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.”