisits that idea someday.
There were others, too…
There have been other instances of extraterrestrial presence in Indian cinema, though they haven’t always been as endearing. One notable exception is Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai, where Jacqueline Fernandez plays an alien from Venus who comes to Earth in search of love.
The idea of aliens visiting Earth dates back decades. One of the earliest examples is the 1963 Tamil film Kalai Arasi, starring MG Ramachandran and Bhanumathi. This was followed by the Hindi film Wahan Ke Log in 1967, featuring Pradeep Kumar and Tanuja.
Post 2000, there have been a handful of films that explore extraterrestrial themes, but most tend to treat aliens either as a narrative prop or as a looming threat — more in the vein of a predator-style presence — rather than as emotionally engaging characters. As a result, few of them have managed to leave a lasting impact, like Jaadu, PK and Tattoo.
In Conclusion
Friendly aliens may be few and far between in Indian cinema, but the ones that have made their way to the screen have left a lasting impact. Characters like Jaadu, PK and Tattoo stand out not because of where they come from, but because of what they represent — innocence, empathy, and an ability to connect beyond boundaries.
Rocky from Project Hail Mary might be an alien to Indian cinema as well, but he deserves just as much appreciation as the other three, reminding audiences that some of the most meaningful friendships in cinema are often the most unexpected. Different worlds, different stories, but the same emotion — one that proves connection doesn’t need a common language, species, or planet to exist.
