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Rustom backdrop
12 August 2016Hindi151 min

Rustom

5.639 reviews
CriticsMixed

Bayesian avg · 39 critic reviews

7.5+ Exceptional · 6.5 Recommended · 5.0 Mixed

5.113 ratings
UsersUnfavorable

User Score · avg of 13 ratings

8.0+ Exceptional · 7.0 Recommended · 5.5 Mixed

Based on true events, Rustom is a gripping tale about Pride, Passion and Power, and a man who must uphold his own integrity and that of the nation.

Critic Consensus

Critical reception for Rustom was mixed-to-average, with most reviewers settling around a passable but flawed verdict. Akshay Kumar's screen presence was consistently cited as the film's primary saving grace, with several critics stating he alone makes the film worth watching. The most common criticism was that the screenplay fails to live up to the potential of its source material — the Nanavati murder case — relying instead on formulaic, crowd-pleasing storytelling, predictable twists, and an overly sanitized portrayal of its protagonist. A handful of reviewers also flagged issues with pacing, forced humor, and a lack of moral complexity.

39 reviews · 19 positive · 8 mixed · 2 negative

Praised: Akshay Kumar's screen presenceCriticised: Formulaic, predictable screenplay

AI-generated summary of 39 critic reviews · may contain errors

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Critic Reviews (39)

Saibal ChatterjeeTop Critic· NDTV
5.0
"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."
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Rajeev MasandTop Critic· IBNLive
4.0
"They are the sole bright spots in Rustom, which is too long, wholly disappointing, and feels like an opportunity lost."
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Shubhra GuptaTop Critic· Indian Express
3.0
"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."
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Raja SenTop Critic· Rediff
2.0
"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."
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Raghav Jaitly· Zee News
8.0
"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."
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Rahul Vaishnavi· TheStatesman
8.0
"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."
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7.0
"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!"
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6.0
"'Rustom' should have either been a taut mystery where the tension is palpable or a love story where the heartbreak and the betrayal are tangible. Sadly, this does neither."
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6.0
"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!"
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Bollywood Hungama News Network· Bollywood Hungama
6.0
"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."
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Rohit Vats· Hindustan Times
6.0
"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."
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Shaheen Parkar· Mid-Day
6.0
"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."
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6.0
"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."
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Vishal Verma· Glamsham
6.0
"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."
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Renuka Vyavahare· Times Of India
6.0
"Despite its multiple flaws, Rustom can be watched for Akshay Kumar, whose action/comic brilliance often overshadows his acting prowess. He reminds you to value the honest officers who serve our country with dignity and valour. He makes you want to support the man who probably did the right thing the wrong way."
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Mehul S Thakkar· Deccan Chronicle
6.0
"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."
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Sreeju Sudhakaran· Bollywood Life
6.0
"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)."
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Pinkvilla Team· PinkVilla
6.0
"Rustom is an strange mix of funny and dull but it is never as gluing one would've hoped."
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Sarita Tanwar· DNA India
6.0
"Thoroughly absorbing and surprisingly entertaining., check it out."
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IANS· Sify
6.0
"Overall, given the subject, Rustom could have been more taut and thrilling, but, Akshay Kumar makes it worth watching."
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Rachit Gupta· Filmfare
6.0
"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."
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R.M. Vijayakar· IndiaWest
6.0
"Decent Thriller Bogged Down by Weak Script..."
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Ananya Bhattacharya· India Today
6.0
"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."
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Kunal Guha· Mumbai Mirror
5.0
"This one's worth a watch only for Akshay Kumar. But if you're looking for laughs, Esha Gupta could help too."
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Manisha Lakhe· NowRunning
5.0
"A fictionalised version of the famous (or the infamous?) Nanavati case where a Naval officer shot his wife's lover should have been a brilliant courtroom drama, but ends up being ridiculous, with the director opting for cheap laughs. Akshay Kumar looks handsome in the uniform, but the mooch... the mooch..."
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IndiaGlitz· India Glitz
5.0
"Keeping aside the high expectations, 'Rustom' ends up being a one time pot-boiler drama, which works only in parts and that too for 'Akshay Kumar' as its sole positive reason. Akshay fans who are expecting yet another 'Special 26' or 'Baby' or 'Airlift', will be highly disappointed as the movie comes now here to these classics."
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5.0
"Rustom despite having an interesting plot tries to play safe, please everyone and resorts to Bollywood formulae of forced humour and even more forced insipid songs."
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5.0
"What could have been an interesting premise and a nick at the seemingly utopian nature of suburban marriages disintegrates into a film that focuses on celebrating the hero, played by Kumar."
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Stutee Ghosh· TheQuint
5.0
"Apart from Akshay, who looks dapper in his white Navy uniform, the loose narrative fails to hold our attention."
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Suhani Singh· India Today
2.0
"The tacky production values (the Parsis will especially cringe at the neon green walls of Rustom's house) and poor CGI make the period film an eyesore."
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Criselle Lobo· BookMyShow
"Knowing that the whole story is just Google search away, the writers introduce subplots to keep things interesting. Until the last 20 minutes of the film, you're as clueless as the jury members, who can't figure out whether the accused is guilty or not."
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"The story of KM Nanavati is shrouded in mystery even after all these years, and it is difficult to point right from wrong. But predictably, Bollywood would prefer painting its heroes white or black rather than taking the effort to look at the shades of grey that colour us all. That is the biggest failing of "Rustom"."
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Namrata Joshi· The Hindu
"There's nationalist fervour and jingoism running right through this cinematic interpretation of the scandalous Nanavati murder case that rocked the nation in the 1950s."
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Uday Bhatia· LiveMint
"Though Rustom uses all the sensational material the Nanavati case has to offer, the treatment is laughably silly..."
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Sneha May Francis· Emirates247
"The foundation of any credible courtroom drama lies in its writing, which Vipul offers to 'Rustom', but there are those rare moments of heightened theatrics, which creep in and damage 'Rustom'. Yet, it deserves credit for pitching a story on a case that historically altered the Indian judiciary system."
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"In the hands of a more capable writer and director, this could've been a great role. Alas, Rustom only ends up being yet another forgettable venture for the star."
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Anna MM Vetticad· Firstpost
"This is genuinely sad because if you sift out the frills, the faff and the chaff in Rustom, the pivotal plot is actually interesting and could have made for a solid thriller."
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Komal Nahta· Komal Nahta's Blog
"...a box-office winner. It will keep the audience as also its producers, distributors and exhibitors happy and smiling."
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Nandini Ramnath· Scroll.in
"Rustom's recreation of an iconic trial echoes the narrative style of the lesser films of the period in which the actual crime occurred – it throws out the facts in favour of a simplistic and crowd-pleasing solution, glosses over its hero's criminal behaviour, and paints its characters in black and white. What the movie does get right is the luridly tabloid quality of the case."
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Cast & Crew

Cast

Details

Release Date
12 August 2016
Runtime
151 min
Language
Hindi

User Ratings & Reviews

Users5.113 ratings

13 ratings from the community

Community Reviews (10)

MAAug 2016

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

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

RAAug 2016

Don't waste your time by watching this crap

ANAug 2016

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.

ABAug 2016

prefer to choose MJD over this movie.

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.

TEAug 2016

Vipul Rawal gave us the excellent sports drama (Iqbal) in the last decade, and this time around tries his luck by fictionalising a sensational incident into a crime drama. However, the cardboard representation his director provides causes the film to look appealing without a strong foundation.<br /> <br /> Rustom Pavri (Kumar) is a highly decorated and patriotic Indian Naval officer who returns home from an assignment one day only to learn that his pretty wife Cynthia (D'cruz) has been going out with an acquaintance, automobile mogul and playboy Vikram (Bajwa). Already stressed with the unethical goings-on in the Navy, Rustom plans a plan to kill Vikram, on the grounds of something more than just the good old adultery. The story is basically a courtroom drama which begins gathering moss only in the second half when Rustom decides to play both the victim and the advocate.<br /> <br /> Rustom is the protagonist here, much like Devgn's character in Drishyam. I compare these two films mainly because of the problem I had with them: they challenge the code of self-righteousness. While in the 2015 film, Devgn's character tries to cover up a murder his wife and daughter committed, here Rustom tries to cover up his own crime just because he wants to hit two birds with a single stone. 30 minutes into the film, Rustom surrenders at the nearest police station and confesses about his crime.<br /> <br /> Deviating from the primary problem, Rustom mainly relies on the effervescent glamour of the post-Independence era (60s) and strives too hard not make any anachronistic mistakes. While the effort is lauded, it does come out as cardboard at times. The plot is too basic, and becomes predictable after a while, giving out thoughts that one has seen these cinematic elements before. So, is the whole recipe a mixture of popular crime and mystery stories? You can say that, but it does have the backing of a real-life story that I am told shocked the nation.<br /> <br /> Kumar is compellingly fabulous with his role as a Naval officer. He keeps his cool throughout the film and reminds us how good an actor he is after just having marvelously played the role of a homosexual in Dishoom (2016). D'cruz is gorgeous in her air, but is mostly seen sobbing or staring deadpan at her co-stars. Gupta and Bajwa both do a fine job among other cast members. Overall, appropriate casting helps the film.<br /> <br /> BOTTOM LINE: Tinu Desai's Rustom may not be a shocking and novel tale, but it's at least not boring considering that it's a rehash of all those crime mysteries we have seen in Bollywood. Wait for DVD and then rent it.<br /> <br /> Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

LAAug 2016

Very poor direction and writing. I was thinking that it would be a serious movie but the whole movie appears as a comedy show and the court scenes developed the comic scenes.. some unnecessary scenes are added for the #deshprem purpose. If you are a movie buff you better watch a comedy movie again..

It's been a while since I saw a Bollywood movie & that was primarily due to a dearth of trailers that caught my fancy. However, this Friday we have two big starrer movies lined up with the producers hoping to cash in on the long weekend. With the Olympics in full swing & the new season of EPL kicking off, it is a matter of what the audience want to spent their time on. Anywaz I found the time to check out "Rustom" which was inspired from the Nanavati murder case that had caught the fancy of the public in 1959. But will the movie reap similar results??? Just a decade into Independence & India was finding its feet in the new world order. Our defense forces were making steady strides through the efforts of dedicated officers with Commander Rustom Pavri (Akshay Kumar) being one among them. Rustom was a decorated naval officer who led a happy married life with his wife, Cynthia (Ileana D'Cruz). His duty required him to be away from home for months together which provided the fodder for his friend, Vikram Makhija (Arjun Bajwa); a playboy businessman to work his charm on Cynthia. Eventually he managed to swoon her which Rustom discovers in due time that leaves him distraughted. Seeking a closure to his pain, Rustom kills Vikram & surrenders to the police. What subsequently followed was the drama which unfolded at the courtroom that left the judicial system bewildered. Based on the Nanawati murder case, even to the point of naming characters which sounds quite similar to the real ones; there was absolutely no excuse for the director Tinu Suresh Desai to mess it up. The actual event had all the ingredients of a potboiler but it seemed the writer Vipul K Rawal had other ideas. His plan to include a sub-plot barely provided an impetus to the movie but also diluted the main thread. Hardly anything happens in the first half as Tinu takes his sweet time to set the ball in motion while the second half also doesnt quite arrest the attention of the audience. Apart from the trite screenplay, even the whole watching experience wasnt gratifying as it looked extremely artificial thanks to the mediocre art direction, makeup & visuals by Santhosh Thundiyil. The music done by a host of individuals fails to leave its impression & also proved to be undesirable appendages. In recent times, Akshay has made conscious efforts to juggle with a variety of genres & kudos to him for that. Even as Rustom, Akshay has given a decent performance as he seemed an ideal choice as the officer but somehow the emotional aspect of the character doesnt get displayed for some odd reason. Pawan Malhotra has done a fine job as the investigating officer while Kumud Mishra was wasted in a comic relief role & lacked the impact that the real character had on Nanavati's release. Verdict: Since the movie is based on a real life event, there is definitely a certain deal of curiosity which the makers would hope to cash in. There are a couple of factors which could work in its favour such as the relatively lower budget, long weekend & patriotic fervor due to Independence day. It will be able to recover its investment but making a sizable profit seems like a long shot. In short, the basic thread had the content but the makers made a mess of it!!! Rating: 2.25/5 Regards...Ben

PRNov 2016

Despite its multiple flaws, Rustom can be watched for Akshay Kumar, whose action/comic brilliance often overshadows his acting prowess. He reminds you to value the honest officers who serve our country with dignity and valour. He makes you want to support the man who probably did the right thing the wrong way. Akshay proved yet again he can play range of diverse roles with brilliance. Rustom was based on real life story of K.M Nanavati who killed her wife's lover and was one of the most sensational court cases in India. Rustom has its flaws, but was overshadowed by Akshay's performance. With good soundtrack and brilliant acting, Rustom is one of the best movies of Akshay Kumar. I go with 3.5/5 for 'Rustom'.

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