Amazon Prime Video’s The Pyramid Scheme is a drama about ambition, greed, and the risky world of quick money. The series stars Paramvir Singh Cheema, Ranvir Shorey, Shekhar Suman, and several others in lead role. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Shekhar Suman sheds light on transition of cinema and revealed how filmmakers are open to experimenting. He also reflected on how actors were exploited earlier.
Shekhar Suman recalls actors getting exploited
Speaking about the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, Shekhar Suman highlighted how creative freedom has increased over the years. He said, “I think the biggest advantage today is the freedom we have to tell stories. Earlier, filmmakers were often told that certain subjects wouldn`t work and that films needed big stars and strong business propositions to get made. The entire system functioned that way. Today, however, there is far more creative freedom, and we can make the kind of content we truly believe in.”
He added, “Films in the past were often confined to a comfort zone and reluctant to experiment. There was a fixed template — a hero, a heroine, songs, romance, a villain, and eventually a happy ending. The focus wasn`t always on the story; it was often on how many stars the film could attract. Earlier, films were driven by actors, but now characters are being empowered by actors.”
Shekhar further pointed out that many talented individuals were unable to find opportunities. He explains, “Many talented people who may not have received opportunities in traditional cinema due to industry limitations and other circumstances. Earlier, there was exploitation in the film industry. Today, directors, producers, and writers enjoy the freedom to create and tell stories on their own terms.”
Shekhar Suman on value of money
The Pyramid Scheme revolves around themes of greed and the value of money, Shekhar Suman shared his perspective on wealth and its influence in society. Reflecting on his own life, he said, “I don`t think there has been a moment in my life where my life has changed. I`m still waiting for that moment. It will happen someday.”
Speaking about the power of money, he added, “I think money is the biggest power in the world. Many brave men bowed down. You will see that in front of uneducated millionaires, educated people bow their heads and touch their feet because that is the power of money.”