Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Common man..at his best!








A Wednesday (2008)


This movie was released in India before Mumbai Terror Attacks 26/11. But one can easily gauge its relevance with more assurance today. The message the movie gave is a simple thing, that are we really safe today wherever we are? But it is supposedly the most difficult question for our Government and the common folks.

For that matter, when lakhs of Mumbaikars gathered at Gateway of India or Oberoi to show their anger in a non-violent manner, it was showcased very diligently. But what after that? When it comes to sign petitions and making NGOs, only few raise their hands.

And the less you speak of the politicians the more it is better. But anyway, why to blame them when we ourselves elect them? We blamed them after 1993...when terror gripped Mumbai like a wild fire...and we blamed them after 17th July, 2006...when Mumbai's railway was exploded by the cruel minds. Even today we are blaming. And soon the blame game will over. And everyone will almost tend to forget it. And we say that it's the Mumbai spirit to keep going on and on. Great!

What Naseer's common man has done in this movie is an exemplary definition not only for Mumbaikar's but all those who feel that since we are safe, let's continue with our work. I'm not saying that common man should adopt this stance which is adopted by Naseer's character in the movie, but at least we can try for the myriad options to unite and collectively adopt strategies to enhance our own security.

Leaving aside this issue, I guess this movie is an eye-opener for many people worldwide. It is simple yet gripping. I salute the story and screenplay writer Neeraj Pandey who has scripted each and every scene with a lot of practicality and consciousness. His direction is noteworthy.

Naseer shines as always. He has this particular way to deliver his dialogues which I like the most(sometimes, I try to imitate it!). And equally commendable performance is delivered by Anupam Kher as the decisive Police Officer who’s last scene of meeting the common man and not revealing his name took the movie to an all-together different level of maturity. Rest all actors have done their part well.

This movie needs a more public viewing than Filmfare or any other film nomination!

Rating: 4/5