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Rustom backdrop

Rustom

12 August 2016Hindi2h 31m
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 30 scored reviews · 9 not rated

Akshay carries a crowd-pleasing but formulaic take on the Nanavati case.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Akshay Kumar's screen presence
  • Criticised: formulaic, predictable screenplay

Audience

User score 5.1 out of 10 from 13 ratings, Unfavorable
Read 10 audience reviews ↓

Critic consensus

What 38 critics are saying

Critical reception for Rustom is mixed-to-moderate, with most reviewers landing around the passable-but-flawed range. Akshay Kumar's screen presence is the most consistently cited reason to watch the film, with several critics noting he single-handedly elevates otherwise weak material. Common criticisms include a predictable and formulaic screenplay, a simplistic whitewashing of its morally complex source material, tonal inconsistencies between thriller and crowd-pleasing masala, and an overlong runtime with dragging courtroom sequences. A minority of reviewers found the period production detailing commendable, while the harshest critics dismissed the film as a wasted opportunity given the richness of the real Nanavati case.

How the 30 scores spread

9 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 38 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (39)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    Rustom is largely inoffensive, even passable in the main, but could have been infinitely better had the screenplay not been so utterly conventional and unimaginative.
  2. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    They are the sole bright spots in Rustom, which is too long, wholly disappointing, and feels like an opportunity lost.
  3. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Akshay Kumar-starrer borrows the core idea of Nanavati murder case and adds a layer of extra intrigue. The plan is to make a spicy plot spicier but turns it cardboard.
  4. Top critic

    Rediff

    Film review ·

    The uniform might be the most accurate thing about this film, however, a painfully tacky production where all the sets look like over-saturated cardboard and all the taxicabs are gleaming.
  5. TheStatesman

    Film review ·

    Being a period film, the director's attention to detail right from the vintage cars to the old and discoloured light-switches inside Rustom's home are a testament that the filmmakers have done their homework. The films trudges at a decent pace hampered only by the needless songs none of which are hummable. In certain scenes, the humour does come across as contrived but overall Rustom is unadulterated storytelling sans melodrama.
  6. Zee News

    Film review ·

    Tinu has made 'Rustom' more thrilling and interesting by keeping it on the track and not adding any unneeded garnishing. Without-a-doubt, the film will make you switch sides. Just like the on-screen jury, even you will argue with yourself whether 'Rustom' is guilty or not. If you want to test your decision-making abilities, then definitely go for this flick.
  7. India

    Film review ·

    Rustom is a compelling courtroom drama, something which will help Akshay Kumar in his upcoming Jolly LLB 2 where he will be playing a lawyer. Akshay Kumar has truly delivered an award-winning and nuanced performance. Watch the film for him!
  8. Bollywood Hungama

    Film review ·

    RUSTOM comes across as a well crafted crime thriller that meets expectations. It has its share of captivating moments as well as the loose ones. At the Box-Office, competition in the form of MOHENJO DARO will limit its potential. However, the holiday period post the weekend and positive word of mouth will prove beneficial for the movie.
  9. Bollywood Life

    Film review ·

    Rustom is not a bad film in essence, however a little more conviction in the narrative could have made it one of the best courtroom dramas of all time. Watch it purely for Akshay Kumar or watch it if you want to know the basic skeleton of the Nanavati case (if you are too lazy to read its Wikipedia page).
  10. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    Akshay Kumar impresses but the movie has its issues...His nuanced characterisation and flawless body language save the film which otherwise could have gone horribly wrong.
  11. Filmfare

    Film review ·

    The movie employs a lot of CGI to recreate an authentic period feel. That coupled with the entertainment value does make Rustom a decent watch. But the fact that the film makes no mention of Nanavati's subsequent trial and conviction by the Bombay High Court is a bit of a grey area. But for all its diversions from authenticity, end of the day, Rustom manages to entertain. That's the film's closing statement.
  12. FilmiBeat

    Film review ·

    It's not a serious movie; there is definitely 'masala' in this suspense thriller. The movie will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Lift your spirits on this Independence Day with Rustom! Believe us, you won't regret a bit.
  13. Glamsham

    Film review ·

    Though Akshay Kuamr fans will be awed and the theatres especially the single screen may burst with taalis and citis (claps and whistles), the thinking audience may wonder the need for the exercise to make Rustom Pavri so noble.
  14. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Lousy special effects and the language of certain characters are a few things that warp the authentic feel of the movie. Yet, somehow Rustom doesn't falter, except when you realise the movie two and a half hours long.
  15. India Today

    Film review ·

    The problem with Rustom lies in its twists too. You can put your finger on them much before the twists actually play out in front of you, something which is fatal for a 'crime thriller'. Rustom plays to the gallery, eliciting cheers and applause from the audience who want to see their hero reinstated as a hero.
  16. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    Rustom is a one-time watch. For those who just want to catch a flick without its relation to Nanavati case, it makes up for a decent watch. I plead guilty that I suggest this film!
  17. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    With some tight editing, especially in the second half when the court scenes become a drag, it would have made for a more riveting watch. A great deal of attention has been paid to the detailing and production values, and that's commendable, and so is the direction.
  18. PinkVilla

    Film review ·

    Rustom is an strange mix of funny and dull but it is never as gluing one would've hoped.

From our readers

Audience reviews (10)

13 ratings · user score 5.1

  1. Mashad AhmedAug 2016
    1/10

    Not a paisa vasool film,a very slow and boring film

  2. Abdullahman AlharmoudiAug 2016
    10/10

    It's a good movie because the story was good for me it deserves more crticis this movie I will give 5 for akshey and i will give 5 for ileana

  3. Ravindra JoshiAug 2016
    1/10

    Don't waste your time by watching this crap

  4. 6/10

    Set in the late 1950s, the film is primarily based on the life of a Naval Officer named Rustom Pavri( Akshay Kumar). The film begins with a happy start where we see Rustom marry Cynthia(Ileana D'cruzp). Rustom is completely a nation devotee, earnestly sincere in his job and has the capability to do something for the nation. And a good husband too. He lives with his charming wife. Both are compatible, loving and adoring very much. Everything works well. But the plot then indicates a spin in Rustom's life when he gets to know about her infidelity with Vikram Makhija. He falls of the familiarity and the trust of her wife and gets deeply mutilated from the insides. He then causes the death of Vikram Makhija by shooting him with 3 shots. And from then the plot becomes so much enthralling typically involving crime that one is easily in the thrall of the director. Rustom then is tried for the court and he appeals that he is not guilty of the crime. What will happen now. Just see the film to know what lies ahead. Akshay act this time too is much appreciable as the assertive and intelligent Naval Officer. He involves himself so much that one cannot turn away from his just dignified appearance. Ileana is too is perfect as his wife and showcases sensations for him at the right time and above all her manner and style just surpasses splendours which have been put up by other actors in their fims. Esha on the other part of her tries to spruce up the film as much as she can by playing the beautiful more and less bullish woman who fights for her brother and antagonizes Rustom. Even the dialogues of the film are agreeable and the direction is pleasant. So, this Independence feel the great anxious uncertainity about what may happen in the film by watch it at the nearest cinemas and feel the adrenaline rush. Many Thanks to Tinu Suresh Desai for presenting this type of film. 1 more than 5 stars for the film.

  5. Abhinandan JainAug 2016
    1/10

    prefer to choose MJD over this movie.

  6. 8/10

    Rustom, a much awaited film by Tinu Suresh Desai, has received mixed reviews from various corners. The background of this film is based on a naval officer's life - Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati. Previously also, two films Yeh Rishte Hain Pyar ke (1963) and Achanak (1973) were made with the same plot. KM Nanavati, naval officer, was happily married to Sylvia, British by birth and settled with three kids. His keeping away from home for long duration due to work made his wife feel lonely and engage herself in an extramarital love affair with Prem Ahuja. She herself confesses about her affair with Prem. Nanavati ends up killing Prem and surrenders himself. Then starts the legal battle. It is said that this case, which happened in 1959, changed the course of legal operation in India. Nanavati's case was the last one where case was heard by Jury. Nanavati was proven not guilty in the court, although this verdict was later challenged in higher courts. He was even sentenced for life imprisonment, but later on, political connections helped him to come out of jail within 3 years. After getting the release, he went to Canada along with Sylvia and kids. He died in 2003 whereas Sylvia is alive and in Canada. The film Rustom brings a few parts of Nanavati's story on celluloid. It keeps one engaged and glued to the screen. It is Akshay Kumar's another best film. The story covers love, passion, adultery, murder, forgiveness, patriotism etc. The film begins with the actor Manoj Bajpayee's narration. The titular character Rustom is played by Akshay Kumar. Commander Rustom Parvi, a naval officer, is in love with his beautiful wife Cynthia (Ileana D'Cruz). Their meeting, falling in love, and getting married etc. are beautifully conveyed through the song 'Tere Sang Yaara…'. Rustom used to travel due to work. Once, his ship is rescheduled to reach prior to the planned date / schedule. Rustom gets astonished not to find Cynthia at home. He explores and finds out about Cynthia's extramarital affair with his acquaintance and a businessman Vikram Makhija (Arjan Bajwa). Vikram had the image of a playboy too. Rustom confronts Cynthia, but did not give her a chance to explain herself. He then goes in search of Vikarm to his office, later to his residence. Three bullets straight into his heart, Vikram is dead. Rustom goes to the Police Station and surrenders himself. Naval officials wanted his custody but that doesn't happen. Rustom who chose to surrender himself for the murder of Vikram, decided to represent himself in the court for his defense. Public prosecutor Lakshman Khangani (Sachin Khedekar) gave Rustom a tough fight in the court. Preeti Makhija, Vikram's sister (Esha Gupta) wants Rustom to be punished. Legal battle continues unveiling the motive of Rustom behind the murder of Vikram Makhija. It is said that in Nanavati's case, a tabloid 'Blitz' through its opinionated statements were able to create a sympathy wave for Rustom in the minds of common people. In this film, Erach Billimoria (kumud Mishra) heads a tabloid, which largely influenced the course of the case. He was able to influence the thoughts of common man as well as Jury through his articles. Police Commissioner Vincent Lobo keeps his investigation going parallel to the hearings in the court. How did Rustom plan Vikram's murder? How Cynthia handle all these turbulence ? Does Rustom forgive Cynthia ? Was Rustom's motive behind Vikram's murder purely a personal one ? Was Cynthia a victim of a conspiracy ? When Rustom surrendered and admitted his crime, what logics he brought up during the trial in his defense? Was there any layer of patriotism to the whole story? Why were the naval officers keen on taking Rustom under their custody ? How the trial moves further ? Who all were cross examined and what story it could bring out? How does Rustom fights back for proving his not being guilty ? Does it turn out to be Parsi versus Sindhi revenge too? Akshay looks absolutely dashing in Naval Officer's uniform. He has once again proved that he is one of top notch actor in the Bollywood, who could do complete justice to Rustom's character. Illena looks beautiful on screen. Arjan Bajwa as Vikram Makhija is very much convincing in his role. Sachin as the Public Prosecutor is very good. The only character I felt weakly developed is that of Preeti Makhija of Esha Gupta. Jamnabai, the house-help's role by Usha Nadarni is also good. Kumud Mishra as Erach Billimoria brought humour to the plot. Pawan Malhotra as Police Commissioner Vincent Lobo has less screen time, but he is good. Parmeet Sethi is also seen as one of the naval officer. Other cast is also good. Certain scenes are worth watching. When Rustom comes home prior to the scheduled date and his pain on exploring Cynthia's extramarital affair. His confrontation scene with Cynthia. The scene where Rustom agrees to meet Cynthia for the first time in jail, the body language adopted by Rustom generates lots of emotions. Court scenes were dealt lightly. It appeared at times as attempts to make fun of the legal system. This could have been dealt in a better manner. Also, the voice of audience supporting Rustom was justified but their standing with weird placards viz. Marry Me Rustom diluted the scene. Also, I felt that the dynamics of Rustom-Cynthia's relationship before and after tragedy could have been given a little more screen time. Rustom, inspired from the real incidents of KM Nanavati case which ended the Jury system in India, is definitely a very well crafted film. It is packed with good performances, special mention to Akshay's performance, clubbed with good music, suspense, love, betrayal, adultery, murder, forgiveness, patriotism etc.

Credits

Cast & crew

Cast

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