Released on August 12, 2016, Rustom is a gripping Bollywood courtroom drama inspired by true events. Directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, the film stars Akshay Kumar, Ileana D’Cruz, and Esha Gupta in lead roles. Set in the late 1950s, the movie weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and justice, keeping the audience hooked till the very end. With its blend of drama, suspense, and emotional depth, Rustom stands out as a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Rustom Pavri (played by Akshay Kumar), a decorated naval officer who returns home to find his wife Cynthia (Ileana D’Cruz) in a compromising situation with another man. What follows is a shocking crime that shakes the nation and leads to a high-stakes courtroom trial. As the case unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the line between right and wrong blurs. Without delving into spoilers, the film keeps the audience guessing about Rustom’s motives and the final verdict.
What’s Good?
One of the strongest aspects of Rustom is Akshay Kumar’s stellar performance. His portrayal of a stoic yet vulnerable naval officer is both convincing and emotionally impactful. Ileana D’Cruz brings grace and depth to her role, while Esha Gupta’s performance as a vengeful socialite adds layers to the narrative.
The direction by Tinu Suresh Desai is commendable, as he successfully recreates the 1950s era with attention to detail. The film’s production design, costumes, and cinematography transport viewers to a bygone era, adding authenticity to the story. The music, composed by Ankit Tiwari and Jeet Gannguli, complements the film’s mood, with tracks like “Tere Sang Yaara” becoming instant hits.
The courtroom scenes are another highlight of the movie. The intense dialogues and gripping arguments keep the audience engaged. The script is tightly written, ensuring that the suspense is maintained throughout. The film’s pacing is also well-balanced, with a mix of emotional moments and thrilling sequences.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Rustom excels in its storytelling and performances. Akshay Kumar’s nuanced acting is undoubtedly the film’s biggest strength. The supporting cast, including Kumud Mishra and Arjan Bajwa, also deliver commendable performances. The historical backdrop and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters add depth to the narrative.
However, the film is not without its flaws. Some scenes, especially in the second half, feel a bit melodramatic and stretched. The courtroom drama, while engaging, occasionally veers into predictability. Additionally, certain characters could have been better developed to add more layers to the story.
Target Audience
Rustom is ideal for fans of courtroom dramas and period films. The movie’s emotional core and suspenseful narrative make it appealing to a wide audience, including families and those who enjoy character-driven stories. However, viewers looking for high-octane action or light-hearted entertainment might find it less engaging.
Box Office Details
Rustom was made on a budget of approximately INR 50 crore. The film opened to positive reviews and performed exceptionally well at the box office, earning a worldwide gross collection of around INR 218 crore.
Here’s a breakdown of the first five days’ earnings:
- Day 1 (India): INR 14.11 crore
- Day 2 (India): INR 16.43 crore
- Day 3 (India): INR 19.88 crore
- Day 4 (India): INR 17.81 crore
- Day 5 (India): INR 8.75 crore
Overseas, the film also garnered significant attention, contributing to its overall success. The strong word-of-mouth and Akshay Kumar’s star power played a crucial role in driving its box office numbers.
Recommendation
Rustom is a well-crafted film that combines drama, suspense, and emotional depth. While it has its minor flaws, the movie’s strengths far outweigh them. For those who enjoy gripping narratives and stellar performances, Rustom is a highly recommended watch.
Table of Contents
Genres:
Thriller, Drama, Crime
Rating:
6.7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Akshay Kumar | Rustom Pavri |
| Ileana D’Cruz | Cynthia Rustom Pavri |
| Esha Gupta | Priti Makhija |
| Arjan Bajwa | Vikram Makhija |
| Usha Nadkarni | Jamnabai |
| Sachin Khedekar | Public Prosecutor Lakshman Khangani |
| Kumud Mishra | Erich Billimoria |
| Anang Desai | Judge Patel |
| Parmeet Sethi | Rear Admiral Prashant Kamath |
| Indraneel Bhattacharya | Captain C. P. Cherian |
| Kanwaljit Singh | Defense Secretary K. M. Bakshi |
| Brijendra Kala | Head Constable Tukaram |
| Gireesh Sahedev | Lt Cdr Pujari |
| Hiten Patel | Navy Sailor |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
