Wake Up Sid
{{Short description|2009 film by Ayan Mukerji}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Wake Up Sid
| image = Wake up Sid.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = Ayan Mukerji
| producer = {{plainlist|
- Hiroo Yash Johar
- Karan Johar
}}
| writer = Story and Screenplay:
Ayan Mukerji
Dialogues:
Niranjan Iyengar
| starring = {{plainlist|
}}
| music = Score:
Amit Trivedi
Songs:
Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy
Amit Trivedi
| cinematography = Anil Mehta
| editing = Shan Mohammed
| studio = Dharma Productions
| distributor = UTV Motion Pictures
| released = {{Film date|df=y|2009|10|02}}
| runtime = 138 minutes
| country = India
| language = Hindi
}}
Wake Up Sid is a 2009 Indian Hindi-language coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Ayan Mukerji in his directorial debut, and produced by Karan Johar under the Dharma Productions banner.Money, By. (9 October 2009) [http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/features/2009/wake-up-sid-vfx-091009.html VFX effects worked wonders to Wake Up Sid] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202225615/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/features/2009/wake-up-sid-vfx-091009.html|date=2 February 2014}}. Entertainment.oneindia.in. Retrieved on 13 January 2017. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma, with supporting roles from Anupam Kher, Supriya Pathak, Namit Das, and Rahul Khanna. Set in contemporary Mumbai, it follows the journey of Siddharth "Sid" Mehra, a carefree and affluent college student who undergoes a transformation after befriending Aisha Banerjee, a newly arrived aspiring writer from Kolkata.
Released theatrically on 2 October 2009, Wake Up Sid received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, music, and performances, particularly that of Kapoor. The film emerged as a commercial success, grossing over ₹47 crore (US$9.9 million) worldwide against a production budget of ₹18 crore (US$3.8 million).
At the 55th Filmfare Awards, Wake Up Sid received nine nominations, including Best Film, Best Director (Mukerji), Best Actor (Kapoor), and Best Supporting Actress (Pathak), and won three: Best Actor (Critics) (Kapoor), Best Debut Director (Mukerji, tying with Zoya Akhtar for Luck by Chance), and Best Female Playback Singer (Kavita Seth for "Iktara"). Over time, Wake Up Sid has been regarded as a defining youth-centric film of its decade, praised for its relatable characters and modern urban themes.{{Cite web |last=S |first=Shruti |date=2023-04-05 |title=Why Ayan Mukerji's Wake Up Sid Is My Favourite Film Of The 2000s |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/readers-articles/wake-up-sid-netflix-is-my-favourite-film-of-the-2000s-ranbir-kapoor-konkona-sen-sharma |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=www.filmcompanion.in |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Deshpande |first=Akash |date=2023-03-06 |title=Wake Up Sid: Ranbir Kapoor Stars In The Story Of Every Millenial’s Life |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/readers-articles/wake-up-sid-netflix-ranbir-kapoor-stars-in-the-story-of-every-millenials-life-konkona-sensharma-ayan-mukerji |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=www.filmcompanion.in |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Joshi |first=Aditya |date=2024-09-09 |title=Wake Up Sid: The Quintessential Millennial Coming-of-Age Saga that Still Resonates |url=https://www.airtel.in/blog/broadband/wake-up-sid-the-quintessential-millennial-coming-of-age-saga-that-still-resonates/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=Airtel |language=en-US}}
Plot
Siddharth “Sid” Mehra, a gifted but aimless young man, is in his final year of college, indifferent to academics despite his intelligence. The son of wealthy businessman Ram Mehra, Sid leads an indulgent lifestyle, enabled by his caring mother, Sarita. His academic effort is negligent—barely studying before exams. Afterward, he celebrates with friends, oblivious to the consequences.
Sid’s father offers him a Porsche if he works at the family company for a month. Though initially enticed, Sid soon tires of the corporate environment and quits, giving up the promised car.
At his college farewell party, Sid meets Aisha Banerjee, an ambitious writer from Kolkata who dreams of succeeding at Mumbai Beat magazine. Intrigued by her independence, Sid questions her resolve, but Aisha confidently affirms her aspirations.
When Aisha struggles with terrible hostel conditions, Sid helps her find an apartment. Though the place is shabby, Aisha sees potential. With Sid and his friends’ help, she transforms it, forming a close friendship with him. When Sid suggests romance, Aisha gently rejects him, citing his lack of ambition.
Aisha soon secures her job under the urbane Kabir Chaudhary at Mumbai Beat. Meanwhile, Sid receives devastating news: he has failed his final exams. Overwhelmed, he fights with his friends and storms out after having a heated argument with his parents. With nowhere to go, he turns to Aisha, who reluctantly lets him stay.
Living together proves difficult. Sid struggles with basic chores, while Aisha, absorbed in her work, grows increasingly frustrated due to his clumsiness and incompetence. After a heated argument, Aisha advises him to return to his parents' house since his father has a successful company while he is only useful for helping around the house, but Sid reveals that when he was working at his father's company, he felt out of place, and wants to find a job that truly interests him and pleads for another chance. She agrees, and Sid begins to change—taking responsibility for housework and rekindling his love for photography. Aisha introduces him to Amit, a photography director at Mumbai Beat, who offers him an internship after seeing Sid’s work.
Sid embraces discipline and builds a new life. A photo assignment triggers memories of his mother, prompting him to reconcile with her. He also repairs his friendships.
As Sid pursues a feature opportunity at Mumbai Beat, Aisha achieves a milestone—her article gets accepted for publication. Although she briefly dates Kabir, she realizes they are incompatible and becomes aware of her growing feelings for Sid.
Sid’s hard work pays off when he is promoted to assistant photographer and receives his first paycheck. Proud, he visits his father’s office, thanks him sincerely, and earns his father's embrace. Sid decides to move back home, leaving Aisha’s apartment. Though saddened, Aisha lets him go back home.
At home, Sid discovers Aisha’s forgotten shirt and reads her article in Mumbai Beat—a touching piece about her journey in Mumbai and her love for an unnamed person. Realizing the article is about him, Sid is overcome with emotion. Determined, he rushes through the rain to their favourite beach spot. Finding Aisha there, he confesses his love, and she reciprocates. They embrace, marking Sid’s transformation from a carefree slacker into a man of purpose and substance.
Cast
- Ranbir Kapoor as Siddharth "Sid" Mehra
- Konkona Sen Sharma as Aisha Banerjee
- Anupam Kher as Ram Mehra
- Supriya Pathak as Sarita Mehra
- Rahul Khanna as Kabir Choudhary
- Kashmera Shah as Sonia Gill
- Shikha Talsania as Laxmi Inder Advani
- Namit Das as Rishi Atul Raheja
- Krutika Bolaki as Neha, Rishi's love interest
- Rahul Pendkalkar as Sanjay "Sanju" Bapat
- Sanat Sawant as Jay Mehra
- Shruti Bapna as Debbie
- Nitin Chatterjee as a restaurant steward
- Kainaz Motivala as Tanya Lathia
- Mukesh Rawal as Mr. Lathia, Tanya's Father, Ram Mehra's close friend
- Atisha Naik as Sanju's mother
- Asif Ali Baig as Raj
- Munir Kabani as Amit, Head Photographer at Mumbai Beat
- Mohsin Ali Khan as Chhotu, Sid's servant
- Huzefa Gadiwala
Production
= Filming =
Wake Up Sid was shot entirely in Mumbai, including South Mumbai and Bandra. College scenes were filmed at H. R. College of Commerce and Economics near Churchgate.
Release
Wake Up Sid was released theatrically on 2 October 2009, coinciding with the Gandhi Jayanti weekend.
The film's television rights were initially acquired by Colors TV, followed by broadcasts on UTV Movies and Bindass. After Disney's acquisition of Star India, it began airing on Star Gold Select.
The DVD was released by UTV Home Video. A mobile video game based on the film was also released by UTV Indiagames.{{Cite web |title=Wake Up Sid |url=https://phoneky.com/games/?id=j4j130737 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205175302/https://phoneky.com/games/?id=j4j130737 |archive-date=5 December 2020 |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=phoneky.com |language=en}}
Reception
= Box office =
Wake Up Sid opened to strong box office performance both in India and overseas. The film grossed ₹215 million (US$2.5 million) worldwide during its opening weekend, including ₹170 million (US$2.0 million) from India. It ranked first at the Indian box office in its first and second weeks, fourth in its third week, and third in its fourth week. In international markets, the film collected US$717,977 in the United States and US$165,934 in the United Kingdom. By the end of its fourth week, it had grossed a combined total of US$348,351 in the UK and New Zealand. Released concurrently with Do Knot Disturb, Wake Up Sid captured a significantly larger share of the audience.
= Critical reception =
Wake Up Sid received widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers praised its themes, screenplay, performances, direction, and contemporary narrative.
Subhash K. Jha from Bollywood Hungama called it "a triumph on many levels" and commended Ayan Mukerji's understated direction.{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=2009-10-03 |title=Subhash K Jha speaks about Wake Up Sid : Bollywood News – Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/subhash-k-jha-speaks-about-wake-up-sid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014043927/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/ |archive-date=14 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}} Taran Adarsh, also writing for Bollywood Hungama, rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, describing it as "strongly recommended."{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=2009-10-02 |title=Wake Up Sid Review 4/5 {{!}} Wake Up Sid Movie Review {{!}} Wake Up Sid 2009 Public Review {{!}} Film Review |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/wake-up-sid/critic-review/wake-up-sid-movie-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119214022/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/wake-up-sid/critic-review/wake-up-sid-movie-review/ |archive-date=19 January 2021 |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}} Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN gave it 3.5 out of 5, calling it a film that "has its heart in the right place" and praised Ranbir Kapoor's performance.[https://web.archive.org/web/20091009044435/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-movie-review-wake-up-sid-refreshing/102590-8.html Masand's movie review: Wake Up Sid refreshing:News18 Videos]. Ibnlive.in.com. Retrieved on 13 January 2017.
Mayank Shekhar of the Hindustan Times gave it 3.5 out of 4, calling it a "sweet genre" film and drawing comparisons to Dil Chahta Hai (2001).{{cite web |date=8 October 2009 |title=Review: Wake Up Sid! |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com:80/cinema-news/mayankshekhar/Review-Wake-Up-Sid/Article1-460736.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008010542/http://www.hindustantimes.com:80/cinema-news/mayankshekhar/Review-Wake-Up-Sid/Article1-460736.aspx |archive-date=8 October 2009 |work=Hindustan Times}} Avijit Ghosh of The Times of India also rated it 3.5 out of 4, noting its relatable themes and emotional resonance.[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Wake-Up-Sid/moviereview/5081263.cms Wake Up Sid Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005030406/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Wake-Up-Sid/moviereview/5081263.cms|date=5 October 2009}}. Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved on 13 January 2017. Noyon Jyoti Parasara of AOL India gave a similar rating, complimenting Mukerji for making a personal directorial mark despite producer Karan Johar's strong brand presence.{{cite web |title=Yahoo! |url=http://www.aol.in/bollywood-story/wake-up-sid-movie-review/610028 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091020155508/http://www.aol.in/bollywood-story/wake-up-sid-movie-review/610028 |archive-date=20 October 2009 |access-date=15 November 2009 |website=www.aol.in}}
Joginder Tuteja of Indo-Asian News Service rated the film 3.5 out of 5 and praised its originality and emotional restraint.{{cite web |last=Tuteja |first=Joginder |date=2 October 2009 |title='Wake Up Sid' a delightful movie (Film Review – Rating: *** 1/2) |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/wake-up-sid-a-delightful-movie-film-review-rating-12_100255172.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005010646/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/wake-up-sid-a-delightful-movie-film-review-rating-12_100255172.html |archive-date=5 October 2009 |access-date=8 November 2009 |publisher=IANS}} Rachel Saltz of The New York Times described it as "Bollywood in an indie mood," noting its "quiet style and credible characters."[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/movies/03wake.html?_r=1 New York Times review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116151514/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/movies/03wake.html?_r=1|date=16 January 2017}}. Nytimes.com (2 October 2009). Retrieved on 13 January 2017.
Some critics offered more tempered responses. Sudhish Kamath of The Hindu noted that the ending felt like a "stock-ending" despite the film’s overall effectiveness.{{cite news |author=Sudhish Kamath |date=9 October 2009 |title=Wake up to a fresh breeze – Wake Up Sid |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/wake-up-to-a-fresh-breeze-wake-up-sid/article3021998.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014043904/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/wake-up-to-a-fresh-breeze-wake-up-sid/article3021998.ece |archive-date=14 October 2023 |access-date=15 June 2015 |work=The Hindu}} Variety's Joe Leydon called the film "instantly forgettable," but acknowledged the appeal of its leads and the film’s easy charm throughout its runtime.{{cite web |author=Joe Leydon |date=6 October 2009 |title=Review: Wake Up Sid |url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/wake-up-sid-1200476968/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914152756/http://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/wake-up-sid-1200476968/ |archive-date=14 September 2015 |access-date=15 June 2015 |publisher=Variety}}
Controversy
On 2 October 2009, members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) protested against the screening of Wake Up Sid in Mumbai and Pune. The party objected to the film's use of the term "Bombay" instead of the officially adopted name "Mumbai". The protests temporarily disrupted screenings until the producers agreed to issue an apology and make necessary modifications. Screenings resumed shortly after the resolution.{{Cite web |date=2009-10-03 |title='Wake Up Sid' runs peacefully in Mumbai, MNS awaits on-screen apology |url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/-Wake-Up-Sid--runs-peacefully-in-Mumbai--MNS-awaits-on-screen-apology-59369 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718170727/https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/-Wake-Up-Sid--runs-peacefully-in-Mumbai--MNS-awaits-on-screen-apology-59369 |archive-date=18 July 2024 |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=Mid-Day |language=en}}
Accolades
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ !Award !Ceremony date !Category !Recipient(s) and nominee(s) !Result !Ref. |
| rowspan="2" |Screen Awards
| rowspan="2" |9 January 2010 |Most Promising Debut Director |{{Nom}} | rowspan="2" |{{Cite web |date=5 March 2010 |title=Nominations for Nokia 16th Annual Star Screen Awards 2009 |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2009/12/31/5807/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305210636/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2009/12/31/5807/index.html |archive-date=5 March 2010 |access-date=29 December 2017 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} |
| Best Female Playback Singer
|Kavita Seth for "Iktara" |{{Won}} |
| rowspan="9" |Producers Guild Film Awards
| rowspan="9" |11 January 2010 | rowspan="3" |Ayan Mukerji |{{won}} |
| Best Director
|{{nom}} |
| Best Story
|{{nom}} |
| Best Actor in a Leading Role
|{{nom}} |
| Best Actress in a Leading Role
|{{nom}} |
| Best Actor in a Supporting Role
|{{nom}} |
| Best Actress in a Supporting Role
|{{nom}} |
| Best Costume Design
|{{nom}} |
| Best Art Direction
|Amrita Mahal |{{nom}} |
| rowspan="5" |Stardust Awards
| rowspan="5" |17 January 2010 |Superstar Of Tomorrow – Male |Ranbir Kapoor (also for Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani) |{{Won}} |
| Hottest New Director
|Ayan Mukerji |{{Won}} |
| Best Film Of The Year – Drama
|Wake Up Sid |{{nom}} |
| Best Supporting Actress
|Supriya Pathak |{{nom}} |
| New Musical Sensation – Female
|Kavita Seth for "Iktara" |{{nom}} |
| Mirchi Music Awards
|Listeners' Choice Song of the Year |"Iktara"|"Iktara" |{{nom}} |
| rowspan="9" |Filmfare Awards
| rowspan="9" |27 February 2010 | rowspan="2" |Ayan Mukerji |{{nom}} |
| Best Debut Director
|{{won}} |
| Best Actor
|Ranbir Kapoor |{{nom}} |
| Best Actor (Critics)
|Ranbir Kapoor (also for Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year) |{{won}} |
| Best Female Playback Singer
|Kavita Seth for "Iktara" |{{won}} |
| Best Film
|Wake Up Sid |{{nom}} |
| Best Supporting Actress
|Supriya Pathak |{{nom}} |
| Best Music Director
|{{nom}} |
| Best Lyricist
|Javed Akhtar for "Iktara" |{{nom}} |
| rowspan="5" |International Indian Film Academy Awards
| rowspan="5" |3–5 June 2010 |Best Female Playback Singer |Kavita Seth for "Iktara" |{{Won}} |
| Best Director
| rowspan="2" |Ayan Mukerji |{{nom}} |
| Best Story
|{{nom}} |
| Best Actor
|Ranbir Kapoor |{{nom}} |
| Best Supporting Actress
|Supriya Pathak |{{nom}} |
Soundtrack
{{Main|Wake Up Sid (soundtrack)}}
The music for Wake Up Sid was composed by the trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar. The soundtrack album was released on 21 August 2009 and received positive reviews from critics.{{cite news |title=Wake Up Sid Music Review by Joginder Tuteja |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/musicreview/13966/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503142257/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/musicreview/13966/index.html |archive-date=3 May 2009 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}{{cite news |title=Sid's music is easy, breezy and bubbly |url=http://movies.rediff.com/review/2009/aug/24/music-review-wake-up-sid.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726044523/http://movies.rediff.com/review/2009/aug/24/music-review-wake-up-sid.htm |archive-date=26 July 2011 |access-date=24 August 2009 |work=Rediff.com}}
Amit Trivedi composed the film's background score and contributed the song "Iktara," along with its reprise and extended versions. The track marked a collaboration with lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya, a frequent contributor to Trivedi's work. An additional variation titled "Boondon Ke Moti," an extension of "Iktara" and performed by Salim Merchant, was recorded but remains unreleased.
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ngimy3GpHS0 Official Trailer] – Dharma Productions
- {{IMDb title|id=1324059|title=Wake Up Sid}}
- {{Rotten Tomatoes|wake_up_sid}}
- {{mojo title|id=wakeupsid|title=Wake Up Sid}}
{{Ayan Mukerji}}
{{Karan Johar}}
{{Dharma Productions}}
{{UTV Movies}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:2000s Hindi-language films
Category:2000s coming-of-age comedy-drama films
Category:2009 romantic comedy-drama films
Category:Indian coming-of-age comedy-drama films
Category:Indian romantic comedy-drama films
Category:UTV Motion Pictures films
Category:Films scored by Amit Trivedi
Category:Films directed by Ayan Mukerji
Category:Films adapted for other media
Category:Political controversies in film