Rustom movie review: Akshay Kumar impresses but movie has its issues

Director: Tinu Suresh Desai

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ileana D'Cruz, Esha Gupta, Arjan Bajwa, Sachin Khedekar, Pawan Malhotra

The movie watching experience of 'Rustom' is very different as compared to other films that take you back to the 60's. Directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, the movie is unique on multiple levels for some of the genuine efforts that he has put in and deserves a mention. Be it the use of vintage cars, the interiors of Rustom's ( Akshay Kumar) Parsi house, the set up of a police station or even the courtroom, they all look believable. Yes, but in few scenes projecting old Bombay roads in the background, the VFX is poor and it could have been much better.

The movie brings to life, famous the K M Nanavati Murder case that got nationwide attention in 1959. The film is not a 100 percent accurate reflection of the case as the makers have taken some cinematic liberties. But it does bring to light the court room drama and the attention this case got all across the nation and the public sympathy the naval officer got.

Rustom Pavri, a decorated naval officer, finds out about his wife Cynthia’s ( Ileana D’Cruz) affair with a hot headed businessman Vikram Makhika played by Arjun Bajwa. After an honest confession by Cynthia, Rustom is completely shattered by her revelation. He heads straight to Vikram’s house and murders him in cold blood by firing three shots in close range. Preeti, Vikram’s sister (Esha Gupta) decide to go after Rustom till he is put behind bars.

This makes way for a courtroom drama that gets spectators, supporters and haters all assemble eagerly at the court to catch every glimpse of the case. A glimpse of women carrying a board which reads ‘Marry me Rustom’ is also shown in the film.

Written by Vipul K Rawal, the movie has a clear intention of entertaining the audiences. Believe it or not, the most intense scenes in the court room have been turned around into a comic affair. While this works in some scenes, it falls flat as it mostly comes across as over-dependent. The comical relief has its strength but it also takes away the seriousness of the film. The dialogues given to Preeti, for the courtroom scenes, are very out of sync for a character who is mourning the death of her brother.

Coming to the performances, it is Akshay Kumar who ensures that the audiences are glued in despite certain distracting elements in the screenplay. His role is complicated and needed a lot of effort to convince the audience that he is morally right. The behaviour and appearance of his character are very crucial to his impact on screen and he gets it absolutely right. Ileana D’cruz’s lack of chemistry with Akshay Kumar is a downer. Esha Gupta, with the swagger and the 60’s look does manage to leave an impact.

Pavan Malhotra, who played Lobo,an investigating officer, delivers a fine performance and justifies his screen time. His interrogating scenes that involve all the witnesses have also been shot in a very interesting manner. The camera focuses on Lobo and every time the camera moves back to a chair, the witnesses keep on changing. All this is achieved without any cuts which is very commendable. Anang Desai as the judge had his own way of making people laugh with his dialogue delivery. Sachin Khedekar plays a prosecution lawyer who on many occasions makes a fool out of himself in the court room.

All in all, 'Rustom' is a one time watch for Akshay Kumar.