“9 Years of Courage, Love And Justice”: Zee Studios Celebrates Rustom’s Legacy

Zee Studios took fans on a nostalgic trip down memory lane this week, dropping a series of stills from Rustom to mark the film’s 9th anniversary. The caption read: "9 years of courage, love & justice!"—a fitting tribute to a movie that blended history, heartbreak, and high-stakes courtroom drama into one of Bollywood’s most gripping thrillers.

Released in 2016, Rustom starred Akshay Kumar as the decorated naval officer Commander Rustom Pavri, whose life spirals into scandal when he’s accused of murdering his wife’s lover. But this wasn’t just fiction—Rustom was inspired by the infamous 1959 Nanavati case, a real-life legal saga that rocked the nation and led to the abolition of India’s jury system. Through its storytelling, the film explored deep themes of justice, honor, and personal betrayal.

Akshay Kumar’s performance was more than just compelling—it was award-winning. His meticulous research into naval protocol and his embodiment of Pavri’s quiet dignity earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, adding to the film’s critical acclaim. Co-starring Ileana D’Cruz, Esha Gupta, and Arjan Bajwa, the movie painted a complex portrait of love and vengeance wrapped in 1950s Bombay.

What made Rustom truly stand out, as noted by the Journal of Indian Cinema Studies (2022), was its historical authenticity. The film’s meticulous use of period costumes, vintage set designs, and carefully crafted dialogue—all supported by archival visuals—helped transport audiences back to a post-independence India grappling with modernity, morality, and justice.

Nine years later, Rustom continues to be more than just a crime thriller—it’s a cinematic landmark. As Zee Studios celebrates its enduring legacy, it’s clear that Rustom wasn’t just about one man’s trial. It was about a nation questioning where duty ends and justice begins.