Did you know Naseeruddin Shah's manager had declined Neeraj Pandey's 'A Wednesday''? read the full story here

Neeraj Pandey's debut film 'A Wednesday' is still very popular. Initially, no one supported his choice of Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah for the lead roles. In a recent interview, Pandey revealed Shah's manager had rejected the film for him, but Shah's interest in the project as soon as he read the script made him come on board.
Neeraj Pandey shared that producers initially resisted casting older actors in 'A Wednesday'.Speaking to Fever FM, Pandey explained that, as a debutant director, he faced strong opposition because the film had no heroine or songs and featured two older actors. Even UTV, which eventually funded the film, kept suggesting younger actors.
Pandey recalled the casting process for 'A Wednesday' as funny. He sent the script to Naseeruddin Shah, but after a month, Shah's manager told him that Naseer didn't like it and didn't want to do the film. Neeraj moved on and began looking for someone else.
But after some time, Neeraj received a late-night call from Naseeruddin Shah. Pandey recalled that Shah said to him that he had just finished reading the script and asked when they could meet. They met the next day, and that marked the beginning of their journey together.
Directed by Neeraj Pandey, 'A Wednesday' revolves around a common man who takes drastic measures to make a powerful statement against corruption and terrorism. Set primarily in a police control room, the narrative unfolds in real-time, creating suspense and tension throughout. 'A Wednesday' received critical acclaim for its tight screenplay and gripping plot. It remains one of the most notable films in Indian cinema for its thought-provoking themes and realistic portrayal of social issues.