The Nanavati case of 1959 affected several facets of a newly independent India. While the citizens favored the celebrated naval officer who was accused of murdering his wife's illicit partner, the media's sensational coverage of the trial sent people into a frenzy that wouldn't even spare the jury's ability to deliver unbiased justice. The patriotic purity of a naval officer's white uniform was stained with blood but people didn't seem to care. They had already passed their verdict. Director Tinu Suresh Desai uses a lot of dramatic freedom to keep the general audience engaged in the trial's proceedings. For the most part, he deviates from the actual happenings, thus setting the stage for Akshay Kumar to emerge as the nation's most patriotic hero. 'Rustom' is a fictional account of the famous Nanavati v/s State of Maharashtra case that delivers justice in quite an entertaining manner.
Prolonged periods of absence on official duty brought Officer Rustom Pavri's (Akshay Kumar) wife closer to Preeti (Esha Gupta) and her brother Vikram (Arjan Bajwa). Upon his early return from a deployment, Rustom is surprised to find an empty home and soon discovers that Cynthia (Illeana D'Cruz) has been gone for 2 days. His concern turns to suspicion and his instinct leads him to Vikram's home where he sees his wife cheating on him. The following morning, Rustom confronts Cynthia and immediately heads over to Vikram's house before making two crucial stops. One, to pick up a pistol from the ship's armory and two, to make a trunk call to Delhi. Vikram is shot 3 times in his room with Rustom subsequently surrendering himself to the Police. Vincent Lobo (Pawan Malhotra) is the investigating officer, who suspects that there is something amiss about the truth that is in front of him. Citizens pick their sides with Preeti Makhija hiring the best Sindhi lawyer (Sachin Khedekar) to prosecute the accused while the Parsi community, including a local newspaper's editor, rally behind Rustom's defense of himself. The investigators, the city's citizens and the entire nation were embroiled in this sensational case that threatened to stain the patriotic image of a naval officer. While most saw the murderous act as just punishment for Vikram, others would claim that murder is afterall a crime. Popular sentiment would play a major role in the judicial system which was then based on the jury's vote. As the courtroom drama unfolds, truth hinges on perceptions and fabrication that lead to both comedy and tension. There is also a secret concerning national security that will put the pieces of the puzzle together.
With the plot revolving around its protagonist, Akshay Kumar beams in the spotlight in his impeccably white uniform. With barely 2 minutes of action, the majority of his screenplay was with him either listening to accusations and narrations or arguing in his defense. In the courtroom, Sachin Khedekar leans mostly on the comic side with most of his serious accusations falling flat. Anang Desai was an unusual choice to play the Judge but it brought levity to what would have otherwise been a pretty serious court trial. The underrated Pawan Malhotra brings the sincerity and composure that come so natural with his performances and it's great to see him in a meatier role. Arjan Bajwa plays the sleazy rich playboy quite convincingly while Esha Gupta's attempt at being a vixen is simply acceptable. Illeana doesn't seem as comfortable in an altogether serious role when compared to her other outings such as Main tera hero.
Unlike its producer Neeraj Pandey's more serious film-making style, Tinu Desai's Rustom doesn't take itself seriously once we enter the courtroom. While fictionalizing the facts of the 1959 case, the plot liberties taken by writer Vipul Rawal mock the system and media's influence on gullible citizens. Add to that, Tinu Suresh Desai's direction that makes patriotism and old school Bombay appear tacky versions of themselves. The music is merely added to portray the romantic relationship of the Pavris without wasting time in their courtship scenes. But barring these modest attempts of entertaining a more general population, Rustom is an engaging film that covers a sensational crime and its thrilling investigation. Another blockbuster feather in Akshay Kumar's hat that should hopefully keep him away from his crass comedy ventures.
7.899 on a scale of 1-10.
