Rustom

The story unfolds in the late 1950s, in the wake of India’s independence. It portrays a naval officer’s personal crisis against a backdrop of post-colonial modernization and Cold War-era politics. Events span brief stints in 1958 London and 1959 Bombay as the case plays out.

Bombay serves as the primary setting in 1959, a bustling port city where naval life and post-independence society intersect. The tale also traverses London, where Rustom’s overseas assignment and the bribery plot unfold. Key scenes occur in New Delhi within the Defence Secretariat, highlighting political and bureaucratic maneuvering.

⚖️ Justice

A courtroom drama drives the plot as Rustom insists on his innocence and fights a jury trial. The film explores whether justice is objective truth or a product of perception shaped by evidence and power. The tension between self-defense, duty, and public opinion questions the fairness of legal outcomes.

💔 Betrayal

Infidelity and broken trust fuel the conflict between spouses, revealing how personal vulnerabilities collide with social expectations. Cynthia's affair and Vikram's manipulation catalyze a cascade of events that test loyalty. The narrative foregrounds how reputations are affected by private choices.

🛡️ Duty

Rustom’s sense of naval duty clashes with personal emotions, pushing him to make extreme choices to protect the Navy's integrity. The film juxtaposes professional obligation with marital strain, showing how service can strain, but also justify, personal actions. The resolution emphasizes honor within the military code.

💰 Corruption

Powerful figures attempt to manipulate outcomes through bribery and cover-ups linked to naval procurement. The plot reveals how money and influence threaten institutional integrity. The revelation of tape recordings and corrupt schemes serves as a critique of high-level corruption.