Rustom

Nice film. Nice music. Love the way story unfolds and make u mesmerise. Akshay at his best. Worth watching film. I guess available on ott. Iliana is looking fabulous. The three shots.

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.

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!!

The Nanavati case of 1959 affected several facets of a newly independent India. While the citizens favored the celebrated naval officer who was accused of murdering his wife's illicit partner, the media's sensational coverage of the trial sent people into a frenzy that wouldn't even spare the jury's ability to deliver unbiased justice. The patriotic purity of a naval officer's white uniform was stained with blood but people didn't seem to care. They had already passed their verdict. Director Tinu Suresh Desai uses a lot of dramatic freedom to keep the general audience engaged in the trial's proceedings. For the most part, he deviates from the actual happenings, thus setting the stage for Akshay Kumar to emerge as the nation's most patriotic hero. 'Rustom' is a fictional account of the famous Nanavati v/s State of Maharashtra case that delivers justice in quite an entertaining manner.

Prolonged periods of absence on official duty brought Officer Rustom Pavri's (Akshay Kumar) wife closer to Preeti (Esha Gupta) and her brother Vikram (Arjan Bajwa). Upon his early return from a deployment, Rustom is surprised to find an empty home and soon discovers that Cynthia (Illeana D'Cruz) has been gone for 2 days. His concern turns to suspicion and his instinct leads him to Vikram's home where he sees his wife cheating on him. The following morning, Rustom confronts Cynthia and immediately heads over to Vikram's house before making two crucial stops. One, to pick up a pistol from the ship's armory and two, to make a trunk call to Delhi. Vikram is shot 3 times in his room with Rustom subsequently surrendering himself to the Police. Vincent Lobo (Pawan Malhotra) is the investigating officer, who suspects that there is something amiss about the truth that is in front of him. Citizens pick their sides with Preeti Makhija hiring the best Sindhi lawyer (Sachin Khedekar) to prosecute the accused while the Parsi community, including a local newspaper's editor, rally behind Rustom's defense of himself. The investigators, the city's citizens and the entire nation were embroiled in this sensational case that threatened to stain the patriotic image of a naval officer. While most saw the murderous act as just punishment for Vikram, others would claim that murder is afterall a crime. Popular sentiment would play a major role in the judicial system which was then based on the jury's vote. As the courtroom drama unfolds, truth hinges on perceptions and fabrication that lead to both comedy and tension. There is also a secret concerning national security that will put the pieces of the puzzle together.

With the plot revolving around its protagonist, Akshay Kumar beams in the spotlight in his impeccably white uniform. With barely 2 minutes of action, the majority of his screenplay was with him either listening to accusations and narrations or arguing in his defense. In the courtroom, Sachin Khedekar leans mostly on the comic side with most of his serious accusations falling flat. Anang Desai was an unusual choice to play the Judge but it brought levity to what would have otherwise been a pretty serious court trial. The underrated Pawan Malhotra brings the sincerity and composure that come so natural with his performances and it's great to see him in a meatier role. Arjan Bajwa plays the sleazy rich playboy quite convincingly while Esha Gupta's attempt at being a vixen is simply acceptable. Illeana doesn't seem as comfortable in an altogether serious role when compared to her other outings such as Main tera hero.

Unlike its producer Neeraj Pandey's more serious film-making style, Tinu Desai's Rustom doesn't take itself seriously once we enter the courtroom. While fictionalizing the facts of the 1959 case, the plot liberties taken by writer Vipul Rawal mock the system and media's influence on gullible citizens. Add to that, Tinu Suresh Desai's direction that makes patriotism and old school Bombay appear tacky versions of themselves. The music is merely added to portray the romantic relationship of the Pavris without wasting time in their courtship scenes. But barring these modest attempts of entertaining a more general population, Rustom is an engaging film that covers a sensational crime and its thrilling investigation. Another blockbuster feather in Akshay Kumar's hat that should hopefully keep him away from his crass comedy ventures.

7.899 on a scale of 1-10.

What is appreciable : Nice work over past aromatic creation with costume and set designing. Great casting in terms of their character and execution. Audience was talking about it during interval indicating involvement. No awkward situations are created making it a sufficiently clean movie. Lots n lots of comedy moments where even kids were seen laughing. Cute and balanced. Simple script, editing and acting are notable. Sort of seen as an eye opener to people in many respects.

What is unexpected : Not a thriller or intense movie.

What is disappointing : Technically not greatly directed. Lot of flawed moments and thus Rustom lags way behind Drishyam movie. Music is not really memorable. Defending statements were imposed and could only create short term impression.