NEW YORK: Chath: A Roof Without Walls, delves into the dynamics of three homeless Indians living in New York City. Personalities clash and pertinent questions are raised about life, existence, and dealing with life's disappointing failures. Filmed in just 5 days, under extremely cold conditions, the independent production reveals the oft-overlooked story of homelessness in America.
The reality that homelessness is more of an emotional and mental phenomena rather than just an economic condition, is portrayed vividly in the film. Inspired by real-life incidents and experiences of the homeless, directors Bilgrami and Das personally met with homeless Indians in New York City to get a better perspective on the issues.
At a recent press screening at the Laugh Factory in New York City, Das said: "Some of the incidents that homeless people have experienced in real life are even more disturbing and horrendous than what we have shown in the film." Hyder added, "The bitterness and trauma they experience often results in drug abuse and mental illness."
The lead actors of the film, Sanjay Malhotra and Liyakat Khan, also shared their experience while filming Chath. Both of them attributed their decision to act in the film to the realistic nature and subject matter of the film. Malhotra stated: "It is a great opportunity to act in a realistic film that explores a hidden part of society that most of us pretend does not exist."
Produced by Magnapex Media and Entertainment, the film is scheduled for additional screenings in other parts of the US and wide distribution in India later in the year. A direct to DVD release is also planned for later in the year. Chath was premiered at the Bollywood International Film Festival as well as the Cape Town and South Asian International Film Festival in New Jersey.