*Rustom*, featuring Akshay Kumar, marks a cinematic retelling of the Nanavati case from 1959, presenting a naval officer’s discovery of his wife’s infidelity. The film alters the original narrative to explore the themes of betrayal, duty, and consequences in a melodramatic context. While the film draws inspiration from real events, it is a fictionalized account. The plot takes liberties with the facts, aiming for a dramatic conclusion.
The film’s visuals are intended to recreate 1959 Mumbai, with detailed sets and a deliberate aesthetic. The film’s pacing prioritizes audience engagement, especially during the courtroom scenes. The movie has received different reviews because of its departure from the original events when compared to adaptations like *Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke*. The characterizations, particularly of the female lead, have been subjects of debate.
Director Tinu Suresh Desai discusses the extensive research the team did, including the Parsi cultural background, the atmosphere of 1959 Mumbai, and the creative process. He discusses the challenges of translating a true story onto the screen and acknowledges the compromises made. He reveals insights into collaborations during the film’s production, with input from Akshay Kumar and others. Desai reflects on the film’s production and hopes to expand on the story in future projects. The director said the goal of the movie was to tell an exciting story rooted in real-life events while adding creative touches.