In a recent interview, Kalki Koechlin shared her perspectives on the differences between working in global productions versus the Indian film industry, highlighting the more structured and calm environment she's experienced internationally. Koechlin, known for her versatile roles in both mainstream and independent cinema, made the observations while promoting her upcoming Franco-American film, "Her Song".
Koechlin described global productions as "shaant" (calm) in comparison to the "chaos" often present in Indian productions. A key reason for this, she notes, is the better enforcement of working hours in international projects. This allows for a more organized and less stressful work environment for everyone involved.
"Her Song," explores themes of memory and cyclical history. Koechlin found the film's emphasis on precision and fidelity to language a refreshing contrast to the improvisational culture often seen in Indian filmmaking. In global productions, she noted how every detail, even commas, is meticulously observed, something she likened to her experiences in theater with sacred texts like Shakespeare. While improvisation and on-the-spot dialogue adjustments are common in India, "Her Song" demanded adherence to the script, particularly crucial for comedic timing, which Koechlin found exciting.
Koechlin has explored psychologically intense narratives, admitting that such roles can take a mental toll. To detach from her characters after a long day of shooting, she follows a personal ritual which includes watching stand-up comedy or doing some dance.
Koechlin also shared her views on the current state of streaming platforms, suggesting that the streaming business model isn't working as well as hoped. She believes that streaming has reached a peak, with an overabundance of content leaving viewers overwhelmed. She noted that subscriptions are not meeting expectations and content creation has slowed down. Despite this, she remains optimistic about a creative resurgence in the industry, anticipating a return to original storytelling and formats.
Koechlin's career has been marked by a balance between mainstream and art films. She appreciates the family-like atmosphere of smaller, independent film crews, where everyone collaborates closely due to tight budgets. Her filmography includes titles such as "Dev.D", "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", and "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani".
