Film: Rustom
Directed by: Tinu Desai
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Leena D'Cruz, Esha Gupta, Arjan Bajwa, Pawan Malhotra and Sachin Khedekar
What's it about:
The film is inspired by true events. The 1959 Nanavati case is a landmark case for two reasons -- it saw the end of jury system in India and captured the imagination of filmmakers and public alike. Films based on this subject have been made in the past, but the subject continues to intrigue. A naval officer Rustom (Akshay Kumar), who kills his friend Vikram Makhija (Arjan Bajwa) for having an affair with his wife Cynthia (Ilena D'Cruz). Vikram's sister Preeti (Esha Gupta) wants to see him hanged for his crime. The officer who surrendered himself, later walked free. However, Rustom only burrows bits from the original story. It adds it's own twists.
What's good:
The Nanavati case is an incident that most people are familiar with, even after seven decades. Tinu Desai knew that he had to make the film more a human drama and less of a courtroom drama. Rustom is emotionally nuanced, and the treatment is serious and thoughtful. As it progresses, it provides a shift in perspective to keep you guessing. Cynthia goes from being the culprit to the victim, and Rustom from the righteous to corrupt. The recreation of well-known events is done so well that despite knowing the story, Rustom engages and holds your attention. Scenes of old Bombay bring on nostalgia. There are numerous surprises that will keep you wondering what's coming next. The romance between Rustom and Cynthia has a fairy tale quality. Their relationship is the best thing about the film. Akshay Kumar is exemplary and brings so much dignity to the character. Ileana as the vulnerable Cynthia is captivating.
What's not:
The scenes establishing the beginning of romance between Vikram and Ileana don't seem to end. Esha's takes the smoldering act too far. Way too far. Her stylist seems to have mixed up her costumes with that of another film. She dresses less like an affluent character she is playing, and more like someone from Rodeo Drive. Otherwise, everyone in the supporting cast were a ham fest. Between Rustom's maid to Preeti's lawyer (Sachin Khedekar), their only job seems to be to scream and turn you deaf. The newspaper editor, the newspaper vendor, the assistant cop, all stereotypes to the point you can predict their actions. Why Cynthia takes the 5 crores and what she does with it is never explained.Rustom could have been a remarkable piece of work but is bogged down by cliches.
What to do:
Thoroughly absorbing and surprisingly entertaining., check it out.
Rating: *** (Three stars)
