Taut thriller that offers a strong message

One of 2008's most anticipated films, A Wednesday, lived up to its hype when it released in September. Written and directed by debutante Neeraj Pandey it delivered a crisp, no-nonsense film with terrorism as its canvas.

Unfortunately, any comment on the movie's underlying philosophy and my only grudge with the entire film will ruin the plot for those of you still left to watch it. As such, once you've watched this 120-minute classic, ask yourselves this: How and where did Naseeruddin Shah receive his training?

The absence of layers and character history aside, it's a refreshing change for Bollywood and a must watch. I would even recommend it to those who don't mind following a regional film through subtitles. A Wednesday is a window into Indian society and offers insight into its predicament and the issues that plague it. A day prior to retiring, Mumbai Police Commissioner, Prakash Rathod (Anupam Kher) reflects on his toughest case. Never making it to any official record, this case occurred on a random Wednesday – hence the title. A man (Naseeruddin Shah) calls the Mumbai police to inform them he has placed five bombs in the city, which will explode in a few hours unless four terrorists are handed over to him.

Any doubt of the call being a hoax is quickly dispelled once Shah's character leads the police to a bomb planted at a police station opposite their headquarters.

And so we begin a roller-coaster ride hunting down this person. While politicians are consulted and hackers brought in, Rathod leads from the front. Meanwhile, he comes across Naina Roy (Deepal Shaw), a TV news reporter who was also tipped off by this anonymous man.

With time running out and still no word on the identity of the caller, Prakash Rathod is torn. Should he give in to the demand and ask two of his best men, Arif (Jimmy Shergill) and Jai (Amir Bashir) to hand over the four militants at the Juhu Aviation Base Strip?

The actors have done an incredible job in this movie – their excellence obviously triggered by Shah's presence. For once, Shergill shines.

A Wednesday Out now on DVD for Dh65

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.