What Is the Story About?
A Thursday is a hostage crisis story. Here a playshool teacher, Naina Jaiswal (Yami Gautam) takes sixteen kids as a hostage and has certain demands. What are they and why did she take such a decision in the first place is the movie’s basic plot.
Performances?
Yami Gautam plays the central character in the movie. She drives the entire narrative, but when it comes to performance Yami gets to shine only towards the end. Until then, she is mostly restricted to raising eyebrows and bulging the eyes. There are compelling drama and emotional moments during the last act and she delivers at those critical moments.
Analysis
Behzad Khambata directs A Thursday. It is a hostage crisis thriller with a compelling drama at its core.
The movie begins on an ordinary note establishing the school set up. It is only when Naina takes over the playschool and shoots a couple of bullets that one is initially engaged.
The introduction of different characters adds some intrigue and the demands further pique it. However, nothing happens later for a long time. It appears like a long stalemate in the second act with all predictable moves.
The Prime Minister track and the media angle is poorly infused into the narrative. They could have been better written and executed. The PM track especially feels so far fetched.
The biggest issue is the thriller angle doesn’t sustain the initial momentum. The cat and mouse game happen for far too long to have the right impact.
Still, one holds to the movie for only one reason. It is to know the reason for such an act by Naina in the first place. While a few can guess it beforehand by the hints given, even those who can’t will get an idea before the core drama is revealed.
When the actual time arrives, it gets the emotions right. However, the unbelievable situation in which its placed dilutes its impact. One is still numb with the exaggerated development at that point. Despite the problem, it is the best part of the movie, though.
Overall, A Thursday is a sincere attempt but misses the required impact due to overblown plot development.
Other Artists?
The casting is a major asset for the movie with the presence of notable faces in critical parts. Dimple Kapadia, Atul Kulkarni and Neha Dhupia play those roles. Atul Kulkarni is the best of these easily. He gives an honest portrayal of a cop. The anger and frustration are naturally conveyed. Neha Dhupia starts confidently but is soon relegated to the backseat. Dimple Kapadia is alright.
The rest of the supporting actors have no substantial parts. A few look well for the role, but that’s it about them.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score by Kaizad Gherda is decent. It is good during the thrilling moments but is alright elsewhere. Anuj Rakesh Dhawan and Siddharth Vasani are the cinematographers. Their work is alright. A slick quality is visible in parts. The editing by Sumeet Kotian is okay. The narrative could have done well with sharper progress during the second act. The writing is typical of the genre. The small parts where compelling drama occurs is adequate.
Highlights?
Climax
Casting
BGM
Drawbacks?
First One Hour
Farfetched Scenario
Predictable Parts
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
A Thursday Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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