MOVIE REVIEW

A Wednesday
Movie:

A Wednesday

Cast: Naseruddin Shah, Anupam Kher and Jimmy Shergill

Director: Neeraj Pandey;

Three weeks in a row, we have been treated with three fantastic films, which have raised the
benchmark for Indian cinema in terms of script, casting and execution. Life could not have been
rosier for a film critic. First, we had MUMBAI MERI JAAN, ROCK ON followed last week, and this week
we have an absolute stunner, which is even more gripping and equally entertaining and thought
provoking like the above-mentioned films.

A WEDNESDAY is a thriller, it's an educational film and it's also an eye-opener. Director Neeraj
Pandey has taken terrorism as the theme and has given it a whole new twist that is mind-boggling to
say the least. The film begins with 'terrorist' Naseeruddin Shah planting bombs in the city and also a
police station right opposite the Police Head Quarters. The background score sets your pulse racing
and you don't know what to expect at the next moment. You are waiting for that moment when the
bombs will explode and wreak havoc in the city as Pandey goes about briskly introducing his
characters, Anupam Kher, who is the Police Commissioner, Aamir Bashir (a police officer), Jimmy
Sheirgill (ATS Officer) and Deepal Shaw (television journalist).

You wonder what Naseer is upto, when in comes the call to the Commissioner informing him about
the bombs and sending him on a wild goose chase. Within four hours, the terrorist tells the
commissioner, that his demands have to be met. He is seeking the release of four dreaded terrorists
in exchange for letting out the information on where the bombs are planted. His calls cannot be
traced because Naseer the terrorist is one up on the cops. His 'work place' is the terrace of an under
construction building. Cinematographer Fuwad Khan, putting in full view of the viewer the terror
that is to be unleashed, brilliantly captures the city skyline.

The demands are met. The Commissioner, who has been given sweeping powers by the Chief
Minister to negotiate with the terrorist, realizes that he cannot play with the lives of millions of
people of Mumbai. He shortlists his two trusted soldiers, Aamir Bashir and Jimmy Sheirgill, to take
the four dreaded terrorist to the release spot. And here comes the twist in the tale that will shock
you out of your wits. Brilliant execution in the script, which turns the negotiations on its heads. After
all, you cannot trust a terrorist!

Anupam Kher as the Top Cop is marvelous. His eagerly sinks his teeth into this meaty role with glee.
Considering what he has had to do in recent movies, this is a welcome change. To see an actor given
his due with the right script is always a delight and he does full justice to his role. Naseeruddin Shah
as the timid terrorist is a revelation. Actually, nothing about Naseer really surprises, because this
here is an actor who takes pride in his craft. Watch out for his cold-blooded negotiations and how he
goes in for the kill.

Aamir Bashir stands out with his earnest performance as the cop for whom duty comes before
family. A studied performance. Jimmy Sheirgill as the 'sar phira' ATS officer makes a deadly impact.
Cool, calculated and cunning, he lends that air of credibility to his performance. His fearless body
language, knowing fully well a bullet any time can alter his life, is a revelation. This man here is
steadily climbing the charts of stardom, one step at a time, one role at a time. Deepal Shaw does not
have much of a role but manages to make an impact as a television journalist hungry for scoops. The
only sore point here is her make-up, which is pathetic. However, this can be easily overlooked.

A film like A WEDNESDAY is not released every other Friday. This is a film for the common man. My
sincere wishes are that this film runs to packed houses. You just cannot miss this cracker of a thriller.

Ratings : 4/5

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