Review of A Wednesday! (2008) by Nikos K — 20 Aug 2012

A Wednesday is a sort of celluloid manifestation any movie goer would passionately long for and at the same time radically convince even the most impervious critic with its steep rationale. Neeraj Pandey steers this sensitive yet intrepid subject at the right pace and delivers an absolute exhilaration and some enthralling moments.

The four hour cat and mouse drama between Mumbai police and a stranger on prowl set against the backdrop of the city's terrorist attack has lot many elements to keep us glued and enticed. The movie unlike the action flicks of recent times, has a brawny plot ratified by an adept cast of the likes Naseeruddin shah and Anupam Kher.

Pandey with the very first stint has raised his standard to the top league of our industry. Fuwad's camera captures the essence of Mumbai and the tight gripped drama with the right amount of rawness.

However, it's Shah who steals the show with an absolutely deft performance and his signature at ease disposal. He cake walks through the entire show with sheer panache and charisma. Kher compliments as the commissioner on fire and ably justifies the role.

The surprise packet is Jimmy Shergil playing the impetuous cop, Arif . Jimmy storms the scenes with grace, confidence and poise. I have often wondered on him being an underrated actor in our industry.

However he does emboss himself elegantly with this sumptuous thriller. Altogether A Wednesday is a cinema packed with class, intellect and a concrete message. Full credits to Neeraj for his phenomenal debut.