MOVIE REVIEW – RUSTOM (2016)

Today we are here with a review of a movie named ‘RUSTOM’ (2016) which has created a much buzz among the viewers by its trailer and promotions from the past sometimes. Produced by Neeraj Panday & others and directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, RUSTAM is a crime-mystery film based on a true case of 1959, where a Naval Officer KM Nanavati murdered his friend for cheating him by having illicit relations with his wife.

The movie opens in deep seas in a naval ship with Commander Rustom Pavri on board. While returning home, he finds his wife Cynthia (Ileana DCruz) cheating on him with one of his friends Vikram Makheeja (Arjan Bajwa), who holds the reputation of being lose with girls. The heart-broken husband goes to the friend's house, pumps three bullets into his chest, and surrenders himself before the police.

Director Tinu Suresh Desai has tried to recreate the real life incident on screen with a touch of suspense, entertainment, and romance and he has more or less succeeded in his efforts. The film has some pleasant surprises that will keep your interest alive every now and then. Also, the director has kept the characters' costumes and appearances true to the timeline, as the Nanavati case unfolded in 1959.

In Rustom, the protagonist’s character is written with lot of sugarcoating that we hardly find him a murderer. The filmmaker has added some fiction in the story and added the angle of patriotism by adding the corrupt deal of aircraft career to add more masala. The film’s story has been crafted well with good twists, turning points.

The side characters are much more well-written. We love the ‘maid’ who shouts in favour of her employer in court without the fear or knowledge of being held in contempt. Also Kumud Mishra’s newsmagzine owner character is lovely to watch. The representation of a young kid selling the newspaper by attractive dialogues also worked well. The courtroom scenes are dramatic and at times look like TV-serial type drama.

What’s Good:

Akshay Kumar in Navy uniform is looking gorgeous. Good recreation of 60s time by the film maker. An entertaining and interesting plot and suspense of three bullet shots scene till the end keeps you well-hooked to your seats.

Loop holes in the movie:

They fail to show how justified it is for a Navy officer’s wife to drift into adultery given the circumstances. Towards the climax, the plot falters hugely when the jury is deciding the decision and it looked terrible.

We are also not told how the protagonist is wearing the white stainless uniform even when he is in lockup and has not met even his wife.

Movie is also bit slow at certain points.

Star Peformance:-

Akshay has played his part very convincingly and effortlessly.

Ileana DCruz does not have much to show as an actress in the film except shed tears, and look good. She has managed to do both well.

Esha Gupta has also lived the character of arrogant sister of Vikram Makhija.

Arjan Bajwa as Vikram Makhija is uninspiring. He is made to look like a 50s villain but there is nothing like that in him.

Pavan Malhotra as the investigating officer on case does an excellent job.

Kumud Mishra in his tiny role too manages to impress us.

Final words:

RUSTOM is good enough to be watched in the weekend but viewers who are expecting a well-made movie in all departments may be disappointed.

Die hard fans of Akshay Kumar are most welcome.

My ratings for this movie is 2.5 out of 5 stars.

So keep following the page, good day till the next review

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