"A Wednesday" could very well be the best movie of the year 2008. It's a fresh air and it gives a new dimension to the film making in India. An original concept, unpredictable tale and brilliant performances, this film has got all the elements to be a numero uno. The narration of this high pace thriller makes what first appear to be stereotypes ring with an unexpected depth."A Wednesday" is a story about an event that took place on a Wednesday in Mumbai. This was the most unusual case in the entire career of Prakash Rathod (Anupam Kher), Commissioner of Police, Mumbai. The case is nowhere in record. But it still lives in the memory of Prakash Rathod.
Flashback starts. In afternoon Prakash Rathod (Anupam Kher), Commissioner of Police, Mumbai gets a call from an anonymous caller who claims that he has planted bombs in various parts of Mumbai. The man calls again and this time demands the release of four militants if millions of lives have to be saved. Is it a real threat or merely a crank call to panic the police department? The suspicion dismissed when some explosions are actually found in the police station just opposite the Police Headquarters. So who is this caller? What is his identity? From where does he operate?
For Prakash Rathod the biggest challenge is to crack the case in time without spreading the panic in public. He calls his best men and puts them in action to get all the information about the anonymous caller. The whole unit is doing there best to grab the man behind the plot. But no results so far. The deadline gets nearer and finally Prakash Rathod gives it up and decides to hand over the four militants to the anonymous caller. Then comes a sharp turn in the tale and whatever happens after that surprises us completely.
“A Wednesday” is not only a well-made film, but is itself a revelation of common man’s guts. For a long time life has become mourning hush for a common man who is not sure if he will reach his home safely. Though, the incompetent system has failed to protect him from the inhuman act of some cold-blooded fanatics, he will no longer be the victim. He will fight back.
Director Neeraj Pandey, in his first film, has turned his own written words into a melancholic tale of images. The wonderfully crafted script keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The film’s cinematographer has given him full support with the sharp movements of camera. The rest is done through effective editing and fine performances, especially by Naseeruddin Shah with strong support from Anupam Kher. There is no doubt that they are the most versatile actors currently we have in the Indian Film industry. Another best performance comes from Jimmy Sheirgil. His acting throughout the film is first-rate. Aamir Bashir has done a brilliant job as the fellow police officer. All the other actors are perfectly suited to their roles.
In one word I would say bravo! Don’t miss it
Cast:
Naseruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergill, Aamir Bashir, Deepal Shaw, Gaurav Kapoor
Crew:
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Producer: Anjum Rizvi, Shital Bhatia
Editing: Shree Narayan Singh
Cinematography: Fuwad Khan
Screenplay: Neeraj Pandey
Background Music: Sanjoy Chowdhary
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