Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai

Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai is an intriguing Indian drama film that was originally released in 2020 on Netflix. At its core, the film is a social commentary wrapped in a suspenseful plot. It is directed by the critically acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, an esteemed figure in the Indian film industry known for his unconventional storytelling methods. With a thought-provoking plot that explores a variety of social and political themes, Choked unravels through the layers of the struggles of an Indian middle-class family in a cash-strapped economy.

The film shines a spotlight on a talented ensemble cast led by Saiyami Kher and Roshan Mathew, supported by Amruta Subhash, an actress recognized for her powerful performances. Saiyami Kher delivers an impressive performance as Sarita Pillai, a disgruntled bank employee and the primary breadwinner of the household. Her character, an aspiring singer, had to abandon her dreams due to the pressures and hurdles of life. The emotional weight Kher brings adds a touch of raw intensity to the film.

Roshan Mathew, a popular actor best known for his work in the Malayalam film industry, plays Sushant Pillai. His portrayal of the unhappily unemployed musician and failing husband who has lost his way in life adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

The third key player of the movie is Amruta Subhash, a well-known Marathi theater and film actor. As Sarita's nosy but supportive neighbor, she injects both comedic relief and some of the movie's more heartfelt moments seamlessly.

Set in Mumbai, the plot of Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai centers around this middle-class family as they struggle to make ends meet. Sarita Pillai works at a local bank to provide for her family while her husband Sushant, an aspiring musician, fails the expectations of being the family's primary breadwinner. Their relationship, already strained due to unfulfilled dreams and financial issues, gets strained even further by the unexpected discovery of a mysterious source of seemingly limitless cash.

The money starts appearing in their kitchen sink, which also happens to be choked due to a poor plumbing issue, hence the title 'Choked.' Even as the mysteriously endless flow of cash solves significant financial woes, it doesn't fail to trigger a new set of problems that sends Sarita's life into an unforeseen spiral. Here, Kashyap uses the choked sink as a metaphor for both the economic stagnation of the family and the country as a whole.

The film takes a fascinating turn when it meshes this narrative with one of India's most controversial monetary policies - the 2016 demonetization. Suddenly, the country's cash flow is choked, and what was previously a godsend source of money becomes problematic for the Pillai family. Through this, Kashyap also weaves in the themes of morality, greed, and ethicality.

Crafted with Kashyap's signature grit and visual style, Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai is more than a mere suspense drama—it is an impactful commentary on economic disparity, societal norms, and the struggles faced by a middle-class Indian family. With stellar performances, a gripping storyline that explores multifaceted characters, and a socio-political backdrop, Choked is a powerhouse of a movie.

The film's technical aspects also stand out, with the damp and dingy Mumbai housing colony where most of the film takes place offering a significant contrasting backdrop to the cash-rich dreams and aspirations of its residents. Kashyap also lays bare the effects of the country's economic struggles on the common man, painting a real picture that resonates with a broader audience. The cinematography and editing form a visually stunning narrative that further intensifies the film's complex themes and motifs.

Anurag Kashyap effectively directs this amalgamation of a suspenseful drama and a socio-political critique. It has all the markings of his directorial expertise – a gritty real-world setting, superb performances, striking visuals, and a storyline that elicits a deep emotional response from the audience. Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai proves to be a compelling film, making viewers ponder over the societal implications beyond the screen.

In true Kashyap-fashion, Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai is unafraid to delve into hard-hitting political elements and socio-economic realities, making it a film that not only entertains but also provokes a discussion on important societal subjects.