Rustum

The disappearance of an honest IAS officer leads to his family seeking help from police, but to no avail. To their assistance arrives Abhishek, someone who happens to be there for them in times of need. But why does he want to help them? What is his real identity? 

There are a lot of expectations from the debut directorial film of stunt master K Ravi Varma. Interestingly, contrary to a masala-laden mass entertainer that is overloaded with stunts that one would have expected from him, he makes a film that has restraint, just the right amount of fights and some edgy sequences. This film shows that he is a filmmaker with a lot of promise, albeit he could have packed in a little more punch in this first directorial outing of his. 

The film begins with an honest IAS officer trying to unearth a massive criminal operation, where he ends up in a dead end when he meets the Home Minister's son and team who want him finished. His parents and wife, who are seeking justice, find help in their new neighbour Abhishek who is always in the right place at the right time. The narrative, which begins on a slow note, picks up pace towards the interval. One gets to know the identity of Abhishek in a scene that seems to be a tribute to some cult Shivarajkumar films. From there, the story shifts to Bihar and one gets to piece together the jigsaw puzzle.

Rustum does not have anything bombastic, even though the story does have a bonafide hero in place. There is a big ensemble cast, where each of them have their little to add to the plot. The family portions are cute, but can get annoying. Also, the lead up to the climax seems a tad underwhelming and could have had a little more punch. But, the story tries to play on some of the staple sentiments of commercial cinema and that could click for the viewers. The second half also has a major portion in Hindi, which is a risk that the filmmaker has taken and seems to be a good one. 

Shivarajkumar is energetic and lights up the screen. Shraddha Srinath has a sweet role. Mayuri Kyatari in the sister act has a pivotal role to play. Vivek Oberoi makes most of his maiden Sandalwood outing, while Rachita Ram breezes through her role. There is a motley crew of baddies that includes the late filmmaker-actor J Mahendran, Harish Uthaman, Shivamani and Arjun Gowda. There is little to complain about the ensemble.

Rustum is a more contemporary stylized commercial drama, which still tries to retain the tropes of a big hero film. It has its moments and gives ample scope for fans to whistle. It makes for a one-time watch for fans of Sandalwood's Century Star.