A Wednesday

Plot synopsis:
Mumbai police commissioner Prakash Rathod (Anupam Kher), resting after a jog, describes in a voice-over that he is going to retire the following day. He goes on to describe the most challenging case he faced in his career.
An unnamed man (Naseeruddin Shah) carries a travel bag, assumed to contain explosives, in the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station and proceeds to hide the bag in the restroom of a police station opposite to the Mumbai Police headquarters. He then arrives on the rooftop of a building under construction where he has set up his base of operations, equipped with several sim cards, mobile phones and other electronic gadgets. He calls Rathod and informs him that he has placed five bombs in locations throughout Mumbai and has programmed them to explode simultaneously within four hours unless the Commissioner gives in to his demands and releases four militants. In response, Rathod immediately alerts his team involved in intelligence research and surveillance, tapping all the available resources to trace the location of the caller. Meanwhile, the caller tips off television news reporter Naina Roy (Deepal Shaw), telling her to reach the police headquarters immediately as it is going to be "the most important day of her life". Rathod initially suspects the anonymous caller is bluffing, but his doubts are dispelled as the caller, to prove his seriousness and the police force's helplessness, reveals that a bomb has been planted in the police station right across the Police headquarters. He further scares them by calling the cell phone attached to the bomb but does not detonate the bomb. Just then Roy reaches the scene on the caller's instructions and reports about the situation.
As Rathod and his team desperately try to locate the caller, the four militants demanded by the caller are rounded up by police officers Arif (Jimmy Shergill) and Jai (Aamir Bashir). In the meanwhile, police depute a young hacker named Anuj to track the location of the caller. The caller then asks the two police officers to leave the four militants near a bench on an airport runway, but Arif leaves only three militants behind and takes one of them captive as he suspects that the caller would not reveal the locations of the bombs even after the militants are released.
A phone placed under the bench rings once Arif and Jai are several feet away and an explosion occurs in which the three terrorists perish. Arif relays this information to Rathod, and the anonymous caller reveals he does not belong to any terrorist organization, and his plan was not to free the terrorists but to kill them. The caller sought to avenge all the terrorist attacks they had helped carry out in Mumbai and other major cities of India, specifically the 2006 Mumbai train bombings. His final demand is that the officers kill the fourth militant themselves or he would set off all five bombs in Mumbai. In response, Rathod orders indirectly to Arif and Jai to kill the fourth militant.
After the death of the fourth militant is confirmed on the news, the caller calls Rathod for a final time to reveal that he had not planted any other bombs in the city. At this point, Rathod declares he already knew there were no more bombs, hence his decision to kill the last terrorist was not taken in fear but in confidence. Rathod reaches the caller's location with the help of the young hacker, just as the caller is leaving the place, having destroyed all his gadgets and equipment. The two meet briefly when Rathod, identifying the anonymous caller on the basis of a face sketch, offers the man a ride home and introduces himself.
In a voiceover, Rathod says the man told him his real name but he does not wish to reveal it since doing so would give away the man's religion. Rathod admits that he knew the caller was disturbed because of the insecure environment and the incompetence of the governing authorities, but he never imagined a common man would go to such lengths to achieve this end. He also notes that the facts of this incident cannot be found in any written record but only in the memories of those who actually witnessed it, and further acknowledges that although the incident has ambiguous moral significance, he personally feels that whatever happened, happened for the best.

Tags: flashback

Review:
It's a simple, small film of one hour and a half, yet it succeeds to depict an entire world in this limited time.The story begins as an ordinary thriller about a common man who calls the police and informs them about 5 bombs he has allegedly placed all over Mumbai, which he'll get exploded if they don't release four terrorists.
The film flows as a great thriller as time passes by, but then unexpectedly becomes into a dramatic story as it unfolds the motives of this common man.The film does not want us to side any party, it wants us to understand the consequences of war, violence and hatred.
People must get what happens as a result of terror.The characters in this film are very well defined: a great and respected Police Commissioner, an ambitious journalist, a hot-tempered policeman who takes his job seriously, a common man who feels hurt, and many other policemen who'd give their life for the country.
The story rests on the shoulders of two stalwarts, Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah supported ably by Jimmy Shergill and Aamir Bashir.
A Wednesday is definitely one such movie.The story revolves around an anonymous man (Shah) who calls up the commissioner of police (Kher) and informs him about the bombs that he has placed.
I see most of the reviews are a bit, how to put it, "overly-benevolent", I suppose written by people moved by the message.While movie have some interesting moments, it is slow paced, unimaginative, predictable, unrealistic and in my opinion, too long.
Come on, I feel like 75% of all scenes was just a cops and politicians playing important while heroic music plays - that's it - good guys walking in a corridor (lot of corridors out there, believe me) and music, talking to a phone (you mostly cannot hear what they are saying) and music, waiting in a car and music, sitting, standing and so on.
Do you want do watch a thriller Bollywood movie similar to decent ones like Drishyam?
I hope movies such as this, "Aamir", "Mumbai Meri Jaan" and others of this rank keep coming because movies such as these makes me proud of the Indian cinema fraternity.The acting done by greats like Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah cannot go unnoticed.
All this happens through the articulate voice and superlative performance of Naseeruddin Shah as an anonymous mastermind who provokes the Police department with his threat of bombing the city in 5 different locations.The mastermind's plot builds up rapidly while all the characters are introduced and with his first phone call to the Commissioner of Police (Anupam Kher), the thrill ride begins in true Hollywood bad guy-NYPD style that includes a fancy control room, hi tech tracking units and loads of sophisticated equipment.
They need to think openly about ideas and stories and cast the great talent we have in this industry without worrying about box-office success because if your product is good, the actors can make it even better and the audience has now accepted this reality and films like A Wednesday are getting an encouragement even from the masses and not just the classes.
The acting was so bad in some scenes it made me cringe.The movie an Indian comedy that revolves around a terror plot and the police/secret service trying to save the day.The only good job this movie does is demonstrate Bollywood's ability on making movies.
A Wednesday is a movie which took me by shock to think that there are a few "New Wavers" ( a filmmaker that follow a new wave) in the Indian film factory.
so to the faculty of the movie my message is even if u dint get phony awards like film-fare and so on..please remember that u have made a mark in the hearts of the people who actually matter n they adore u for that ..
Secondly, Kudos to writer & director "Neeraj Pandey", who brings a fresh & new tide in the vast ocean of Hindi Cinema."A Wednesday" is not a big movie, but it is many times powerful than all the 50-70 crores projects being talked about in the news.
It's a movie made with courage, with conviction and with a strong point to raise in favor of a common man.Without giving away the main plot, the story is about confrontation between a man played by Naseeruddin Shah, who has planted bombs in the city and Anupam Kher, the Police Chief of the city.
Cinematography and Background Music both completely support the vision of the director.Frankly speaking, the script has its flaws like what happened to the bag planted by Naseer at the station in the start of the movie.
A well written and fantastically executed climax scene, when both Naseer & Anupam shake hands and cross each other is simply excellent.The two volcanoes of talent, Naseer & Anupam Kher have nothing to prove about themselves, but they do prove one thing.....that we are not making much films which can tap the talent available in the country.Imagine Naseer in "Jaane Tu...." & Anupam Kher in "C Kkompany" after watching "A Wednesday".
I also remember "Nasser" & "Om Puri" together in "Maqbool" in the same context.Coming back to the movie, "A Wednesday" certainly takes its place among the Top10 movies of both Naseeruddin Shah & Anupam Kher.
That this film "can be compared to a Hollywood movie" (Abhishek Kumar) is the highest praise possible.Despite the IMDb's warnings against spoilers, the plot details of this "thriller" have been covered amply in the already-submitted reviews, including a pretty clear description of the film's big, penultimate, plot twist, through which its main message is delivered.
"This film is constructed in a way to legitimate the use of force and violence by governmental agencies in case of emergency, and we, the terrified viewers, are invited to identify ourselves with the good guys and approve this point of view" (dylndg from Madagascar).As some of its detractors point out, "A Wednesday" has no doubts about the identity of the enemy: Pakistan, its ISI (spy agency), Al Qaeda and, by implication, Muslims in general, are the sources of "violence." To his shame, the justly celebrated Indian actor, Naseeruddin Shah, allowed himself to be used here as a Muslim cover for the film's undisguised Islamophobia.
It's enriched with brilliant performances from Nasiruddin shah , Anupam kher, and a lot more actors whose names i can't recall now.It is the best thriller, though flawed sometimes, I have seen till date.
Plot : a stranger (played by Nasarudeen Shah) threatening to Prakash Rathod, commissioner of police (played by Anupam Kher) about the bomb he has planted to blast at 6 pm at five different places, it can be avoided if they can release 4 terrorists...
this is an awesome movie , a lot like my feelings , a common mans feelings towards the terror attacks in recent times , i hope this movie sends the right message to everyone including those involved in the terror acts , the message is "dont make us rebel back it will cost you", the acting of naseeruddin shah and anupam kher is fabulous, jimmy has done a excellent job in his role, and guys PLEASE Don't MISS THE LAST DIALOGUE , its excellent.movie is full of thrills, till end you'll never feel like getting up from your chair , its a short movie(100 mins) but full of masala , better watch this kind of sensible movies than watching some commercial non sense moviesto conclude do yourself a favor , go watch this movie.
And it turned out to be even better than i had expected.A superb story and direction makes this thriller a refreshing change from the regular action hero or documentary styled bollywood anti-terror movies.The movie is very fast-paced, and keeps you glued to your seat the entire time.
Jimmy Shergil as Arif, the policeman who means business, shows that he has talent and deserves much better roles than what he's been getting of late.All in all, a must watch.Thumbs Up to Neeraj Pandey for having come with such a brilliant story!.
What would you think about a movie of the thriller/suspense genre, which runs for just 100 minutes, has NO songs, NO romance but bombs, police, chases, shoot outs, high end technology.another one of the Hollywood action movieah well this time it is achieved in our Bollywood by Neeraj Pandey in his directorial debut "A Wednesday""A Wednesday" is a remarkable venture which enthralls audiences with the sheer simplicity of the plot and extremely proficient acting.
It has been a long time since we saw two of the film world's finest actors together in a movie.
At last a film that has the power to change how we look at the world.A Wednesday is an engaging thriller with a twist that's more dramatic and unpredictable than anything you're likely to imagine.
It's a theme that's been exploited many times over in the movies, especially in standard Hollywood action films like the Die Hard series.
The director assembles an ensemble of fine actors who perform their roles competently - Anupam Kher as the conflicted Commissioner, Naseeruddin Shah as the anonymous caller, Aamir Bashir as one of the two younger cops assigned the job of transporting the militants to the designated spot, and finally Jimmy Shergill as the other young cop, hot-blooded and impulsive..
I remembered Joel Schumacher's "Falling Down" (Starring 'Michael Douglas'), this is the story of every common man's fantasy.Interestingly, this movie offers an excellent experience of tight story telling for Indian audiences all over world.
I love this movie for it's casting, a fast pace and 'no crap' like unnecessary songs and comedy which is common in most Indian films.
Naseeruddin Shah calls up the commissioner of Police, Prakash Rathod (Anupam Kher) warning him of bombs planted by him at four places in the city that he will detonate them if four 'most wanted' militants are not released.
Neeraj Pandey's (the director and scriptwriter) effort by way of bringing out the best in its actors is a hugely enjoyable piece of movie making and another sensible depiction of the terrorism menace and its consequences after 'Aamir' and 'Mumbai Meri Jaan'..
Its excellent,outstanding,superb,mind blowing ...,After long time I watched movie with good script, equally efficient direction.Its ideal example of gripping thriller,on simple storyline without commercial routine big stars.Movie starts from first frame,director never wasted any time,as story unfolds it takes complete control of your mind within few moments.It keeps you on edge,thinking what next than again what next..
It ends with pleasant surprise.I would like to say thanks to whole team of this movie for its content,for reflecting the sentiments of every Indian on terrorism,From which the bollywood film-makers are turning there face,for the fear of labelled as communal.Most striking feacher of the movie is its POSITIVITY.Atmosphere in movie remains positive till end.Regarding casts nothing more to say about Anupam Kher and Nasiruddin Shah,both are titans ,always delivers the best.I think every Indian must see this movie..
Yes, "A Wednesday" is like oxygen for those, who love Hindi cinema, but also feel suffocated with moronic direction 'formula' movies.Story is well chosen.
Other films tell us "a" story, But A Wednesday Cuts out a message in BOLD letters, with fair amount of entertainment value (thrill & suspense= 50 %), which in the end serves the viewers with the COLD reality of terrorism and its impact on the people around "us", the director had tried to convince the viewers, about the single face of terrorism-hence there is no mention about the religion and or name of the main character Mr. Shah did a great job in delivering the last piece of arguments between the "unnamed guy" and the police commissioner.The message is clear: Terrorism is "an" shameful, But righteous act, against a coward Govt and Shameless Politicians, Who are supported by media and People like you and me!
Without giving anything away from the movie i honestly recommend " A Wednesday " if you'll haven't seen it already this movie is a well directed , fast paced movie , it has great acting by Anupam Kher , Naseeruddin Shah and the others as well Jimmy Shergill, Amir Bashir ...
, but more importatly it shows the effects , impact , aftermath of terrorism in a very different manner i enjoyed watching " rock on " but " A Wednesday " is a classic , a hallmark movie , its a powerful film, they have made a movie that will make us think , I'm really happy that we are making movies like " A Wednesday " A Wednesday is not about the train bomb blasts,nor is it similar to mumbai meri jaan , the movie is about terrorism but its in the backdrop , this movie deals with something that comes across every other person's mind , when there is talk about terror being spread and nothing being done about it ..
there may be people that may not like it but then to each their own , i'm just happy to share my point of view The movie, right from start to end on a fateful Wednesday, keeps you very interested Please do watch " A Wednesday " its a movie that will get you thinking.
The acting from the main cast is decent for the most part; Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah play the police commissioner (Prakash Rathod) and the "terrorist" known only as "The Common Man" play off of each other well.
At the same time, it is a decent enough movie which works well enough within its limitations- I doubt "A Wednesday" was made with the intent of becoming an all-time great film!
Not wanting the public to know and panic, the chief of Police decides to take what ever action he is capable of and that is including releasing four terrorists.Starring Naseerudin Shah, Deepal Shaw, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergil and Aamir Bashir, this is directed and written by Neeraj Pandey.The story keeps you glued to your seat as there's never a dull moment as there is a twist as it moves along.
In that category, certainly A Wednesday also falls.The movie is one of the best present from Bollywood after a long time without any useless storyline.
He gave us a marvelous thriller with a simple and easily understanding story.After Chaahat and China Gate, now again both Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah appeared together in the same movie.
All the way, whole the casting group did their tasks firmly without any complain.I don't hesitate to say that I have been waiting for a long time to see this kind of thriller movie from Bollywood, and at last got it.
Naseeruddin Shah is playing the "common man".Apart from that Jimmy Shergill and Aamir Bashir has done their job good.
Naseer and Anupam Kher were fit with their character.The modi comm of the movie was common man v/s the existing system (Played by Anupam Kher , Prakash Rathod Commissioner of Police and some minister).And of course 10 out of 10 points to Neeraj Pandey.
Characterized by a strong script, a fantastic cast headed by acting legends Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher, and a crisp, suspenseful flow- this movie was amazing.
"A Wednesday" is a Crime - Mystery movie in which we watch a man calling in a police department to inform them that he placed five bombs in five different locations and he is willing to give them those locations if they let free four terrorists in exchange.
I also liked the interpretations of Naseeruddin Shah who played as The Common Man and Anupam Kher who played as Prakash Rathod.
I recommend everyone to watch it because it will make you think about what is correct in a situation like and what is wrong, what a person has to do or even not to and if the ending of this movie was the best that it could be done..
I had accidentally watched this movie and i was expecting nothing but i was blown away by this movie,this movie is great in so many ways,screenplay is very good and the performance of Naseeruddin is just another level and Anupam Kher has done really good job,it is a realistic,relatable and shows how frustrated the common man is.
It is rare I could watch a film twice in two days but 'A Wednesday' was so good that when I told my wife how much I liked it, she wanted to watch it too.It is a fast-paced thriller that will have your eyes glued to the screen from the first panoramic views of Mumbai to the wonderful closing sequence.The acting is top class throughout and the cinematography is exquisite.The only criticism would be that there were a few plot points that were not tied up.
There are no song-and-dance numbers, or any of the other conventions you might expect from a Hindi film - instead, it's a race against the clock between a Mumbai police detective, and the mystery man.A Wednesday is a thriller with a great twist ending that proved eerily prescient, with a timely message, when several simultaneous terrorist bomb attacks actually occurred only a few weeks later around the city of Mumbai..
It stars Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergill, Amir Bashir, and Deepal Shaw.The script of A Wednesday is extremely well written, as is the screenplay.
While watching the film I found it quite riveting embellished by great performances by Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah.However, when the film ended and I pondered over it, some thoughts/question came to my mind for which I didn't find a convincing answer.
The movie casts Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergill, Aamir Bashir in main roles.
The movie starts off slowly without much of background music, but slowly starts making the right noise.Top notch performances by all, especially seasoned pro's Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher.Great direction by Neeraj Pandey and someone to look for in the future.