A Wednesday (2008) User Reviews

A picture that is both relevant, important and entertaining.

[Peter_Young · 8/10 · 12 June 2009]

What can be said about this film? Like many other films made recently, this one is different from the typical Hindi masala flicks (nothing against them, I think they're enjoyable), there are no songs, there is no combination of different genres in one film, it is not a three-hour film. It's a simple, small film of merely 90 minutes, yet it succeeds at telling its story and conveying its intended message 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 way every scene is carried by the director is very impressive and the dialogues are realistic. 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. It wants us to understand how it affects ordinary people. The story is not bigger than life, nor does it intend to be one. The fact that Naseeruddin Shah's character is unnamed only contributes to the universal message of the film.

There are many sequences of different people shown in different portions of the film which are just amazing. The one when the officer played by Anupam Kher asks the policeman played by Aamir Bashir about his family status, and his willingness to find the bomb. The guy answers that he's married with a recently born baby girl, yet he'll do anything to find the bomb. Another, when Naseer recalls the young nice guy he met every day in the train, the one who was preparing to marry someone, and gets killed the following day at the 2006 Mumbai train bombings. 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 film depicts national pride and the passion different people have for their work without going to large extents and unnecessary melodrama. It's done in a very realistic manner.

The entire cast is wonderful, from leading actors to extras. Naseeruddin Shah does not know how to give a bad performance. He doesn't have to speak a lot or make strange facial expressions to be convincing. He doesn't have to play a grandiose king to make his role bigger than life. His dialogues come from the heart. It is yet another unforgettable performance from Naseer, the one and only. Anupam Kher is restrained and brilliant. The difference between the way he portrays serious yet sensitive men and the way he portrays comic and funny people is thrilling and incredible. Jimmy Shergill is amazing in a small yet pivotal role of a intransigent, hot-tempered, angry, disciplined and serious policeman. So is Aamir Bashir. Deepal Shaw is effective.

Well, in conclusion, A Wednesday is an entertaining film with a universal message. Watch it, you'll enjoy it.

Great Eye Opener

[KarthikStallone · 9/10 · 5 September 2008]

Great Movie, Good thriller and always maintains the intensity. There is no part in the movie which gets you bored. Its full time Entertainment. The movie is short but up to the point. This is a movie where Naseerudin Shah is like a One Man Army who takes over the whole of Bombay police. I really enjoyed it. We need more movies like this. Very Creative.

Technically very correct and the movie has a lot of logic. The Direction is superb. Unlike other movies, there are no songs in the movie. The movie can be viewed by family and even teens and I think its for all type of age groups. The whole movie is like the game of chess. Its a puzzle till the end which bursts out at last releasing a shock wave across the movie theatre.

Nice, tight little masterpiece

[anagpal · 8/10 · 4 September 2008]

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 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. For more on other reviews please visit Apurvbollywood at blogspot. Thanks

A fascinating high-octane confrontation between two veteran thespians

[geetmaurya · 10/10 · 6 September 2008]

A Wednesday, are among the best - and bravest - films to come out in 2008. Only one word to describe it: remarkable! A Wednesday tells the story of certain events that take place between 2 and 6 pm on a Wednesday in Mumbai. Events that are not on any record.

'A Wednesday,' questions the injustice done to the common man, when innocents meet their end, following bomb blasts. The story rests on the shoulders of two stalwarts, Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah supported ably by Jimmy Shergill and Aamir Bashir. As the city police commissioner, Anupam lends the role dignity and he has executed it brilliantly.

Naseeruddin Shah steals the show with his character. Jimmy Shergill is every inch the cool guy. Aamir Bashir leaves a mark too. Even the characters of the four militants has been portrayed well, especially Kali Prasad Mukherjee, the main terrorist

There is a reason that has been kept a closely guarded secret! There is a reason why this case has no written proof! There is a reason ..... for everything!

A Must See

[yogesh-kalyankar · 9/10 · 8 October 2008]

There are a few movies that entertain, there are a few movies that give message and then there are a few movies that you can relate to. 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. Bomb blast is something that I personally am scared of. It had ripped Mumbai in 1993 and then in local train and bus. Only people stood by each other. It followed thru out the country. And what can one common man do? .

The story line is fantastic. Its hard to believe that this is Neeraj Pandey's first movie and he has taken a gigantic leap without including any songs. The movie itself is only one and a half hours - half of what Bollywood movies usually are. Then he has not shown the police administration either as corrupt or the bookish kind of honest. He has probably taken the real view of police department And then the cast. Naseerudding Shah is one actor who can crawl under the skin of any character. Be it the coach in Iqbal or the pirate in The League of Extra-ordinary gentlemen. Then there is Anupam Kher whose acting abilities are still not tapped to the best by any director. These two stalwarts make-up this movie. And this movie does not have him in a stereo typical dads role. Aamir Bashir as Jay and Jimmy Shergill as Arif are just outstanding. Nothing in the movie is out of context. Well-acted, well-directed, well-scripted, well-executed.

Relevant to the current situation in India

[gishu_pillai · 8/10 · 6 September 2008]

I gave an extra point just for the fact that this is relevant cinema. Instead of churning out the next round of mindlessness that earns 140 crores due to the multiplexed masses, this one tries to talk about the current helplessness faced by the common man in India. The topic for discussion is terrorism. The movie begins with a phone call to the Police Commissioner informing him of bombs and asking for the release of 4 terrorists.. The movie then predictably moves into the Negotiator and clock ticking genre.

The acting is well done, the plot maybe not that believable but the dialogue at the end is gripping and humane. Naseer and Anupam are as good as they are - no surprises there. There are no songs (GOOD!) and the movie chugs along at an okay pace.. The movie doesn't have a solution... rightly so coz terrorism has none too I believe. It just voices out the anguish of the little the common man expects but has become a rarity now. Expect no hitchcockian twists and you should be happy for the price of your ticket. Certain things that we "get used to" leads to the entire society being trodden upon. Not saying NO at the right time leads to a heavy price in the future. Recommended for a late night snack watch.

Excellent movie, apt review.

[motorguitarist · 9/10 · 6 September 2008]

Brilliant movie. A complete and wholesome masterpiece. A realistic and commendable approach to the ticking time bomb that is the resilience of the Mumbai population. 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. The movie has a rather slow pace in the beginning but with time the movie grips and keeps you at the edge of your seat. Watch out for excellent dialogs exchanged in the end of the movie. Noteworthy performance by Jimmy Shergill and Aamir Bashir.

An absolute must-watch for everyone.

Truly excellent movie

[aaakash · 10/10 · 6 September 2008]

I loved this movie as it was one of those very movies which are meant not for entertainment but for enlightenment.. Watch it and then you will know what I mean to say.. it is me who thinks like this, it is you who think like this, it is all of us!! For us(especially in India)..we have similar situation and yet we will watch this movie and forget it after sometime..!! We also think the same way as the lead person of this movie thinks, we all want to do the same but then, we are the same very stupid common men, we can't do anything except watching this movie and recommending it to others.. its not like I will also do something which the common man did in the movie.!! we have several constraints in our lives, we do not bother giving a thought to these problems. What writer wants us to see is the truth that every man thinks , the fear that everybody has in his mind regarding today's situation.... do yourself a favor..watch out this movie!!

A Wednesday in a lifetime

[shashikrishna · 10/10 · 9 September 2008]

IT IS TRUE WHAT THEY SAY about greatness. It is always meant to be. No amount of planning or foresight or pundits with beards longer than their hands can ever truly make someone something one is not. If one is destined to be great – one is. Most times one wonders how much more one has to shout and scream so that people can take notice while other times…well, other times silences creep in so beautifully that we hardly recognize them and something breathe taking has already been created.

Before, dear reader, the assumption is made that I am off on a track quite abstract to the common man – ah, that word suddenly sounds so powerful – let me underline the topic I have chosen. I was browsing through my usual collection of review websites when I happened to get a glimpse of one interesting review. It was for a movie I had never heard of. Neither had I ever seen any publicity posters of it nor had I guessed it would feature two of my all time favorites – Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher. The fact that no one else, except maybe the highly underestimated Jimmy Shergill, was even remotely recognizable on the credit list apart from these three did not deter me from giving it a shot. Bollywood these days is being showered with 'alternate' cinema that runs a delicate line between commercial masala-fundas and the documentary type approaches. In such a rain it is easy to miss some true refreshingly different rain drops. Having shied away from such features for a while, I decided to give this a look-see since I knew Naseer and Anupam would definitely make it worth my time. With that random assumption, I began watching 'A Wednesday'.

Two hours later…I was going through a very rare feeling. I did not understand it initially since it had been such a long time but then, I knew. It was the same bunch of emotions I had felt when I had seen the climax of 'The Sixth Sense'. It was the same 'Oh wow!' feeling that had pierced my veins as the final few minutes of 'The Usual Suspects' drowned in my eyes. It was the very unique gut sense of genuine enthusiasm I had felt when I finally understood 'Momento' in its last frame.

But, this time it was different. I had never felt such a tingle in my heart for a Hindi movie in many years. Sure, I have had my share of laughs and appreciation for some decent Indian cinema over the years, but there was never anything in them that made me say to myself '…he is so right…this could happen to me too…today…tomorrow…any day…' since there was never any context. What 'A Wednesday' successfully did was pick me up from my starry eyed slumber and slap a 'REALITY CHECK' sticker on my face. It reminded me of the times we are part of. It made me wonder about my own life and how unsure things are in the world we live in. It, if not anything else, made me think.

I am sure people often sigh and yawn about movies that make them 'think' since it is exactly the opposite reason of why one would watch a movie. No one wants to see relevant issues these days. There is a huge fan following for the larger than life, escapist features which come and go every week. We Indians, the world's best consumers, lap it up in all our glee not caring about if it had anything to do with our life. Why? Since it does not matter. It never does, does it? But then how long can we keep doing this? Once in a while we do need that refreshing slap on the face that makes us realize who we really are. And what a wonderful slap this was! No better way to bring me back to reality than a movie like this one. I was applauding myself for having taken a chance and seen one of the most relevant movies of our times. A silent yet beautiful effort at capturing human emotion on the screen. To summarize in one word – great.

Do yourself a favor – watch 'A Wednesday'. A must see for every Indian according to me. If not anything else it will definitely catch you by surprise! I strongly recommend this movie to everyone who has ever sat back and said 'I wish things were different…'

The Politics of Cinema...

[Xstal · 6/10 · 1 November 2020]

Some pretty ordinary performances and, as the final quarter approaches you feel as though you're watching a plot that's been transplanted throughout most countries film industries over the years, after starting life by germinating in America. But then it wakes up and, without giving anything away, becomes a film that would struggle to take root in too many places and might even be considered propaganda, a party political broadcast by the common man (and woman I assume).

An Engrossing Affair!

[TuFNuT · 9/10 · 13 September 2008]

A Wednesday' is a brave attempt which makes a commentary about the social and political fabric of India. In the recent past, many Hindi movies have treaded along this path and sought to bring in a revolution in at least the way people think about issues. 'A Wednesday' is a welcome addition to that league.

It mocks the government, reminding it of the duties it ought to be performing as the caretaker of the common people. Another thumbs up for showing the power of the common man and stating in no uncertain terms that religion is secondary to nationality.

And the best part is that all this social commentary isn't preachy so to speak. All this is a byproduct of an engrossing edge of the seat thriller with great performances by veterans - Nasseruddin Shah and Anupam Kher. Even the lesser knowns - Jimmy Shergill, Aamir Bashir and Deepal Shaw shine in impactful roles.

A well scripted affair; it has some masala and cheesy lines which has enough juice to get the sub-urban masses whistling.

It caters to every Indian -- Niche or Urban and should not be missed.

The Best Film of the Year - 2008

[shehzada0 · 2 February 2009]

This is one of those movies that entertain, gives message and make people think on the current scenario and the conspiracy. One of the finest movies ever made in the history of world cinema.

This movie is without any flaws. Not a single moment where you start feeling bore and wants to fast forward the scene.

The plus point was that the movie was without a single song.

Performance wise everyone has done a perfect job and given their lifetime performances which will be a milestone and hallmark in their career.

Nobody can say that this was the director's directorial debut. He has been credited as the story and screenplay writer as well

A must see movie.

Rating 5 out of 5

Review - A Wednesday

[Maxence_G · 7/10 · 2 August 2020]

This a very thrilling movie, but according to me, the plot's potential for complexity is overshadowed by the final message. Talking about that final message on society, I feel that it was approached, discussed, and answered many times.

Personally, the fact that movies understand the use of torture and violence against violence doesn't usually turn me down, but there is quite a difference between understanding and empathizing, and this film is not giving us enough nuances to make us decide.

To conclude on a more positive aspect, I have to say that the acting of the two main actors is top-notch. Just for that, A Wednesday is worthy of a watch.

Ehm...movie about...people walking in a corridors?

[gyurkalendvai · 2/10 · 20 February 2017]

While I understand A Wednesday did some good job in heavy uplifting patriotism, is it enough for it to be placed into top 250? I do not think so. 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. But the story was there, it just the movie should have been shorter by half.

Occasional action is laughable. That is said, if you can call a scene of a some sort of cop beating some sort of thug into a pulp with his 90's midi sound waves superpower (checked, nobody came to any real harm for sure) an action. But short laugh usually came to end shortly afterwards, as some pretty nasty humiliating moments happened to the bad guys (they all are...bad guys...right?), which made me a bit sick (hooray - true emotion).

So to wrap it up, it is a movie showing message of hatred to the bad guys. You hate them bad guys? Then it is a chance you will enjoy this movie. I know terrorism and stuff is a bad thing and so on - OK, but make a quality movie about it, then I bet it will be welcomed into top 250 with open arms.

A true Masterpiece !!!

[kartiksatija · 9/10 · 9 September 2008]

Think back....how many movies with the terrorists in focus or the bomb blasts have been made in the past few years !! I am sure you would not be disappointed by your memory :)

Even a recluse can name a few, to say the least. Then where does this new movie "A Wednesday " strike a different chord ? Well the suspense is all out there for you to watch and figure out yourself !!.

I have always firmly believed that there are more chances of a movie being a hit if the person who writes and conceptualizes it also directs it.The case here is the same.Debutant director Neeraj Pandey has done an excellent job. This is one of the best movies I have seen off late...the reason being that the movie is very fast paced and does not slack or slow down at any point.It engrosses the viewer in such a magical fashion that the intermission also seems irritating (you pray that it gets over soon)...

The backdrop of the story is not something different but the way it has been presented simply leaves you spell-bound.Not to forget the wonderful acting by Naseeruddin Shah ,Anupam Kher,Jimmy Shergill and all the other characters.

This is a complete entertainment package for viewers of all age groups and has been made very intelligently and meticulously (no loose strings in the story :) ) It is short (just 1hour 40 minutes) but truly a masterpiece !!! Go watch it :)

Power-packed Naseeruddin Shah

[saxena_ashes · 9/10 · 12 October 2008]

An interesting title. A very interesting and well-made movie too. The plot is simple but provokes thought: a bomb threat and a demand to release four terrorists is made by an anonymous caller perched at the terrace of a high-rise in Bombay. The alert police tries to locate him and foil his attempts.

The climax has a totally unexpected twist that makes you go into the thought mode. Naseeruddin Shah was at his intimidating best and gave a power-packed performance, maintaining the thrill throughout. Overall a very good movie; the only out-of-place thing was the hacker's one-minute dialogue.

"When's day"

[abhishekkr2-1 · 10/10 · 15 September 2008]

So when's that day??? When we will rise like phoenix from the ashes.......

So cutting it out to the movie........

First lets talk about the movie...... Movie per se is too good and I was moved by the very idea of the movie. As i am not checking the spoiler box, I must be brief......Though the movie is incomparable and nothing can be said without exposing the plot. Now I can easily say that Bollywood is showing some of its traits that can be compared to a Hollywood movie. The idea of the movie is among the best I have ever seen. This movie should go for Oscars not involving any kind of politics this time.

Lets see what can be said about the components of the movie, to start with we have 2 of the greatest Bollywood actor in the movie and chosen aptly for the roles. The four terrorists are chosen correctly for the role and also their getup is quite nice and appropriate. In the acting department only Deepal Shaw has shown some weakness, otherwise all the actors for big and small roles have shown their skills. Screenplay is good with too many story running simultaneously at the start of the movie. Cinematography is also fine with the scenes on the road, from the streets and all, also appreciable amount of money has been spent on it too. Background score is a bit too loud but some may find it appropriate but its not.....Editing is nice enough as the coherence is evident in the movie. Now what ..... the king of all ...... Mr Niraj, the director of the movie, he has done a great job by managing all the accoutrement on his back and using the right card at the right time.........This movie has an effect and is generally followed by a deep thinking........ "When there's a match between India and Pakistan.....and when India loses ... ESPN & STAR SPORTS are not blamed" It simply says that stop blaming the accessory, take the responsibility of failure, then only you deserve the accolades.

Instant Classic!

[pushpargha · 10/10 · 6 September 2008]

They asked us on Friday, repeated on Tuesday...I am just replying back on A Wednesday. If someone asked me after the movie about what i had witnessed, I would say a work of brilliance.This is a movie that has made me happy and feel good literally and i mean it by each of my words.

A Wednesday is a movie based on the repeated terrorist attacks made in different parts of India time and time again and its aftermath which makes the life of a common individual living amongst us the most painful and uncomfortable and how this common individual decides to respond to these hellish acts.I won't reveal the plot for those who haven't watched the movie yet but i would certainly say watch it and come up with your own views about it because If you happen to be an Indian who knows what exactly takes place in our country, you'll come up with the same statements that i had made earlier.

About the making,the performances that stood out would be, hands down, that of both Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher but Mr Shah was at his usual stupendous best.His performance was simply exceptional and showed his genius.Jimmy shergill with Aamir bashir and the other actors also filled in brilliantly.The cinematography and screenplay were brilliant. The pace of the movie in accordance with its plot was picture perfect and terrific but the thing that stood out about the movie was its thrill and drama that captivated the audience along with its pace and storyline.The climax drawn was also outstanding and the director was immaculate with his work of direction. The most wonderful thing about this movie is that the whole plot runs by taking the audience and the viewers along with it and towards the end,the climax brings and involves the audience deep into the theme of the movie and makes one feel oneself as the most important part of it. The movie is just one of those instant classics( I dare say) that will probably never be a big hit for no good reason and yet show that if really desired an excellent small work of art can be made.

I am no movie critic and as I write my comments, I write these entirely being based on the mindset of a big movie fan and viewer who has just seen a movie that has made him feel happy and so he expresses his views to all of you.Friends, if you want my recommendation for it, I'd say..Anyday, A Wednesday.Watch it, You'll love it.

A little master piece

[ronak_15 · 10/10 · 6 September 2008]

This is one of the best movies I have seen in recent times....

The way the director ponders over the current situation of citizens of India. I really liked the way the director takes one by one problem of a common man...(stupid common man)...

The movie starts as a police commissioner starts narrating the best case ever handled by him....But he says that the surprising fact is that it is never registered in a file or at any place........

I would not agree to some of the previous reviewers that the move doesn't have big star cast......I believe that this movie has the best of the actors in the Indian movie industry.

Anupam Kher and Naseerrudin Shah are the actors nobody can be compared with.....they are unique characters and their presence in any movie makes an amazing impact to the movie.

I would not like to describe the movie or the story as a whole because I want you to watch the movie and then think of what a common man in India would feel after what has happened with the common man.....

I really like the last line of the movie......Anupam Kher says" He told me his name but I won't tell you because people tend to find religion in a name" The above lines really touched my heart and depicts the real pain in the hearts of people of Mumbai....

I really want people to watch this realistic movie....Hats off to the director and the writer.....

It was A Wednesday!!!

[salampm · 10/10 · 8 September 2008]

"That bastard just had guts to walk into our lives and blow it apart. It was A Wednesday!"

It is very difficult to comment on this movie without revealing the Spoiler, So I Keep it Short.

If you liked Satya, Black Friday and Mumbai Meri Jaan you are in for a treat.

A Wednesday is one of the best movies in recent times. Its a hard-hitting thriller, great execution of the script by the director.

No amount of praise would be enough for the performance.

WATCH IT!!!!!!!!!!!

More "Con Air" than "Black Friday"

[ametaphysicalshark · 23 February 2009]

I've always wondered what would happen if Michael Bay, with the skill he has got as director (as much as I dislike his style) made a political thriller, or really any sort of serious film which wasn't an insanely dumb action-focused film. I did not really expect to find my answer in one of the most acclaimed Indian films from 2008, and one which appeared to be a respectable attempt to make a straight-faced, serious thriller about terrorism. At least, I expected an enjoyable and well-crafted action film.

"A Wednesday" is, to put it simply, a huge disappointment. Yep, there isn't much of the typical Bollywood here. The humor likes to think it's cleverer, there are no musical numbers, and the style and structure of the film are deliberately far-removed from Bollywood. While the film's intentions may have been acceptable, the film is a mundane, pretentious (yes, it really is pretentious), pointlessly convoluted thriller which may have hit home with a lot of people, but is really almost insulting when you think about how it milked such serious subject matter for such an incredibly cheap film.

Only when you think back to the raw, humanist epic "Black Friday" do you realize just how weak "A Wednesday" truly is. You know how middlebrow Hollywood is often accused of producing manipulative films? This is the ultimate example of that. That Neeraj Pandey's debut as director is more focused on looking 'cool' and 'stylish' than, you know, telling a story, just hammers it home. This relies on so many cheap thriller tactics it's unbelievable. The direction also may be technically competent in that Pandey obviously knows what he's doing, but it's not competent as storytelling. Scenes jump into each other randomly, there are musical cues so inexplicable they induce laughter, countless shots of people walking with purpose down hallways which cut to random pans and zooms of something else. There's no rhythm here, nothing. It's really terrible.

This is ultimately more "Con Air" than "Munich" and even then not nearly as much dumb fun as that, and its desperate desire to say something important makes its falling flat on its face even more embarrassing. Personally I'm amazed at all the praise this film has gotten, especially as I was looking forward to seeing an example of the less mainstream aspect of popular Indian cinema without leaving Mumbai. I don't think many films have made me angrier.

The twists are good, I'll give you that

[Seraphion · 6/10 · 31 October 2015]

The movie may seem strange at first. As like other Bollywood movies, the audience actually sees the movie's first image long after the movie started, precisely at about 2:30 minute. The story also dragged at the opening, without really displaying any real threat. Even the first bomb is revealed as an actual bomb way long after the threat has been submitted. When the main conflict has kicked in the movie takes on a nice pace to build up its story. And as the movie progresses, the twists presented feel very much unpredictable, although highly unlikely to happen in a real life scenario. Yet this movie finishes with so many unnecessary scenes put in, with plot holes unresolved, such as the actor who came at the beginning. The acting work is really typical Bolywood movie, most of the main cast did a standard job to keep the serious element of the movie running, but the rest of the cast just overdone their performances, making the movie look hyperbolic.

Saw it on a Wednesday lol

[arcane_girl91183 · 10/10 · 2 October 2008]

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. If i cud i wud personally like to congratulate the the movie squad who is responsible for this utterly contemplative movie, a one of its kind revolution. The best part is it dint need to have the highly hyped stars like amitabh, SRK or Akshay. This movie has a vast potential to create awareness, patriotism, n self realization not just among the common people but also among the people who are responsible for the violence. I still cant stop being amazed at a story so original n real n solemnly portrayed.. just short of words of appreciation towards the makers.. it had the effect of a ' taaare zameen par' on me.. 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 .. GOOD LUCK . CHEERS !!!!!!

Proof the top 250 is at best unreliable and at worst meaningless

[trivium105 · 6/10 · 4 June 2018]

I recently decided to try a few Indian films, something I had not yet done despite being a massive fan of world cinema. Where better to start than the films that are in the IMDb top 250? First came Like Stars on Earth ... absolutely fantastic. Then 3 Idiots ... very very good. Then A Wednesday ... oh dear. I had such high expectations and was sorely disappointed. It's not that this is a bad film (the 1 or 2/10 reviews are ridiculous). it's just that it is a 'nothing' film. The acting is totally forgettable, with not a single compelling character. The cop who is supposed to be the 'bad cop' does nothing worse than partake in some dreadfully executed slapping scenes, the police chief is perfunctory bordering on dull and even the 'common man' baddie is unconvincing. The attempts at humour are cringe-worthy. The whole film has an air of all-been-done-before. If it was Holly not Bollywood this film would sink without a trace, being enjoyed by people when it comes out and then swiftly forgotten as it joins the endless heap of films with the same construct. Yet it sits in the top 250! There is not one single thing about this film that is anything but ordinary at best.Of course it is a totally different film to 3 Idiots or Like Stars on Earth but those films had magical qualities and were so unique only Indian cinema could have produced them. This film could have been done anywhere, Perhaps it is a mere aberration that it appears in the top 250 but suddenly I can no longer safely rely on such a film being at least high quality whether I enjoyed it or not. It really is mind-blowing that so many people think this is an incredible film. I give it a generous six.

The worst movie of the top 250

[slashstar666 · 1/10 · 27 February 2015]

What makes a good movie? I say a good movie should have good acting, good sound production, good camera work, good plot, be well directed and so on. What makes a "top 250 grade" movie? Wonderful acting, amazing sound production, astonishing camera work, really unique plot and to be directed by someone who has outstanding talent.

And this movie isn't even good. Why? The only thing it has is some kind of a "message". Well, having a message is not enough. It doesn't have anything a movie should have. Acting is just awful, especially the fighting scenes. Music sounds out of place and cartoon punching sounds are just ridiculous. Camera work is strange. Plot is average, or slightly above. And i won't even say anything about the director.

First of all, this movie looks like a cheap TV drama. And i know it has low budget. But making shots of a cat getting thrown from around the corner or ridiculous fighting scenes with cartoon sounds has nothing to do with money, it's a matter of taste. Those who made the movie just don't have it.

Next, CGI. Yes, it does have it. But it would be much better if it didn't. Because showing the audience some strange black silhouettes unnaturally flying out of an explosion doesn't make the movie look more believable, it makes it laughable. Well, CGI costs money. Congratulations to the creators of the movie - they found the worst way to waste it. Because if you don't have enough money to do good special effects, you shouldn't probably do them at all.

Also, introducing a superhero-cop character in a movie that is supposed to be an intense moderately realistic thriller with some drama mixed in wasn't such a good idea.

So, as a result we have a movie that looks bad, sounds bad and feels bad. However, it's kinda useful - without it i would've never known what a really awful movie actually is. This one makes a great reference.

I've never actually written a review before. And what made me do it is the fact that this movie somehow made it to the top 250. Believe me, it doesn't belong there. Just doesn't. It's a shame that some site users do not want to rate movies according to their quality, but rather use the flaws of the rating system to push movies from their country to the top just because they want to.