Choked (Paisa Bolta Hai)

The film opens by introducing Sarita and Sushant Pillai, a married couple living in a lower-middle-class neighborhood in Mumbai. They are struggling to make ends meet while raising their young son, Sameer, amidst the challenges of urban life.

Flashbacks reveal Sarita's past as a promising singer who faced a disastrous moment while performing on a reality show. This memory haunts her and sows seeds of anxiety and self-doubt, complicating her relationship with Sushant.

Sushant frequently finds himself unemployed and resorts to petty schemes in the neighborhood to contribute to the household income. His failure to succeed in these ventures often leads to tension between him and Sarita, exacerbating her feelings of inadequacy.

In contrast to Sushant, Sarita works long hours as a bank teller to support the family. Her dedication often leads to strain in their relationship, resulting in frequent arguments as they grapple with their financial reality.

One night, Sarita hears strange noises in the kitchen and discovers large bundles of cash hidden in the plumbing of their building. After confirming its legitimacy, she seizes the opportunity to clear Sushant’s debts and indulge herself, while keeping the fortune a secret.

As Sarita enjoys her newfound wealth, her friendship with Sharvari Tai becomes increasingly strained due to issues arising from their living situation. Sharvari's concerns about seepage from Sarita's flat foreshadow an unraveling of community ties and increased household tension.

Sarita's luck takes a turn when the government enacts demonetization, rendering her hidden cash worthless. This sudden shift forces her into a precarious financial situation as she faces mounting pressures from work and the community.

Sushant misinterprets Sarita's interactions with Reddy, believing she is being unfaithful when in reality, she is trying to manage their financial challenges. This misunderstanding deepens the rift in their relationship, adding to Sarita's burdens.

As Sarita's secret cash flow dwindles, she finds herself tangled in a web of deceit and financial speculation. Friends and neighbors pressure her to help exchange old notes, pushing her deeper into precarious situations.

In a tragic turn of events, thieves invade Sarita's workplace and steal her hidden cash. This theft shatters her aspirations and leaves her feeling defeated as she confronts the increasing challenges in her life.

News about money laundering related to the cash discovered triggers police investigations. Sarita feels cornered, fearing that her involvement with the dubious cash could be exposed, leading to potential ruin.

As investigations unfold, the truth about the illegal origins of the cash entangles local politicians and corrupt practices. This revelation pushes Sarita and Sushant to the brink as they realize the severity of their situation.

A year later, the couple receives shocking news that they are entitled to a share of the money seized during the police raid on the laundering scheme. This unexpected development rekindles hope for Sarita and Sushant, hinting at a possible turnaround.

The film culminates in a moment of desperation as Sarita and Sushant confront the chaos of their lives infused with financial stress and broken trust. Their journey reveals the complexities of human relationships amidst challenges.

The film closes on a reflective note, as Sarita and Sushant contemplate their future amidst the turbulent events they’ve faced. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of resilience in the face of adversity and the unpredictability of life in Mumbai.