Showing posts with label A Thursday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A Thursday. Show all posts
Neha Dhupia on 52 Blue: "It took a filmmaker from Egypt to see me like this"
9:08 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 13, 2026)
A day after the London premiere of 52 Blue, Neha Dhupia is still processing what she experienced. The actor, who stars in Egyptian filmmaker Ali El Arabi's international feature, says the biggest change isn't what the film might do for her career, but how it has changed the way she sees herself. "I would've accepted everyone's congratulations until yesterday," she says with a laugh.
"But the difference between speaking to you yesterday and today is that I've now seen the film. I'm genuinely proud because it's one of those films that adds something to your body of work. Every film has its own fate, I don't know where this one will go, but there's a dialogue my character Lakshmi says: 'Everything you do and everyone you meet is pushing you in a direction you're meant to be in.' That's exactly how I feel about this film."
What drew her to 52 Blue wasn't the prospect of an international project, but the opportunity to play someone she hadn't been allowed to play for years. "When they first called and told me about this woman from Kerala who's carrying so much emotional weight and eventually ends up living on an island, I was convinced I wasn't going to get the part. You fight for roles like these at the beginning of your career, and then somewhere along the way you stop expecting them."
The irony, she admits, isn't lost on her. "It took a filmmaker from Egypt to notice that he could see me like this. At one point, even I had forgotten that I could see myself like this. You start believing you have range, but then you slowly surrender to the box people put you in. I had opened one side of that box through films like Mithya and A Thursday, but after a point the rules become the same. That's why it's so special when somebody else's belief in you helps you rediscover yourself."
Her first meeting with Ali El Arabi happened over Zoom, but the director's instinctive reading of her stayed with her long after. "He told me, 'When I look at you, I feel like you've been through a lot. Your eyes tell me you're strong, but somewhere you haven't given up'. That's not something people usually tell you the first time they meet you. He also felt becoming a mother had given me something this character needed. Honestly, if this film had come to me before I had children, I don't think I would've been able to play Lakshmi the same way."
Years ago, Dhupia says, she actively chased the idea of crossing over into international cinema. "When I was younger, I really craved that crossover. Now, if this film opens doors internationally, wonderful. But even if it simply leads to more interesting work here, I'll be equally happy."
The biggest validation, she says, came immediately after the London screening. "Prakash Jha was in the audience yesterday. After the film, he came up to me, patted me on the back and said something that stayed with me. Sometimes all you need is for filmmakers to suddenly notice something in you that they hadn't seen before. Even that is enough."
Watching herself on a giant screen also became an exercise in confronting vulnerability. "This film made me braver than I've ever been. There's no makeup, no vanity, nothing to hide behind. You're completely exposed. I didn't think I was brave enough to do something like this. If I can be this raw and still feel proud of what I've done, then I know I can do so much more. I've always wanted to do a sports biopic because I've always been athletic. Maybe I'm older now, but then again, not every sports story is about an athlete at their peak. Some of the most interesting stories happen afterwards."
Despite working across films, television, OTT and podcasts over two decades, Dhupia admits she still feels her versatility hasn't translated into the kind of opportunities she craves.
"I don't value my versatility enough myself," she says candidly. "Maybe after conversations like this I'll feel good for twenty minutes. Then someone will call to negotiate a fee and I'll go back to being an earnest worker who's grateful to have work. I've been in this industry for over two decades. I'm grateful that people know who I am wherever I go. But I genuinely wish my body of work was much wider than it already is. Sometimes I see a filmmaker's work and think, 'I'd love to do something like that.' Then later I hear they never even thought of me. That's the part that still hurts."
The way award functions have been functioning, it’s like they are saying ‘Don’t take us seriously’-Yami Gautam
10:16 AM
Neha Sharma (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 13, 2025)
Ever since her latest film Haq hit theatres, actor Yami Gautam Dhar has been experiencing an emotional outpouring from her fans like never before.
Many women have come up to her, sharing how relatable her character felt, some even kissed her hand, teary-eyed, telling her how empowered they felt after watching her in the film based on the famous Shah Bano case in which a muslim woman fought a legal battle for maintenance from her husband.
For Yami, who has delivered power packed performances in recent years, this recognition feels long due.
“I think everyone has their own interpretation of validation. For me, true validation is when your audience accepts you. When they watch a film and write something, be it a comment or when they tell an artiste something, that purity reflects in their eyes and words. You can feel how much they mean the compliment. It’s very heartening and overwhelming for me as an artiste,” she says.
It’s double celebration in the family these days. Success of her film apart, her husband, filmmaker Aditya Dhar is winning praise for his latest production, Baramulla. “We are very happy,” she smiles. “Aditya’s had his own journey, which has been full of challenges, but staying true to yourself, ethical and honest, that’s a rarity, and I really respect him for that. Of course, I love him; he’s my husband. But with love, that respect is equally important. As a wife, as an artiste, as someone who’s part of the same industry, I respect him. He’s taken the harder way, done what he believes is right, and what gives him peaceful sleep.”
So, has she felt inspired to step behind the camera herself? “No, no, no!” she laughs. “I still feel there’s so much more to explore in acting. I need to figure out what’s next, what more I can do, how differently I can be part of something so that I don’t have to say what kind of films I like. My filmography should speak for me, that I like versatility.”
And her career trajectory spells versatility all the way. Ever since her debut with Vicky Donor in 2012, Yami has built a solid filmography, choosing scripts that stand out. Her process, she says, is entirely instinctive. “Right from Haq, Article 370 ( 2024), OMG 2 (2023) to A Thursday (2022), Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga (2023) or Bala (2019), if I felt the script was good and the choice was right, yes, I chose them. But because someone wrote it, I cannot take that credit. It has to go to the writers, and that’s what we, as an industry, need to value even more now. When I’m done reading a script, my decision is absolutely based on instinct. I don’t overthink. I read it both as an artiste and as an audience.”
As appreciation continues to pour in, Yami has already signed four new films. “It’s the producer’s prerogative to announce,” she smiles when we prod for details. But she’s more than willing to talk about being the audience’s darling and how staying away from trends and formulas has worked for her.
Your fans are betting on a National award for Haq. Are you expecting one, and how much do awards mean to you?
I’m only imagining the headlines out of this because I have no idea how to answer this question. I’m really trying to be so careful and measured. I don’t want to sound like anything that I’m not.
But I’m sure you’ve read the social media posts...
I have, and it’s my audience saying it. So, I think that in itself is a really big thing for me. I’m here because of them and, of course, the belief of certain directors in me when probably not many believed. I don’t go to any award functions, with all due respect to them.
Yes, you are not seen at parties and award functions as such, but it’s said that the film industry is all about networking at such events...
That must be true. There is no denial about it. But if I don’t connect with that, then how do I work? How do I tell someone that I want this opportunity? I’ll work really hard, identify the right scripts and wait for that opportunity from certain directors to take that chance with me, which is what happened in 2019 with Uri, with Aditya (Dhar, filmmaker and her husband). But socially or in terms of going against my personality, something that doesn’t make me happy, or I feel I’m being asked to do something or fit in a system, if that is the system, that’s not me. That was never me. The only way out was work, slowly and steadily. Then yes, awards. There’s a certain section that may believe (in them), so whatever works for you. But the way award functions have been functioning of late, it’s like they themselves are saying ‘Don’t take us seriously’. And I’m not saying it. The audience is saying it now. That means tomorrow, if someone’s there in my position, they will know that both can coexist.
Your son Vedavid is just 1.5 years old. But do you think about which films of yours you’d like to show him later?
I think we’ll come to that when he reaches that age. He’s too young right now, as you said, and I really haven’t thought about it. But my mother said something very sweet to me when I was expecting him, I was shooting for Article 370 (2024) and of course, the mind of a first-time mother or just any mother... It’s your first baby, you’re working in a film like this, and the gazillion questions! The one thing she said was, ‘If you’re fit to work, don’t worry. Your son inherently will value the importance of being a hard worker, like his mum. So you’ll be very proud. You go for it, you give your best. We’re here to take care of you.’ So I used to literally feel the two of us working in every scene. I think that is going to be really special because I’d be like, ‘You are part of that film, you know?’
If one female actor’s film stands out, it makes space for more-Yami Gautam
10:21 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; December 28, 2023)
It won’t be wrong to say that Yami Gautam Dhar is probably in the best phase of her career right now. Her recent spate of films has made filmmakers more aware of what lies untapped and how they can mould her for a variety of characters. She admits, “It took a lot of time for everyone to turn around and say, ‘We didn’t think of her in the same light’.” Now the arc lights are shining bright on her, the floor is all set, and Yami is here, bringing on her A-game. Excerpts from a conversation.
You have had an interesting few years, with back-to-back releases on OTT. Do you think the medium has opened doors for you and tapped your potential like never before?
I see this whole phase as a process of evolving, and fortunately, before the pandemic struck, I had two important theatrical releases, Uri – The Surgical Strike and Bala. To get a role like the one in Bala was so different. I don’t think we have enough well-written comedy parts for actresses. These films opened up the box office, and for me, they opened avenues and gave other directors ideas on what more they could explore with me as an actor. After that, I did A Thursday, Dasvi, Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga, Lost and OMG 2. For me, the whole idea of choosing films is not about filling in some dates in my calendar and doing one film after the other. I need to feel that the work I am choosing is taking me ahead, not just from the box office point of view, though I understand that is critical, too. I need to know that the work I choose has something new to offer and the potential to connect with the audience.
So, films like Uri – The Surgical Strike and Bala were the gamechangers?
Yes, Uri and Bala were turning points in my career. Those films allowed everyone to see my potential from a new lens.
You started your journey in the movies on a very different note, with an unconventional film like Vicky Donor. Was that your way of setting the tone for your career?
If I chose to be part of a film like that at the beginning of my career, what does that tell the audience? That you are here to do something with substance, and not just be a part of what is trending. What follows is not in your hand, and in my case, it took a lot of time for everyone to turn around and say, ‘We didn’t think of her in the same light’. There was a period when I was trying to find my ground. I had clarity, but that had to be expressed through my work. And there comes a point when you don’t fear saying no and let go of films that you don’t think you should be a part of, because you want to create equity for yourself and be a pivotal part of stories. For me, this realization happened around 2019. So, I, too, had to shift gears, evolve, and change my perspective.
Do you see a change in the way the industry views women in cinema – the kind of roles they can do and what they can bring to the table with their talent?
There has been a change, and I do sense an awareness among actresses and respect for them among writers, directors and producers who back good films. We want well-written roles, and we want to be pivotal to the story irrespective of the genre. The change will not happen in one day; years ago, it took one woman to muster the courage to go home and say she wanted to become an actress. Since then, we have had a series of great actresses because of whom we are here. Today, we are doing better work, expecting better roles, and making a place for ourselves, and if one female actor’s film stands out and does well, it makes space for more.
You have been married to filmmaker Aditya Dhar (director of Uri: The Surgical Strike) for over two years now. Tell us how this phase in your life has been so far.
It’s the best feeling to come back home to someone who loves you, respects you and is always on your team, no matter what. We talk about everything – from what we ate to discussing the scenes I shot. We like to keep it light and happy. Both of us like talking about films, and not just the films we are working on, but different kinds of movies. It is so refreshing for the actor in me to hear a director’s perspective on a certain scene. I love his perspective and observations on my work, too.
Today, things like the length of your role in a film and how many scenes you have doesn’t matter. It is about the bigger picture, right?
Internationally, we see some of the biggest stars coming together for a film and if we want to take our cinema ahead, we have to let go of these things (like the length of your role) and create a sense of new culture where these factors are not a hindrance. We (the industry) and the media should change their lens. For so many of my films, including Kaabil, I have been written about for the length of my role, instead of what I added to the film or what I held as an actor on my own. We all need to evolve if we wish to make the change.
On social media perceptions
I don’t believe there is anything like ‘couple goals’. I find it very interesting to read these terms, and people get excited by them because they see them (couples) in a certain way. You will never know about anyone’s life, every marriage is different and every picture you see is very different. So, you don’t need to engineer that thought in people”
One child is equivalent to 10 kids on set. For A Thursday, we shot with 16-Yami Gautam
10:13 PM
As a flawed kidnapper in the thriller, Yami says A Thursday offered her a character far removed from the happy-go-lucky ones she has played
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; February 20, 2022)
As a school teacher behind the kidnapping of 16 children in A Thursday, Yami Gautam has evidently stepped into a role far removed from the ones she’s attempted so far. While the actor did not mirror any artistes who has played a similar part on screen, she did consume a fair share of international flicks. “There are some good psychological thrillers made in the past. I watched a couple of films. I am fond of the genre, but a lot had to be left to imagination. I had to make my character’s story [relatable] and that takes a lot of homework.”
Gautam says her desire to understand her flawed character’s psyche took a toll on her. “When I’d reached the set, I’d feel heavy in my body. I realised that I was aiming to understand Naina, and was not judging her. The mental conditioning can be overpowering, but that’s an important part of the process.”
Having been perceived as a vivacious actor, Gautam says she has attracted similar parts, most of which, she says, were “not a true reflection of my [calibre] as an actor”. She doesn’t discredit the work coming her way, but points to films like Uri, Kaabil and Vicky Donor as films that showcased her prowess. “I was constantly looking for scripts that could help me express myself, as an actor, I need to explore my potential. A Thursday presented that opportunity.”
In line with the role that she played for the Disney+ Hotstar series, Gautam made it a point to avoid getting familiar with the kids who she holds hostage on screen. “One child is equivalent to 10 kids on set. We shot with 16. I didn’t want to become too familiar because they would not take me seriously when the cameras rolled. They were very smart, and aware, and we understood one another’s energy. They are such an integral part of the film, and have done a terrific job. For some sensitive scenes, we had to ensure that we shot them separately with the kids to get the desired reaction.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: A THURSDAY by FENIL SETA
10:49 PM
A Thursday, as the name suggests, is kinda in the same zone as A Wednesday, and is about a woman who takes 16 kids hostage in a play school. This song-less film is extremely gripping and is laced with some excellent, thrilling moments. Roshan Dalal and Kaizad Gherda's background score adds a lot of tension to the goings-on. The twist in the second half and the unpredictable climax add to the fun and madness. The second half, however, is a bit long and a few developments are not entirely unconvincing. The dialogues in the climax, also, could have been more hard-hitting. Yami Gautam delivers the finest performance of her career. This film shows that she has immense potential and that she could shoulder a film effortlessly if given a chance. Atul Kulkarni has a massy role and raises laughs with his sarcasm. Neha Dhupia is quite good and much better than her similar act in Sanak. Dimple Kapadia is apt for the part. Karanvir Sharma leaves a mark. Maya Sarao is fine but her character doesn’t have much scope. Kalyanee Mulay (Maid) and Boloram Das (Driver) are decent. All in all, A Thursday has come up all of a sudden and has emerged as a big surprise of the season. It’s really sad that this film would never release in cinemas; it could have worked big time on the big screen, especially had it been released in the Women’s Day week. (Releasing tomorrow, Thursday, February 17, on Disney+ Hotstar).
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
We have been toiling with subjects like A Thursday for a few years-Atul Kulkarni
8:38 AM
Atul, who plays a cop in A Thursday, says the thriller takes the conversation about different perspectives on morality “a step further”
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; February 14, 2022)
At first glance, A Thursday appears to be a classic thriller — when Yami Gautam’s character Naina takes 16 kids hostage, it is up to Atul Kulkarni’s cop character Javed Khan to negotiate with her and rescue the children. However, Kulkarni notes that the film, at its heart, is a drama that studies morality from different perspectives.
He explains, “We have been toiling with such subjects for a few years. [With A Thursday], we have gone one step further. Many web shows from the West deal with morality. They don’t make any statement as to what is right or wrong; instead, they depict how human beings are. I think we are also entering that space now.”
With director Behzad Khambata showing how the lines between right and wrong are blurred, the actor believes the Disney+ Hotstar film is apt for a web release. “Television is a family-viewing experience, while in cinemas, you watch the film with so many people. But OTT platforms give more freedom to storytellers because it’s [solo] viewing. I think A Thursday is ideal for digital release because it [requires] personal viewing and an intimate atmosphere.”
He credits writers Khambata and Ashley Lobo for weaving a gripping tale that makes a larger statement through an incident. Kulkarni relied entirely on the script to do justice to his role. “The script is my Bible. I could gauge that Javed is sensitive towards children. He has [the pressure of] dealing with multiple people in the scenario — from Naina, to his boss Cathy and even the prime minister. Javed handles them all while trying to find out the reason behind Naina’s actions.”
People would talk about how my keratosis pilaris condition should be airbrushed or concealed-Yami Gautam
8:10 AM
Gautam with Roy Chowdhury
Yami, who has promising films in Lost and A Thursday, says it was “liberating” to open up on her skin condition keratosis pilaris
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 27, 2021)
It’s hard to steal some time from Yami Gautam who has been “mad busy” shooting films back-to-back throughout 2021. The actor will soon be seen in Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s Lost. Quiz her whether there is enough room for creativity in such a tight schedule, and she says, “I don’t underestimate the importance of giving enough prep-time for my characters. When you are this busy, that is sacrosanct. The quality of work speaks louder than the volume. Every film is an exhibit to get better work. Prep is not just about physical training; it is about being emotionally on the same plane as your character. I ensure that I know my script thoroughly, nuance my part with imagination, and nail the body language.”
Chowdhury’s emotional thriller tackles the subject of media integrity, with Gautam playing a crime reporter. For the actor, it was an all-consuming project. “If we are talking about media integrity in today’s times, it must feel authentic. The characters have to feel familiar. Tony da [Chowdhury] gives the freedom to be as natural as possible. It makes me proud to be part of a film that stands for certain values. In a fast-paced world driven by competition, emotions don’t hold the same value. Lost and A Thursday are two films that have made me discover a lot about myself.”
Films aside, her unafraid attitude reflects in her social media posts too. Recently, she opened up on battling keratosis pilaris, a condition that leaves the skin patchy and with small bumps. Having been the poster girl for glowing skin for over a decade, Gautam’s post was a reminder to be real at a time when the beauty industry propagates perfection.
“Writing the post wasn’t difficult; it was liberating. The journey from the time when I learnt of my condition to the day I put the post out, was challenging. When people saw me at shoot, they would talk about how it should be airbrushed or concealed. That would affect me a lot. It took years to accept it and wear my confidence. I was overwhelmed to see the response to the post.”
It was a big win to be back on Roadies when Mehr was 45 days old, and breastfeed her through its making-Neha Dhupia
8:11 AM
Returning to Sanak promotions within two weeks of welcoming baby boy, Neha proud to be among working mothers who are redefining the industry norms
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 16, 2021)
When we get on a call with Neha Dhupia, we hear the newborn’s cries before the actor’s voice. Naturally then, we begin by asking if she has decided on a name for her son yet. “Angad [Bedi, husband] and I keep vetoing each other’s suggestions, and are yet to find a middle ground,” laughs the second-time mother.
After welcoming her baby boy on October 3, the actor soon threw herself into the promotions for Sanak that dropped online yesterday. “Angad is shouldering a lot of responsibilities with Mehr [daughter]. The little one is more dependent on me right now.”
Sanak is a typical Vidyut Jammwal fare, loaded with action. “While it’s very much his film, I play a cop and have a strong [track]. It was only towards the fag end of filming Sanak that I realised I was pregnant. I shot the film in my first trimester.” Dhupia also plays a pregnant cop in her next, A Thursday.
Taking a sabbatical was out of question for her during both pregnancies. She asserts that it’s essential to change societal attitude and show that motherhood has little impact on one’s professional life. “They make us stronger, not weaker. We don’t need to sacrifice either professional dreams or personal aspirations. I shot a movie when I was eight months pregnant. I did that because I had become another person the first time around. I didn’t want to go there again. I didn’t want to be in a dark and lonely space, sitting at home. I focussed on being happy.”
Dhupia is proud that she pulled off two movies during her pregnancy. “It was a big win to be back on Roadies when Mehr was 45 days old, and breastfeed her through its making. But is there scope to make it more inclusive for women to start families? Of course. We could be more relaxed if our personal decisions didn’t affect our careers.”
Eight months pregnant Neha Dhupia plays the role of a pregnant cop in A Thursday
8:24 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (August 24, 2021)
From experimenting with various characters in her films to identifying the potential of podcasts and creating one of her own, to starting an initiative on breastfeeding, Neha Dhupia has always taken the road less travelled. This time around, the actor has donned the avatar of a policewoman and proudly flaunting her baby bump in uniform. Yes, Neha will be essaying the role of a pregnant cop, ACP Catherine Alvarez, in A Thursday, directed by Behzad Khambata. The actress is busy shooting these days to wrap up her film commitment before she welcomes her little bundle of joy.
“I signed this beautiful film before I was pregnant, and as an actor and a woman, I find it amazing for the makers and the director to incorporate my pregnancy as a part of the character. There is nothing more satisfying for me than doing what I love every day, even with one baby in hand and one in the tummy! My first child taught me that there is truly nothing a mom can’t do, and this pregnancy is a strong validation of that learning,” says Neha.
She once again proves to be an inspiration for all the mothers out there who juggle home, work and children. “For my children, I will follow my passion. I want to teach them by example to never give up on their dreams. I see motherhood as a huge motivation for me to show up for my work every day and give it my best shot,” signs off Neha.
I have waited for these chances, says Yami Gautam as as she signs eight films
8:03 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 5, 2021)
With eight films in her kitty, actor Yami Gautam is on a roll. This year started for her with a bang as she recently wrapped up the shoot of her upcoming film, Bhoot Police. Next, she starts prep for Dasvi, a social drama, which will be shot in Agra (Uttar Pradesh) in mid-February, alongside Abhishek Bachchan.
“I am looking forward to playing a cop in this film, it will be fun to learn Haryanvi. Another film that I am excited about is, A Thursday, which is a sequel of A Wednesday (2008). It is one of the best scripts I have read in a long time. Apart from headlining this film, I am also the lead in director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s next, which is a take on crime journalism. I didn’t want to headline a movie just because it is female led. These are really good scripts and roles with some amazing directors,” says Gautam, adding that the other four films will be announced soon.
The actor admits that in nine years of her career, she has had phases where she would have just one film in hand. “People would say, why are you so choosy? One can be choosy only when you have many options. If you don’t, then you do one film at a time, like I did. But things changed after I did films like Kaabil (2017), Uri: The Surgical Strike and Bala (both 2019). These films changed people’s perspective about me, and things started rolling,” she says.
Gautam adds that she waited for these opportunities as she wanted to focus on strong subjects. “The idea was to select films and be a part of scripts which also help me portray and become a versatile actor. I want to be who I am as a person but on screen, I want to surprise myself and the audience and see what more can I explore. That’s what makes it fun,” she says.
Bhoot Police unit gives surprise to Yami Gautam on her birthday; Jacqueline Fernandez gifts her cookies
8:10 AM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 7, 2020)
It was a working birthday on November 28 for Yami Gautam in her home state. The actress was in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, shooting for her spooky adventure, Bhoot Police, with Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez.
However, it was not all work for the actress who visited the Mata Brajeshwari temple in Kangra before reporting for the shoot, only to find that her team had decorated her vanity van with balloons and got her cake. Jacky gifted her a hamper of cookies and after pack-up there was a small get together with the gang. She has since wrapped up the first schedule and returned to Mumbai. The next schedule is in Mumbai from December 15.
Yami will have to juggle two shoots as she also kicks off the Ram Madhvani-directed Dhamaka around the time. Featuring Kartik Aaryan in lead, it will be shot in Mumbai over 40 days. Next year, she jumps into A Thursday in the first quarter. She plays a teacher.
Yami Gautam to portray a grey character in Ronnie Screwvala's next, A Thursday
8:37 AM
After a spate of girl-next-door roles, Yami Gautam to portray playschool teacher who takes 16 children hostage in Ronnie Screwvala's psychological thriller, A Thursday
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; September 4, 2020)
If Yami Gautam witnessed a turnaround in her career last year with Uri: The Surgical Strikes and Bala, the actor seems to be building the foundation for a promising 2021. After earning a place in Pavan Kripalani's horror-comedy Bhoot Police, she is now set to headline Ronnie Screwvala's next, A Thursday. The Behzad Khambata-directed film sees Gautam essay the role of playschool teacher Naina Jaiswal who, on a Thursday, takes 16 toddlers hostage.
The actor is elated that the movie ticks two items off her wish list — being part of a psychological thriller and that of carrying a film on her shoulders. "A Thursday is one of those rare scripts that you just cannot put down. Behzad has written one of the strongest characters for a female protagonist; Naina is both, fierce and endearing," says the actor, who can barely wait to breathe life into the complex character. Khambata, who has doubled up as the writer, says he had written the role with Yami Gautam in mind. "I have never seen her portray an unhinged character. I was thrilled when she agreed to do this film," he says.
One to back high-concept ideas, Screwvala believes the movie — like his earlier production A Wednesday (2008) — will bring to light the failings of our society through the story of a middle-class teacher. He says, "This is one of those thrillers that not only has you on the edge of your seat, but also makes you question many aspects of society. Seeing Yami in a grey avatar will be interesting for the audience." The film, co-produced by Premnath Rajagopalan of Blue Monkey Films, is lined up for a direct-to-web release.
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