Warning: This is a reactive post based on Utkal’s opinion posted in Naachgaana.com. Given that we both have starkly different opinions on the film, ‘A Wednesday’ I’d like to throw this open to readers of Milliblog for a meaningful discussion. And yes, this post and the subsequent messages may be loaded with spoilers about the film – so, if you’re yet to see this film, you’re warned!
Utkal’s original message in Naachgaana.com
Just saw the film last night. Never have I come across a film where the critics have got it all wrong so much ( Maybe Black was another such film.) The film is a one-trick pony, hinged completely on the twist in the end. Right from the scene where Naseer lodges a complaint about losing a purse ( Lodging a FIR about losing a purse! In that vague language, without details of the credit card and ATM card!) everything is very unbelievable and amateurish. Even taking it as a fantasy, the message is silly. No common man can have the wherewithal to pant the six bombs , and neither is it desirable. That is why they have the police and law-enforcing agency in every society. A film like Indian/ Hindustani is done in a different key, and the point of those films is not really justify the solution shown, but captre the anger and frustration. That aspect is totally lacking in this film. Increasingly I am getting convinced that the mainstream audience is a more reliable judge of the quality of a mainstream film than our present-day critics.
My take, besides that 200 word review.
Interesting view point. But, isn’t Neeraj Pandey trying to give shape to a dormant character within all of us? The point is, ‘Would I do something like what Naseeruddin Shah did?’ – No. ‘Would I want to do that?’ – Yes! I suppose that’s what separates this film from other slam-bang vigilante justice films – here was a common man, who gets law into his own hands, because he has muttered under his breath for so long, what we’ve all muttered – “Can’t someone do anything to do these
What do you think?
View Comments to "Dissecting A Wednesday!"
1 | aawaz
September 10th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
This movie is a perfect example of a fiction. I agree with Karthik’s point of view. There is so much that can be done. It seems like we have accepted corruption and terrorism as part of our normal life. Can a common man stand up and do something that is an extreme. Yes, one can. Utkal may not be convinced by the fact that Naseer did not have anyone very close to him who died in those unfortunate events. Naseer is not a young man who woke up one day and decided to teach a lesson to the system. Naseer is a man in his retirement who has witnessed a nation changing from Gandhigiri to Dadagiri, Corruption to Terrorism and now he is tired of what is happening and decided to make a statement. if a 12-13 year old can become a terrorist and fire AK-47, why can a common man can step up and say enough is enough.
2 | tejas
September 10th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
There were tons of flaws in the movie – agreed. However, it’s biggest two strengths were – first, the point it was trying to make, it did make it very well, and second: undoubtedly, acting of Naseeruddin Shah. He made those last 10-15 minutes so believable, not to mention his acting was absofuckinglutely awesome in the entire movie, that I felt the point was delivered way better than how we got to the point. And that my friend, was the treat to the heart.
3 | Karthik
September 10th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Good points both. Without demeaning Utkal’s view – his’ is a legitimate opinion – the part that surprised me is that he was questioning the motive of Naseeruddin Shah. The fact that there was no motive in specific beyond seething anger on the overall state of affairs. That this anger came from a common man was the most intriguing part – even though I guessed the so-called twist quite early in the film. The shock of twist was absent in my viewing but what astounded me was the fact that this film depicted what a common man can end up doing if pushed (not him as an individual, but them, as a collective of common men – all of us!) to a corner!
4 | prakash
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:08 am
I FINALLY saw this movie yesterday-according to me this movie was almost flawless. If Utkal searches for flaws by analyzing such minute details like FIR for a purse, then most Indian movies would be far behind “A Wednesday” because they are almost full of brainless situations, which is why the phrase came “Its ok its a movie yaar.” In this context, this movie was almost flawless-atleast it doesnt ask you to leave your brains at home as most “good” movies or “comedy”movies do.
The climax dialogues in the movie were not preachy for me-what Nasser was saying was very practical & logical. He raised a very burning question as to how long will we tolerate & be quiet? He acted & the terrorists deserved every bit of it & more! Finally, thanks to Milliblog for devoting 2 posts to this masterpiece of a movie-its gets better publicity. I have not seen a single bad review of this movie except for Utkal’s idiosyncratic post. Last but not the least, I think this movie is pronounced a HIT-I now have faith in Hindi cinema- we also welcome such movies with actors & no stars.
Coming to the movie’s content-its almost at the top of my all time great movies in terms of IMPACT. I completely justify Naseer’s action-Ahimsa is not for barbaric terrorists. They got a taste of their own bitter medicine. The other point is the perfect casting-its one of those rare movies with legends like Nasseruddin Shah (amazing screen presence!), Anupam Kher & even the younger actors acted brilliantly. Even the traces of humour in the movie were really good. I have sort of become a brand ambassador for this movie
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