When a regular Thursday turns into a national crisis, you know you’re in for a ride. A Thursday, directed by Behzad Khambata and starring Yami Gautam, Atul Kulkarni, Neha Dhupia, and Dimple Kapadia, is a riveting thriller set in modern-day Mumbai. This film, which released in 2022, falls within the suspense-thriller genre, taking place over a single day where an otherwise mundane morning spirals into chaos. The intensity builds from a seemingly routine situation in an upscale neighborhood to a life-or-death standoff that grips the entire country.
The plot revolves around Naina Jaiswal, played by Yami, who runs a kindergarten. On what appears to be a typical morning, she takes her students hostage and makes a series of demands that throw the city into a frenzy. The sudden turn of events shocks everyone—from the local police to the Prime Minister herself, portrayed by Dimple Kapadia. As negotiations unfold, the backstory of Naina’s actions and her real motive begins to unravel, inching closer to a chilling revelation. With each passing moment, the stakes rise, creating an atmosphere of palpable tension.
One of the standout aspects of this film is Yami’s performance. Known primarily for her roles in lighter films, Yami surprises with her portrayal of Naina, who is calm, composed, and terrifyingly precise in her actions. Her transformation from a loving kindergarten teacher to a determined woman taking extreme measures for justice is nothing short of gripping. Yami displays remarkable control in her body language and expressions, ensuring that even in her most extreme moments, she retains an aura of mystery and power. It’s refreshing to see her in a darker, more complex role, and she owns every scene. Atul, playing the police officer in charge of handling the situation, adds emotional depth, showing the helplessness of law enforcement caught in a moral dilemma. His frustration and desperation are palpable as he tries to manage the hostage situation without further escalating it.
The direction by Behzad deserves praise for maintaining a taut narrative throughout the film. Given that most of the story takes place in a confined setting, the director skillfully uses tight frames and claustrophobic camera angles to heighten the tension. The pacing of the film is another strength; the plot unravels gradually, keeping viewers on edge as new information is revealed layer by layer. Behzad doesn’t allow the story to sag, with each new twist adding more urgency and stakes to the situation. The shift between the crisis inside the school and the broader implications outside is seamlessly handled, making sure the audience is always invested in both the micro and macro aspects of the situation.
Visually, the film strikes a balance between the polished, calm setting of the school and the chaotic scenes of the media circus and police forces gathering outside. The cinematography by Anuj Rakesh Dhawan deserves credit for capturing the contrast between Naina’s composed demeanor and the frenzied world around her. Close-up shots of Yami’s face, in particular, effectively convey the internal conflict and intensity of her character. The scenes shot outside the school building, especially with the media frenzy and crowd dynamics, are equally impactful, adding to the film’s realism and pressure. This visual tension adds a layer of authenticity that’s essential for a thriller.
The background score by Rohit Kulkarni plays a significant role in building the atmosphere of dread and suspense. It is subtle where necessary, allowing the actors’ performances to take center stage, but swells during crucial moments to emphasize the gravity of the situation. The music never feels overbearing, maintaining a delicate balance between enhancing the scene and letting the silence add to the intensity. The lack of loud or overly dramatic scores during key moments allows for the emotional tension to build naturally.
The film also delves into some important social themes, particularly around issues of justice, trauma, and the systemic failures in society. Naina’s actions are rooted in a deep personal grievance, and through her, the film raises questions about how individuals take extreme steps when the legal system fails them. The movie doesn’t just paint her as a villain but instead forces the audience to consider the gray areas in morality. It’s these nuances that elevate the film from a simple hostage thriller to a deeper commentary on justice and revenge. The Prime Minister’s involvement adds a political layer, showing how personal stories can intertwine with national politics, media sensationalism, and public opinion.
While A Thursday excels in many areas, it does have some minor weaknesses. The supporting characters, particularly Neha as the heavily pregnant police officer, feel somewhat underdeveloped. While she brings a different perspective to the crisis, her character’s arc could have been explored more deeply. Additionally, a few plot conveniences make the story seem a little far-fetched, especially when it comes to how quickly certain elements unfold. However, these are small gripes in an otherwise tightly constructed film.
Overall, A Thursday is a gripping, suspense-filled thriller that holds your attention from start to finish. Yami’s performance is a revelation, and the direction, cinematography, and score all work together to create a tense, edge-of-your-seat experience. The film not only delivers on its promise of being a thrilling hostage drama but also offers a deeper reflection on societal issues, making it more thought-provoking than your average thriller. If you’re a fan of tightly plotted, well-acted suspense films, this is one you shouldn’t miss. It’s a fine example of how a single day can change everything, and the film’s moral dilemmas will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
