Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai is a 2020 Indian thriller drama directed by Anurag Kashyap and starring Saiyami Kher and Roshan Mathew. The film explores the life of a struggling bank employee who unexpectedly discovers a hidden stash of cash flowing through a drainpipe in her house. Set against the backdrop of India’s 2016 demonetization, the film examines themes of financial stress, greed, and societal struggles.
Plot
Sarita Pillai (Saiyami Kher) is a middle-class bank cashier living in Mumbai with her unemployed husband, Sushant (Roshan Mathew), and their young son. Struggling financially due to her husband’s failed ventures and reckless spending, Sarita works tirelessly to support her family.
One night, she discovers a bundle of cash mysteriously emerging from a drainpipe in her kitchen. Initially hesitant, she soon starts using the money to improve her family’s financial condition. However, the sudden wealth comes with its own risks—she must hide her secret from her husband, colleagues, and neighbors.
Her newfound fortune is disrupted when the Indian government announces demonetization, rendering high-value currency notes useless overnight. Sarita is thrown into chaos as she realizes that most of the hidden money consists of now-worthless notes. Meanwhile, local loan sharks and corrupt officials start closing in, suspecting her of possessing black money.
As pressure mounts, Sarita must find a way to save herself and her family while navigating the harsh realities of greed, corruption, and financial struggles. The film culminates in a gripping climax that tests her resilience and moral compass.
Review
Choked received positive reviews for its unique premise, social commentary, and performances, particularly by Saiyami Kher. Director Anurag Kashyap was praised for his ability to blend personal drama with larger political themes. The film effectively portrays the struggles of the Indian middle class while providing an engaging thriller-like narrative.
Critics highlighted the film’s realistic portrayal of financial burdens and its gripping execution of the demonetization crisis. However, some found the pacing uneven, especially in the second half. Despite this, Choked stands out as a thought-provoking film that combines social realism with suspense.
Awards & Recognition
Though Choked did not receive major international awards, it was well-received at Indian film festivals and gained critical acclaim for its storytelling and performances.
Popularity
Released on Netflix on June 5, 2020, Choked gained significant traction among Indian and international audiences. Its themes of financial hardship and government policies resonated with many
| Directed by | Anurag Kashyap |
|---|---|
| Written by | Nihit Bhave |
| Produced by | JAR Pictures Anurag Kashyap Dhruv Jagasia Akshay Thakker |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Sylvester Fonseca |
| Edited by | Konark Saxena |
| Music by | Rachita Arora |
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Production
companies |
JAR Pictures
Good Bad Films |
| Distributed by | Netflix |
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Release date
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Running time
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114 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai is a compelling financial thriller that effectively blends personal drama with social commentary. With strong performances and a gripping narrative, the film offers an intriguing take on the economic struggles of India’s middle class, making it a must-watch for fans of realistic, socially relevant cinema.
