A Wednesday: Surprise in A Small Package review

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Smriti Mudgal catches up with A Wednesday 

As I write this review I have to thank someone for actually considering me worthy enough to post my views on this movie. Thank you Rahul for appreciating my review on The Last Lear and here I go with my views on the movie A Wednesday.

It was a dull Sunday when I decided to watch A Wednesday on recommendation of many a film critics. They had mentioned how Naseer-ud-din shines in the movie as the anguished common man.

I went to find out if indeed Naseer had outdone himself in the movie. Frankly speaking, I thought the movie would be on the same lines as Mumbai Meri Jaan which I missed. So, I sat with a friend hoping to be surprised.

And I was surprised.

Not by Naseer but by the debutant director Neeraj Pandey, by the very under-rated Jimmy Shergill and rarely tried Anupam Kher.

Pandey gives you a day's narrative in a simple, slick, well researched manner. The movie is a wishful on-the-edge thriller with no gore, no in-your-face action and yet makes a statement. The short, well-edited film is such a satisfactory film because though you know it can't happen, you really hope it does.

The eccentricities of Jimmy Shergil as the edgy, efficient and rather restless cop, the committed and concerned cop in Amir Bashir and the been there, done that Police Commissioner Anupam Kher's character are well etched and that is why their performances are so convincing.

Jimmy Shergill who debuted with Gulzar's Maachis is a phenomenal actor. Not many have been able to tap his potential. Despite his brilliant performances in Maachis and Yahaan, the lad is still struggling to find his feet in the industry. I sincerely hope this film gives him that break. It may be a difficult task especially when you have two stalwarts like Naseer and Anupam putting their best foot forward.

Naseer is a brilliant actor. Who disagrees with that? His cold, unaffected performance in the film may find many, yet again, bowing to him; still I haven't seen Naseer moving away from himself in this film. The last time I felt he moved out of his own shadow was in 'Mandi' as servile Dungrus.

Anupam Kher must be happy after a long time. Neeraj Pandey gave him a role where he behaves like a real flesh and blood character. He's been tried for a restrained cop's role who performs his task without getting emotional, hysterical and in the middle of all this pragmatism is a very sharp, experienced and to an extent shrewd strategist. Case in point, the scene where he asks the minister to take the call or else be given the authority, no questions asked.

The pace of the movie is so good that you don't realize when its past you. The performances are so powerful and the screenplay so tight that you thank God this Sunday is blessed with A Wednesday.