By Akshata Narkar - Aug 12, 2016 10:43 PM

Rating: 3.5/5

One Line Review: An intensifying retro narrative that turns the tables by unfolding an unseen page of the mystery.

Positive Points: Good direction, mighty words play, excellent cinematography, Akshay Kumar in the Uniform!

Negative Points: Average music, predictable plot in the second half of the film, Esha Gupta's over-painted character.

Plot: The narrative kick starts from the year 1959 when Mumbai was 'Bombay' and the British rule was still prevalent. The jury members used to do justice and not the judge in this era. Commander Rustom Pavri (Akshay Kumar), Indian navy, just can't keep his hands off his beautiful wife Cynthia (Ileana D'cruz), however this decorated navy commander goes to London for his official duty for a period of six months. As the official tour gets completed before its scheduled time, Rustom arrives to his home from the sea and shockingly finds his wife Cynthia in the arms of a flamboyant millionaire Vikram Makhija (Arjan Bajwa).

Rustom begins to breath fire and loads his official gun that he borrows from the Naval armoury with an intention to kill the bad man Vikram and reaches his home. Vikram's murder happens at the hands of Rustom, who is the ever righteous person. After the incident, Rustom goes to police station and surrenders. When Vikram's pretty sister Preeti Makhija (Esha Gupta) comes to know about the murder of her brother, Preeti vows to revenge the death of Vikram. Rustom pleads not guilty when the case goes to the court. Here flags off the role of media and heated courtroom drama attracts all the gazes. The further chronicle unleashes the mystery rendering an unexpected twist to the tale.

Direction and Other Technical Aspects: Tinu Suresh Desai's directorial Rustom bears a strong resemblance to the infamous 1959's KM Nanavati case in which the accused walks scot-free even when he has committed the crime in the daylight and it's visible by all means. The director has made a praiseworthy attempt to capture the real picture of the incident that created ripples in the periodic era of 50s including some memorabilia. The first half of the movie establishes the plot while the second half highlights the courtroom drama with the powerful war of words. After the interval, the story begins to change its gear to an unexpected series of events that are unknowingly the part of this murder incident.

At certain junctures, it sounds like the film cries for an attention, clearly depicts the spicy plot getting spicier and also becomes predictable in the later part. But as the pros weighs more than the cons, the film comes out as a true-blue gripping entertainer.

Performances: Fine talent with huge experience, Akshay Kumar alone takes the whole show on his shoulders and makes it worth watch for his versatility. For the first time, the actor is seen portraying a Naval officer and he proved a stunner with his sharp, stellar dialogue delivery. Even the physical appearance of the actor greatly depicts the twists and turns in his life, as the fit and fabulous navy commander Rustom Pavri starts displaying high cheekbones during the courtroom sequences when his life throws some negative experiences in front of him.

Ileana D'cruz, as Cynthia Pavri, essays her part well but she looks like a teary-bundle rather than looking as a woman who craves attention of her husband as her right.

Arjan Bajwa completely fits the bill in the role of a filthy rich womanizer with his killer look and mighty voice tone. The actor shines in his role and leaves unforgettable impression.

Esha Gupta, who is seen as an ultra-glamorous lady with grey shades to her character, is needlessly portrayed as a chain-smoker, as all the vamps don't smoke!

Pawan Malhotra as the chief investigating inspector Vincent Lobo gave justice to his role. Sachin Khedekar in the role of Public Prosecutor Lakshman Khangani played the role well by sprinkling some humour on it. Usha Nadkarni plays Jamnabai, who works and lives in the home of Rustom Pavri, steals the show with her powerful, to the point dialogues. The newspaper man Billimoria, enacted by Kumud Mishra plays his small yet key role conveniently well.

Music: The music of the film seems average with limited shelf life. However, the cinematography of the song 'Tere Sang Yaara' seems superlative. The song 'Rustom Vahi' plays in the background of series of incidents taking place so takes a backseat due to the plot.

Final Verdict: The crime-thriller Rustom is all about a handsome navy commander, his gorgeous and lonely wife, her evil-minded lover and a sensational murder case. This crowd-pleasing entertainer is definitely a worth watch for all Akshay Kumar fans as well as those, who love to uncover the mystery. So, this power-packed performance loaded chronicle of '3 shots that shocked the nation' gets 3.5 stars!