‘I love watching anthologies!’

Soni Razdan talks about her recent OTT release Kaali Peeli Tales and the rising popularity of short films in India

a very commercial level. But when you have several with a common theme, then it becomes easier to sell the film. That brings in the business. People really enjoy watching something that does not drag. One wants to watch something that is going to keep them engrossed at all hours. This makes it easier for short filmmakers to invest in anthologies. No one expected anthologies to be such a rage, but I am glad that they are a big thing now!

Will an anthology work in the theatres? Or would it just be limited to OTT space?

I think with OTT, one can watch one film a day while travelling on his way to work or on the way back from work. But it is too early to put it in a box. It could work in a theatre with intervals after each film. But we have to work that out and see where it goes.

As an actor, which format would you prefer?

As an actor, the short film means you have to learn less lines! That is a big thing for me since my Hindi is so challenged! But otherwise, one can be in a full-length feature film and have a role that doesn’t matter, or one could be in a short film and still have a role that doesn’t matter! So basically, it is about how exciting the role is and what impact my character makes on the plot. That excites me as an actor; the format is secondary!

Do you enjoy working with young filmmakers?

I think it is the script that does the talking. If the script is good, actors will take it up. But yes, I do read everything that comes to me, and it helps me stay connected with the new generation of filmmakers. It helps me stay young at heart and connected to the times I live in now!

Why did you take up

Kaali Peeli Tales?

This was the first time I was working with Vinay Pathak. It was a great concept. The script was very well written by Adeeb, even though no actor was allowed to read the script of the other films! Vinay took a long time to give us his dates, but finally, we did it! All the films end in a kaali peeli taxi. That is what binds the stories!