Netflix India Original’s latest, Upstarts, revolves around three ambitious guys bitten by the start-up bug. An unabashed ode to India’s start-up ecosystem, the film stars Priyanshu Painyuli, Chandrachoor Rai and Shadab Kamal in key roles. The Telegraph caught up with Priyanshu to know more...
Did you speak to start-up founders to understand your character in Upstarts?
Yes, I spoke to several entrepreneurs and founders to know more about their life on how a start-up takes a toll on their personal life and relationships. The pressures of running the business after they are successful... some of the people I met were Ola CEO Bhavish (Aggarwal), the former Urban Ladder COO, the founders of Red Bus, etc.
Are there any similarities with the hit American TV show Silicon Valley?
I still haven’t been able to catch the show but I have heard it is wonderful. I don’t know if there is any similarity, the world is the same I am sure… but our style of storytelling plus relationships and characteristics would be very different.
Did you actually put on weight for this role?
Yes, Udai (Singh Pawar, director) and I thought that it would be nice if I put on some weight. It will just add a nice realism to the character. The idea was not to be like a hero but be more Kapil Mathur (Priyanshu’s character).
What are your current favourite shows on Netflix?
Money Heist and Mindhunter.
What are your upcoming projects?
I have Dhaka coming up, which is again a Netflix Original. This is a special film because it’s my first Hollywood project plus it’s a very interesting role which I can’t reveal but I am waiting to surprise the audience. I also have a web-series with Amazon Prime up for release... I want to keep this under wrap because I am entering as a surprise in the Season 2 of their big show. It’s a fun character and I have never done anything like this.
Were you intimidated while acting with Chris Hemsworth in Dhaka?
I think I wouldn’t want to reveal about Dhaka now. I will come back to it when the film is coming out. There is a lot to talk about it as it’s a big film and a very interesting one. I can only say I feel special to be part of such a big project.
