Rustom

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.

The film starts with introduction of Mumbai(was Bombay) in 1950's and then a Patriot and a naval Officer Commander Rustom Pavri. They show the love life of Rustom with his wife in the beginning. His life is drastically shook when Rustom comes to know that his wife has an affair with his close friend Vikram Makhija who is a Businessman and a Womanizer(Unknown to Rustom). He shots Vikram dead with 3 bullets in heart, in anger and himself surrenders to police. Vikram's sister cases against Rustom but when he is given benefit to live in Naval custody, he refuses. The media stands with Rustom as he was a honest solider and the public prosecutor and Vikram both were Sindhi while Rustom was Parsi. Then film slowly starts to take turn as offices from Navy search for some special documents in his house, and also by means of bribe. Then Rustom himself defends himself in the court, which is shown mind-blowing(Some comedy, some drama, etc.) After a span of witnesses, defenses, the affair description of Rustom's wife and finally Rustom's explanation to the jury that he shot Vikram in his self defense, when it is clear that he will win, the movie takes a BIG LEAP. The main investigating inspector comes with an audioclip where Rustom seems to be very angry on Vikram and wants to kill. But then the movie takes another turn when the inspector meets him personally. Then Rustom tells that there was a corruption going on in Indian Navy for an aircraft carrier deal, where classified Naval Officers, Vikram and even Defense Minister were involves. They wanted to buy an aircraft carrier that was a piece of junk where high profile corruption was going and Rustom was Inspection officer of that carrier. When Rustom refuses to take bribe from Vikram, his ego is hurt and decides to take revenge from him in the form of the affair. Rustom understands that when he is sent to 6 months assignment, then he bluffs about the documents of inspection of the carrier, and that's the reason he kills Vikram. But at the end he is released by the jury. THE FILM IS A MUST WATCH, ITS A GREAT MOVIE BUT 2 STARS LESS DUE TO SOME DIRECTION GLITCHES. DIRECTION IS GOOD BUT NOT UPTO THE MARK. THE INCIDENTS ARE SOME TIMES IRRELEVANT AND SOME JUMPS. EITHER AN EXCELLENT MOVIE TO WATCH.

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.

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 :-).

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.