A Wednesday – Ode to the common man
A Wednesday begins with a man (Naseruddin Shah) who calls the commissioner of police Prakash Rathod (Anupam Kher) and says that he has planted 6 bombs across Mumbai city that will go off at 6.30 that evening if his demands are not met. He wants the release of four criminals who have been imprisoned for terrorist activities. With his numbers not traceable and with no background on him, Rathod has no choice but to heed his demands.
Trusting his two main cops Arif Khan (Jimmy Shergill) and Jai Singh (Aamir Bashir), Rathod sets out to hopefully foil the plan. Keeping the entire matter hush hush, the Mumbai police force sets out to nab this criminal who wants to free his mates. But unable to turn up with anyway to catch him, the police force begins the transfer of these 4 terrorists from their respective prisons.
As per this man's instructions, the 4 are transferred to the Juhu Aviation pad. But just when the two cops transferring them there – Arif and Jai – turn around, the bench kept there for the 4 criminals blows up taking three of the terrorists with it. This leaves Arif, Jai and the rest of the task force confused.
Who is this man? Why did he ask for their freedom if he wanted to kill them? That's the question this film asks you. This man is you, me and every one of us. He is the common man who has kept quiet for too long and needs to wake up. Or rather wants the authorities to know that he can wake up.
In terms of acting, Naseeruddin Shah shows us why he is a legend. His controlled and passionate acting leaves you spellbound. Till he very end you don't know what to expect. Anupam Kher as the commissioner of police is equally good. Jimmy Shergill with next to no words shines in the film. This is one actor who needs the right kind of films to showcase his talent. Aamir Bashir does a good job too.
All in all A Wednesday is a must watch. It is a well made film that needs to be seen by every common man in today's times. It deals with terrorism and its affects. It lets the terrorists all over the world know that if pushed too hard we can wake up.
Harshita Kohli, Hill Road Media.
