Rustom

I watched Rustom when it aired on Zee TV last evening. I did not expect too much from it based on press reviews even though it had done well at the box office. Was I surprised!

Even though everyone knows this movie is broadly based on the infamous Nanavaty incident, it was well made and riveting till the last scene.

Everyone but everyone essayed their role so well, especially the bawaji newspaper walla :) Akshay could well pass off for aapro Russi!

Rustom is one heck of a slick production, good plot, fabulous period sets, crisp dialogues, superb acting, cinematography par excellence.

This movie holds the interest throughout and the climax keeps you on the edge of your chair even though you very well know what is coming.

Well done Akshay, with Special 26, Holiday, Baby and now Rustom, you have really come well out of the Khiladi mould. Looking forward to more such slick productions.

Patriotism or Infidelity, Love for Nation or love for wife.. Was the director confused? So decided to keep both as main ingredients of this Thriller... So whats " Rustom " - Murder Mystery?? But then we know the murderer in first 30 mins.. Is it about " why she did what she did" Its easily given out in first half.. So here it goes- Rustom is a courtroom story of how a naval officer .. Defends himself.. How a judge gets in humour while the trial is on.. How a sister can wear a deep red pout while pleading to convict her brother's killer !! Ileana is overdosed on glycerin .. But so far this is her best.. Esha Gupta hired herself a new designer and she got this platform to show it all.. Otherwise who wears a page 3 outfit to court.. Arjan- nothing great about him.. His acting skills remain where they were.. Akshay... As good as he gets.. He is ageing gracefully and has totally justified his screen space. Songs can be given a pass.. Hats off to the casting director Shruti Mahajan for collecting together a well fitted cast.. Be it the investigating officer or the newspaper head who brought in the humour in n otherwise serious watch.. 👏🏼👏🏼 for you girl!! The story keeps one gripped.. Those who like courtroom drama .. Should watch!!

Good acting performances with a great body language of all the characters. Could have been formulated better, but with a good intent, it furnishes a decent delivery. Ileana looks very beautiful and she carried that character nicely. Pavan Malhotra as an inspector was bang on, something which is expected from him now. Akshay Kumar was at his usual flawlessness, as he is in these type of roles.

Storyline Rating: 3 Content: 3 Commercialization: 2 Entertainment: 2

Acting Rating: 3 Akshay Kumar: 3 Ileana: 3 Pavan Malhotra: 3 Esha Gupta: 2

Direction Rating: 3

Music Rating: 2

Cinematography: 2

Editing: 4

Though the climax has been smartly fictionalised, this courtroom drama is essentially based on the real life of Naval officer K M Nanavati, who in 1959, shot and killed his wife's lover. The subsequent trial was one of India's most sensational court cases. Coming to the film, Rustom has a cracker of a beginning. Without wasting any time, the director comes straight to the point. He takes us quickly through the circumstances in which Rustom shoots Vikram and the trial begins.

Akshay Kumar is the backbone of Rustom. The Khiladi renders one of the most understated performances of his career, proving yet again that he can play a range of diverse roles with aplomb. He smoothly pulls off his character with utmost ease.

Based on a controversial case, Rustom lacks the unnerving tension one ideally expects from a film of this genre. However, director Tinu Suresh Desai infuses ample melodrama and ups the intrigue. Ileana D'Cruz is perfectly cast and does complete justice to her role. Arjan Bajwa is decent as well. To cut to the chase, Rustom can be watched for its story and most importantly Akshay Kumar, whose action/comic brilliance often overshadows his acting prowess. He reminds you to value the honest officers who serve our country with dignity and valour. He makes you want to support the man who probably did the right thing the wrong way.

We went to this movie with a suspicion that this will be as usual Bollywood type glorified and twisted movie.. but we were in for a pleasant surprise. production values are great.. 1950's sets were decently propped and colorful retro chic style attire looked classy. the story is fast paced and takes the viewer for a good ride.. Akshay and Pawan Malhotra simply blow us away with their razor sharp performances. Akshay keeps his ice-cool composure throughout the movie.. and Pawan.. with his inimitable pout and with a ciggy in one hand.. is the movie's style quotient ;-). the actresses are passable..ileana looks gorgeous but wooden not classy enough for the Brit sylvie. esha looks chic and tries hard to make a presence.. unfortunately story has little for her apart from looking hard on everyone and loud-mouthing..

for someone who would want to see a thrilling Hindi movie with a 1950 backdrop, this is the perfect one. but for someone who wants to see a 100% correct depiction of nanavati case, this may not be his/hers cup of tea :-).