The basic plot is taken from the sensational Nanavati case, which took place in Mumbai in 1959. The real life incident had all the elements of a great story – love, heroism, betrayal, murder, honour, adultery. Two Hindi films – Yeh Raste Hain Pyar Ke and Achanak – have already been made on it. But from this inspiring material, director Tinu Suresh Desai has created a somewhat uninspired film.
Writer Vipul K. Rawal borrows the characters from the Nanavati case. We have Rustom Pavri, the decorated officer who comes home and discovers that his beautiful wife is having an affair with his friend. Just like Nanavati, Rustom fires three bullets into the man’s chest and then surrenders. He is tried in court in front of a jury. But public opinion, whipped up by a newspaper publisher, is on Rustom’s side.
Even the details in the film come from the real life crime. Nanavati’s wife was Sylvia. Rustom’s wife is Cynthia. Like the real life lover Prem Ahuja, Vikram Makhija in the film dies wearing only a towel. The officer in charge in the film is Vincent Lobo – the real guy was named John Lobo.
Still, Akshay cuts a dashing figure in his naval uniform. His erect spine is shorthand for a man of duty and determination. But his character doesn’t have vulnerability or an arc. There is one nicely done jail scene when Rustom meets Cynthia for the first time after the murder. He grips his own arms tightly so that he doesn’t hug her. It’s sad and moving.The film is full of moral and emotional scenes.
I’m going with two stars.