babujyoti Reviews

Rustom (2016)

Mixed ...

[6/10 · 18 August 2016]

The storytelling is brisk with tight editing. The 70s style loud background music is a bit annoying with its dramatic overtones. The courtroom scenes were overall OK but contained several procedural errors. The similarities to the Nanavati case cannot be missed and can have one confused and disappointed. This a 100% Bollywood story and is somewhat loosely based on that case. As a Bollywood product, this is above average but in the global scene well below average. It did not meet its potential. It could have been a great thriller like "Presumed Innocent" or like a Perry Mason episode. Instead, the Bollywood treatment gives the story poetic justice and an implausible conspiracy theory twist. Still, this is a step up for Bollywood. Akshay Kumar has acted well if somewhat too stiff and wears in Navy uniform even in jail as a suspect. Only Bollywood can be that way. My vote reflects an initial score of 4 upgraded considering that this is a Bollywood make. They just cannot help being over dramatic and silly.

The Story of India (2007– )

A great way to develop a perspective

[10/10 · 7 January 2012]

It is great to see the history of a people of the world being developed as a life experience of revisiting the places and taking in glimpses of the present and the past. History is not an abstract science; it is about what people did. Sharing what we have learned in a humble and open way, Michael Wood has shown how learning history can be a great experience.

Michael Wood has kept the people perspective throughout rather than stating the facts in a dry manner like most historians do.

Having lived most of my early years in various parts of India, I can appreciate how Michael has captures the essence of the cultural side so well. Great experience.

I wish I could learn about others parts of the world in this style.