Years after Sushant Singh Rajput’s untimely death, his performances continue to leave a lasting impact, with Sonchiriya (2019) standing out as one of the most cherished films in his career. Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the Chambal-set period drama has since gained cult status, even though it struggled at the box office upon release
Reflecting on the film in a recent interview, Chaubey spoke about why Sushant was his first and instinctive choice for the role of Lakhna Singh, a conflicted dacoit battling violence, guilt and morality. According to the filmmaker, Sushant brought an authenticity that was hard to replicate.
“There was something desi about Sushant,” Chaubey explained. He noted that while many mainstream actors — whom he loosely referred to as “Bandra boys” — are talented, it often takes them longer to transition into the rugged, rooted world the film demanded. Sushant’s small-town background, he felt, gave him an innate understanding of the environment and emotional landscape of Sonchiriya.
Chaubey also recalled how quickly Sushant committed to the project. After an initial meeting during one of the actor’s shoots, Sushant visited the director’s office the very next day and immediately agreed to do the film, a decision that surprised and delighted the team.
Beyond his on-screen dedication, Chaubey shared a personal memory that highlighted Sushant’s curiosity and intellect. During the shoot, the actor arranged for a professional telescope to be brought to the location so he could observe a celestial event. After pack-up, Sushant would often be found lying on the lawn, studying planets, eventually drawing the entire crew into the experience.
Although Sonchiriya did not achieve commercial success at the time, it has since been rediscovered by audiences who now regard it as one of Sushant Singh Rajput’s finest performances — a film whose emotional depth and realism have outlived box office numbers.