Saiyami Kher and Roshan Mathew reveal why Choked is not a regular Anurag Kashyap film
Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai, directed and co-produced by Anurag Kashyap’s Good Bad Films and Netflix is yet another release on the OTT platform during the lockdown. Written by Nihit Bhave, it tells the story of a banker, Sarita Pillai (Saiyami Kher), who’s killed her dreams to keep the home fires alive. She also has to deal with a crumbling relationship with her indolent husband Sushant (Roshan Mathew). Till one day she finds cash stash in her kitchen sink. Set against the backdrop of the 2016 demonetisation, Choked talks about the liquidation of dreams…
What makes Choked special?
Saiyami: When my friends watched the trailer and saw that Choked is made by the makers of Sacred Games (2018), DevD (2009), Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012) and that demonetisation was part of it, they jumped to the conclusion that Anurag Kashyap would be giving his opinion on a political situation. The truth is the film is about a relationship. It’s set against the backdrop of demonetisation. But essentially, the film is about Sarita (Saiyami Kher) and Sushant (Roshan Mathew). The film makes us realise that we all have dreams and aspirations but eventually we have to let go of them to make ends meet. Sarita gives up her dream of becoming a singer so that she can make the marriage work. The love between the two begins to die when there’s lack money. Eventually, the film is about how this broken relationship mends itself. This film is a non- Anurag Kashyap film. There are no gaalis, no murder. Writer Nihit Bhave has done an excellent job of portraying the life of a typical middle-class Mumbai couple.
What about your character attracted you the most?
Roshan: I was convinced the moment Anurag sir called me. I’d have done the movie anyway apart from the film having an excellent storyline. Talking about Sushant, I’ve always been excited by characters with flaws. He has become the worst form of himself and is comfortable with the fact. He doesn’t even try to put on a mask. It’s easy to dislike Sushant but it was exciting to play him.
Saiyami: When Anurag Kashyap offers you a film, there’s not much convincing needed. But, for me his name was secondary. When I read the script, I think from the audience’s perspective and not about my part. When I read it, I was completely blown away. The script has managed to capture the essence of a middle-class Maharashtrian existence. For a change, I was happy to see that someone was capturing the struggle of middle-class Maharashtrian woman. It’s good that we are exploring different cultures. Later, I came to know he was directing it too.
What was your reaction when you read about the demonetisation bit of the story?
Saiyami: It’s an unbiased portrayal of the whole scenario. The film’s mainly about a banker, who’s frustrated and overburdened with the work.
Roshan: The demonetisation bit fit in seamlessly. It didn’t stick out. It showed a relevant conflict. I saw my dad, who’s a banker, through those times. So, I could imagine how much of a toll it took on Sarita. The film was about a marriage and demonisation was nothing but a conflict.
Roshan, I recently read you saying that Anurag Kashyap is an even crazier editor than a director…
We weren’t allowed to be part of the editing sessions. In fact, Saiyami was called the cockroach because she was found in the editing room when she wasn’t supposed to be there. Anurag sir used to edit every night. I’d try and peek in whenever I had the chance. That’s when I realised that he was editing even faster than we were shooting the film.
What was the vibe like on the set of the film?
Roshan: My character in the film is lazy. He’s basically a potato head but the vibe on the sets of the film was completely opposite. It was electric. AK (Anurag Kashyap) is jumpy, energetic, passionate whenever he’s on set. Saiyami describes him as a 10-year-old, who’s got a new toy.
A special memory from the sets…
Saiyami: Whenever you’re shooting a film, you’re there on sets at least for three months. So you end up being like a family. While shooting the film, Roshan and I were also staying in Anurag sir’s house. So we literally became family. We tend to form a perception about the filmmaker through his films, his interviews, his social media. The perception I had of Anurag Kashyap was of this serious, intense and dark person. But he’s the complete opposite. He’s fun to be around. I also have many memories with Roshan. I’m lucky to have had a co-star like him.
Saiyami you made an impressive debut in the digital space with Special OPS (2020). Was there added pressure for this project?
Saiyami: An actor has many insecurities. If you start taking on the pressure, you’ll probably go crazy. I look for scripts where I get to play different parts. I just hope people like my work.
What’s the biggest difference between working for a feature film and a digital project?
Saiyami: The OTT platform is giving a chance to many talented actors, who’re not backed by mainstream filmmakers. Like Roshan got the role because he fits the part of Sushant, not because he has a 100- crore film to his name.
Roshan: I don’t see any difference when it comes to the process of filmmaking. However, many unconventional projects are being green-lit for the digital space.
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