If there is one Bollywood actor known for playing hunky, macho characters, it is Akshay Kumar.
From his debut as a martial arts instructor in Mahesh Bhatt's 1987 movie Aaj, to his numerous on-screen appearances in uniform – the most memorable being as a cop in Mohra, Main Khiladi Tu Anari (both 1994), Khakee (2004) and Aan (2004), and as a soldier in Holiday (2014) – the real-life martial-arts expert is the go-to action hero for the Indian film industry.
In his latest film, Rustom, which is in cinemas from today, he is back in uniform, this time as Indian Naval officer Rustom Pavri. The character is based on real-life sailor K M Nanavati, who in 1959, shot and killed his wife's lover. The subsequent trial was one of India's most high-profile court cases. The film looks beyond the legal battles to explore the lives of those involved.
Kumar is reluctant to provide further detail about the plot, on the grounds that revealing any more will “spoil the suspense”.
“Let’s just say it is a romance, a thriller and a drama,” he says. “I don’t want to give away too much.”
He does reveal that one of the most interesting aspects of the film is the role reversal of gender stereotypes as they relate to infidelity.
“In Bollywood we always see stories about the man making a mistake, and then seeking forgiveness from the woman,” he says. “What’s interesting about this movie is that here you will see the woman make that same mistake, and you will see her seeking forgiveness and making amends.
“For the first time on screen, it will be the man who will be in the position of deciding whether or not he should forgive and how things should move forward. I believe this aspect of the movie will make it interesting for a lot of people, especially women.”
The role marks the first time Kumar has played a naval officer, and much of the movie was filmed on real naval ships, an experience Kumar says he enjoyed. “I would not say that is was particularly difficult or challenging to play this character in any way,” he says. “It certainly was enjoyable. I got to shoot in locations where we would normally not get a chance to shoot.”
The script was written by Vipul K Rawal. A formal naval officer himself, he was able to give Kumar pointers to help make the performance as authentic as possible.
Director Tinu Suresh Desai is a relative newcomer, with only one other movie under his belt, the horror sequel 1920: London, which was released in May. Despite a relative lack of experience, Kumar says the director had a distinct creative visionthat was quickly embraced by his actors.
Starring opposite Kumar is Ileana D'Cruz, who made her Bollywood debut in the 2012 hit Barfi! opposite Ranbir Kapoor, and was last seen in 2014's Happy Ending.
“She is a beautiful person and a very talented actress,” Kumar says. “[She is] very dedicated to her work. It was a pleasure working with her.”
The release of Rustom clashes with that of Mohenjo Daro, starring Hrithik Roshan – but that is not something Kumar is concerned about.
"I am sure Rustom will do well, as have my previous films that have released on the same day as other big film[s] starring other big stars," he says. "The story of Rustom is very unique and it has been well made, so I am confident that it will be received well by the public."
• Rustom is in cinemas from Thursday August 11, 2016
artslife@thenational.ae
