Rustom: Drab, Dull and Disappointing

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ileana D’Cruz, Esha Gupta, Arjan Bajwa

Rating: 2/5

Over the decades, it has been proved that only a well scripted, well enacted courtroom drama is loved and if it is based on a real life situation, then the incident from the history adds to the feel of watching the high intensity drama. Bollywood has produced many such movies and quite a few of them have been loved. Latest release, Rustom is also one such drama, minus the intensity. Based on the popular Nanavati case, the movie is the third in line after – Yeh Rastey Hain Pyaar Ke and Achanak – which were also made earlier, on the same grounds.

It begins with the visuals set in the background of 1959’s vintage ‘Bombay’ – the time when justice was decided by a panel of jury members. Commander Rustom Pavri (Akshay Kumar) reaches Bombay a week before and doesn’t find his beloved wide Cynthia Pavri (Ileana D'Cruz). On knowing that she hasn’t been home since two days, he doubts her and hunts for clues that can support his qualm. He reads the love letters written to Cynthia by this businessman and his rich friend Vikram Makhija (Arjan Bajwa). Angry and heartbroken Pavri reaches Vikram's house, only to find them together. Unable to bear the deception, he loads the official gun and shoots Makhija.

Keeping his strict moral values in mind, Pavri surrenders himself to the police. The news of Makhija’s death reaches his sister Preethi Makhija (Esha Gupta), who at any cost decides to take revenge for her brother's death. The murder case reaches the court and there Rustom pleads not guilty. But why? Is there any missing link to the story? Will he be declared guilty? All this is cleared as the court room drama unfolds with the important role of the ‘then’ print media

There are many essentials missing in Rustom. What is in effect meant to be a crime thriller turns out to be a lame attempt with no mystery element in the story, eventually a predictable end. Rustom would have been as good as its trailer only if the screenplay was appealing. Not only the screenplay slows down the film's pace, but also makes it highly disappointing to watch.

Director Tinu Suresh Desai deserves bare minimal appreciation, only for the thought of presenting a film based on an interesting case. He does try to put the film back on track in the end, but fails to attract the audience throughout the movie. Usually, court room scenes are full of with energized drama and dhasu dialogues, but sorry to say, this court room has no drama and is nothing but a joke throughout the trials. The ‘not-at-all’ witty, unnecessary pun hampers the feel and makes the situation dreary to follow.

The performances in the movie are also below par. Akshay Kumar’s attitude and expressions in the movie are as stiff and starched as his white uniform, which he is wearing throughout. The actor, who has been appreciated for his versatile roles and characters, may not be able to add Rustom to his ‘hit-list’. His first time stint as a naval officer could have been remarkable, but all the blame goes to the poor screenplay. Ileana D'Cruz as his wife Cynthia Pavri is decent with her role, but in parts and all thanks to her restrained performance for not adding a negative remark to the movie. Esha Gupta, on the other hand, is expected to play a woman who is seeking revenge, but she spoilt her opportunity with all by delivering loud dialogues and even louder, animated expressions. Arjan Bajwa has a small role to play in the movie and can be appreciated for his efforts. Other actors especially Kumud Mishra (newspaper editor), Usha Nadkarni (servant), and Pawan Malhotra (as Inspector Lobo) thankfully keep the act entertaining with their on-and-off roles.

Besides the opening track, Tere Sang Yaara, sung by Atif Aslam, the movie’s music is just average. Not a lot can be told about it.

The release of the trailer did create a buzz, but sadly the film does to deliver to the expectations it had set. The audience unaware about the case will enter the hall with a confusion and may exit with the confusion too (pointing towards Rustom’s murder charge). On the whole, the slow paced storyline, poor visuals and unwanted humour add to the not-so-compelling script, making Rustom a disinteresting movie to watch.