A Wednesday !

Rating : 8/10
Running Time : ~100 Minutes
Release Date : 5th September ‘08
Director & Writer : Neeraj Pandey; Music : Sanjoy Chowdhury
Starring : Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah, Jimmy Sheirgill, Aamir Bashir, Deepal Shaw

I don’t think I’ve smiled so broadly after watching a non-comedy for ages. Sadly, I don’t think this is going to set the box-office alight (due to the lack of a bankable star) but it surely lit up my world and I’m going to recommend it to everyone.

A man (Naseeruddin Shah) calls up the police HQ, speaks to the Comissioner of Police (Anupam Kher) and advises him that he has planted 5 bombs across Mumbai and will detonate them until his demands are met. The only demand he makes is that four known terrorists are gathered together. All the cops, their intelligence, the Chief Minister etc are not able to trace this person or get any information about him. What does he do next ? Who will win, this unknown person who has been planning his act for sometime or the wily commissioner, who has all the resources of the state at his disposal ?

The movie doesn’t really start till about the fortieth minute mark, just plods along till then. But then once it begins, it manages to keep the tension alive very nicely. I haven’t seen too many hindi movies with a central control room or a good cop and bad cop routine (ably played by Aamir and Jimmy respectively) and this one pulls off both quite nicely. Also, it thankfully remains focused on the plot and doesn’t deviate for any item songs or normal songs or romantic interludes. There are several nice touches as well – the CM’s exclamation, ‘He Parmeswara’, when informed about the crisis. The whole ‘Electric Baba’ thing. Or the way the terrorists identify themselves to Naseer (will let you find that out for yourself) or the way the director litters a few red herrings around. Great acting by everyone, great editing and camera work and very well put together.

I’ve had similar thoughts as the film’s lead character a few times. Maybe not as drastic but getting there, give me time, this film has merely watered a germinating seed. I would love to talk more, expound on what I’m feeling but am forcing myself to desist. This is one of the pleasures of being a reviewer, the ability to introduce a rare, hidden gem to the audience. Please see it before you find out how it ends.