Piku
wogma rating: Beg or borrow, but do watch (?)
Nothing happens in the film. And therein is its beauty. A simple, charming film despite its toilet humor and a couple other quibbles.
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There is something inherently charming about people who talk straight; about family members who get in each others' hair and they know it; about disharmony that keeps people together. Of course, the charm comes from things being close to reality. At the same time, you know it is a film, so you know it is going to be wittier than real life. In the sense that life has been compressed into two or so hours.
You look at Piku's trailer and more than the coming of age of a family you see Amitabh Bachchan and only Amitabh Bachchan. In many ways it feels like his career has been building up to roles like these. You see Piku's dad and you see this aging, senile grandpa obsessed by his motions (like many a real life elderly are) and yet you find him adorable, like you would find a friend's grandfather.
Note, he's cute only if you don't have to care for him. You identify with Piku (Deepika Padukone) too because you don't want to be in her place tending to this annoying, pain in the wrong place. Yet, you know you won't shed that responsibility when push comes to shove.
A film that has Irrfan Khan and I can't stop talking about the other actors and their characters. Don't we have a winner there already? Not to mention, director Shoojit Sircar's name still brings a smile at the memory of his film, Vicky Donor.
I am all ready to smile through the length of a film!
Music Reviews:
Bollyspice - "3/5"
Bollywood Hungama – "2.5/5"
glamsham - "/5"
IBN Live, IANS – "3.5/5"
koimoi - "3/5"
Milliblog - "Anupam makes a commendable Hindi debut!"
Music Aloud - "8/10"
- meeta, a part of the audience
Piku and her father, Bhaskor make for a dysfunctional family that is as normal as it gets or a normal family that is as dysfunctional as one comes. You know some uncle or grandpa who is mighty difficult to live with and yet is adorable to an outsider. She's hot-headed, an angry young woman in her own right but is also a nurturer and a care-taker you feel sorry for. Piku, the film though is beyond these characters. It takes on difficult themes that are abundant in real life but rarely touched on reel. And that is what makes the film endearing despite a couple things that make you cringe and a couple other that seem like creases on an otherwise smooth texture.
The all-encompassing theme of course, is that of role-reversal between a parent and a child as age takes its toll. Not only do the nurturer and recipient exchange places, but also the person saying “NO!” to things that the other would want to do has subtly traded voice. This comes a little late in the film. But as you notice that happening you want Piku to allow Bhaskor to live his life. You want to tell her that is the only way he will find release (pun intended) from his constant bickering and obsessing.
Our man not only obsesses about his motions (as you know from the trailer) but is also constantly seeking attention under the garb of hypochondria. He is possessive about his daughter too and you can't miss that slight tinge of fear – fear of being alone. Fear that the child will not fulfill her duty of caring for him as he did for her. He lets out his insecurity too, but not without emotional blackmail. All trademarks of a parent, and dare I say, an Indian parent.
At the same time, he is far from being a traditional parent. He will condemn a woman like an average Indian man of that age. But unlike most men I know from that age group, it is because she choses to stay at home and be dependent on the husband. Quite a contradiction from what he expects from his daughter - a beautiful contradiction because that is not a man-woman thing, it is a parent-child, a more human nature thing.
These subtleties in writing are hard to find in films across the world, let alone mainstream cinema with star power that this one has. And this comes from a first viewing where I've barely overcome the awesome performances and witty dialogue. I also spent a huge portion of the first half trying to get over the constant shouting matches on, on screen. Like I would in real life, I felt like saying, “could you turn it down a notch, people?” And guess what, go to a restaurant or a theater – people are loud – even when they are having fun, and of course when they are arguing.
But hey, if its Amitabh Bachchan shouting, it must be for a reason, right? His character, Bhaskor is such. He is argumentative and adamant. He is the kind of old man that will make you shout, “CUT IT OFF!” Yet, he is as non-standard a dad as it gets. In the larger, more philosophical, attitude towards life kind-of-a-way you are waiting to find something that will make you identify him with some old man you know if not your dad. Because this man has a liberal attitude towards sex; sounds perfectly sane for his age, when he talks about his dislike for women who don't have their personal ambitions . There comes the beauty of contradictions again. The characters that make Piku, the film so real.
Piku, the character on the other hand is easier to identify with. Torn between her career and her familial responsibilities, she hold her own. You wonder how she doesn't lose her temper more often with her father. The impatience seems a little unlikely. Only to realise that she has found outlets in the world outside. She is angry with the world. She is liberal, has a liberal environment but is she liberated?
Rana, their unlikely thus forced companion brings in the balance to the equation. It's not like he doesn't involve himself in the banter, but there is a calmness about his persona - an acceptance, if not resignation, for that thing called life.
Having written so far, I haven't even felt like talking about the performances. If that is not a compliment to the actors in itself, then let me verbalise it. I'm finding it practically impossible to separate the actor from the character. Does it matter then, that Amitabh Bachchan's Bengali accent doesn't seem consistent. You aren't surprised one bit that Bhaskor is the kind of man who'd want the last word and the second-last one too in every single conversation he has. But it doesn't feel consistent that he does go mum when he is offered a new remedy for constipation. That he listens to with rapt attention. The other couple times you catch him going quiet are when a character has behaved contrary to what he had judged him as. He is surprised to not have seen that streak.
And boy am I in love with these actresses who started out as pretty props but now wear their makeup-less, more girl-next-door look on their sleeves? Be it Kangna Ranaut in Queen or Deepika Padukone here. She sounds shrill when she is in a quarrel with a cab driver, but that's what the girl-next-door who shouts at a cab driver would sound like.
About Irrfan Khan, I think I am soon going to stop writing about his performances. They are so enamouring that I find myself repetitive. It is amazing how he can make any character wear his deadpan look and dry humor as if it were his own. A rare case of the actor bringing a part of him to the character and getting away with it.
The actors in smaller roles too have wonderful quirks as characters to make them memorable. Be it Moushumi Chatterjee as the blunt aunt or Jisshu Sengupta as the coy boy or Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury as a reminder of kaka from a Hrishikesh Mukherjee film – be it Anand or Chupke Chupke.
With all this going for Piku, it is a shame then, that I found myself liking the film more while writing about it than while watching it. The simplicity of the plot and the Bengali does make you think of Hrishikesh Mukherjee and that is as good as it gets, right? But, you stop short as soon as you see a product placement and then another. They just make you cringe. Then you start noticing more things you don't like. For example, some of the outbursts seem abrupt and more for the sake of convenience. For a movie about relationships, scenes that linger between two people rather than one scene after another.
And of course, for a person as averse to toilet humor as I am, a film which has poop as a character by itself, is a little hard to digest. Yes, yes, even if it is Amitabh Bachchan's. See what Piku just did there? It made me incorporate my own version of toilet humor in the review. That is its charm.
Piku leaves ample scope for stereotyping Bengalis but I'll resist the temptation to go in that direction. I will say though that their “roshogulla-ness” is taken in perfectly even when they are being nasty and well – passing of motions as emotions.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Naresh Kumar Deoshi, Apun Ka Choice : ...Here’s a movie that you must watch with your parents. It may touch and eventually change just a little something inside all of you. Recommended... full review
Thumbs up, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Having said that, with PIKU as one of the best films of 2015, Hindi film-makers do expand their vision of mainstream cinema exploring new ideas undoubtedly and therefore the film deserves to be seen as a must supporting the progressive move... full review
Thumbs up, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, PIKU is a must watch this season as it brings back the memories of the legendary directors Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee and likes. This is a film that shall grow with word of mouth.... full review
Thumbs up, by Moumita bhattacharjee, Bollywood Life : ...Bengali or not, Piku is a mass family entertainer. This weekend, it will be a mistake not to catch up with her and her Baba’s shitty problems. It is a film that will leave you with tears in your eyes and smile on your lips towards the end.... full review
Thumbs up, by Krish Sripada, Desi Martini : ...Slow-paced but endearing, quirky and laced with a lot of Indian-ness!... full review
Thumbs up, by Sidhant Shori, Desi Martini : ...Great performances by all the leads make this a must watch.... full review
Thumbs up, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...Piku is one of the best films of the year. It’s a must-watch for the thundering trio of Bachchan, Padukone and Khan... full review
Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...End of the day, Piku is Shoojit Sircar’s film. It’s his way of celebrating forgotten cinema by Bengali greats. Whether it’s the music of Anupam Roy, the crisp editing or even the artistic frames captured by the cinematographer, this film openly harks back to the good old days of Satyajit Ray and Bimal Roy. It takes the most ordinary situations from daily life and churns out the kind of drama that’s missing from modern mainstream cinema. There’s a deftness to its emotions. There’s a purpose to every point in the film. Even though this isn’t toilet humour, you have grown adults constantly talking about feces and digestive ailments. It could all put you off. Instead, it draws you in. That’s the hallmark of great cinema. It effortlessly speaks to its audience. It creates magical moments with the most unlikely situations. This one’s definitely to be watched with your family, especially your parents.... full review
Thumbs up, by Gayatri Gauri, FirstPost : ...The final stroke at realism comes when Padukone plays badminton like anything but the daughter of an International champion. She is simply Piku. Sircar’s Piku is khoob bhalo jhaalmuri. Go eat. Digestion guaranteed.... full review
Thumbs up, by Zehra Abbas , fullhyd.com : ...As a tribute to the film's originality, we can proclaim Piku a shitty film - secure in the knowledge that everyone knows it's a compliment.... full review
Thumbs up, by Pankaj Sabnani, Glamsham.com : ...It's amazing how a good script brings out the best in actors and that's exactly the case with PIKU. Deepika Padukone is impressive and how! She just keeps getting better with each film. Amitabh Bachchan plays the annoying constipated father brilliantly. Moushumi Chatterjee is superb. But it's Irrfan Khan who steals the show, hands down! He again shows how versatile he can be. Watch out for the scene in which he which he's discussing his father's death with Amitabh. This film again establishes the versatility of the actor. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Anupama Chopra,, Hindustan Times : ...Piku speaks its truth with simplicity and heart. It made me laugh and cry. And I can get behind any Hindi film in which a father says of his single daughter: "She's financially independent, sexually independent." Bravo.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rajeev Masand,, IBN Live : ...I'm going with four out of five for Piku. Despite being obsessed with all the wrong body parts, it's a film that's full of heart.... full review
Thumbs up, by Arunava Chatterjee , india today : ...Sircar's film is a feel-good, emotional tale, involving human relationships. Rarely do we come across films we can call gems and Piku is bound to touch your heart. Piku is a film easy to digest.... full review
Thumbs up, Indicine : ...Piku maybe wholly about shit and talking about shit, but the quality of the film is anything but shitty. It is enlightening, heartwarming, funny and loveable. You will fall in love with the characters and the tone of the film. Piku is so good that we can’t think of any film which matches up to Piku other than Vicky Donor. If you are a lover of good cinema, if you are a Bengali, if you love to smile during your movies, then there’s no better film than Piku for you this week. A must must watch.... full review
Thumbs up, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...I will go with a MUST WATCH!! It is a rare thing to find directors like Shoojit Sircar who truly understand how strongly a medium like cinema works when you want to emote something so natural... full review
Thumbs up, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...Do watch this one, more so, if you are a Bengali. I bet you won't stop smiling for most of the two-plus hour duration. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...There is no doubt that the film does send across a message, but Sircar does it without sounding preachy or shoving it down the throats of the audience, for which we are grateful... full review
Thumbs up, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...Dum??? Well, this movie has all the dum required for a good overwhelming film. Director Raj Kapoor once said that it's easy to make a hit film, but most difficult to make a good and a simple film. Shoojit Sircar and his team succeeded in making a good and a simple film which cleanses your emotional soul, which has been badly tampered in this materialistic world. The father-daughter bonding will bond everyone with their family in their own way by teaching you the art of living due to which, 'Piku' ends up setting a benchmark of a true and purest film from our time... full review
Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee , NDTV : ...Bengali singer-songwriter-composer Anupam Roy's musical score (his first for a Hindi film) is outstanding, enhancing the film's delicate emotional texture. Piku is an absolute must watch. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sukanya, Rediff : ...I grew so fond of your world in just two hours that I cannot stop missing it. Neither should the audience. I hope they can savour your sweetness, simplicity as well as laugh at your tummy troubles like I have. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...you will love this nutty comedy for its characters that are nuttier still. Much like all of us and the people we love. "Death and shit can come anywhere," says a character. That's quite a philosophy! Watch it, and then watch again. This one's a winner... full review
Thumbs up, by Somdatta Sen, Star Blockbuster : ...Must watch. Bohot bhalo hai.... full review
Thumbs up, by ANUJ KUMAR, The Hindu : ...mitabh Bachchan has approached Bhaskar Banerjee without the baggage of the mega star that he is resulting in it becoming one of his most internalised performances. The scene where he breaks into an impromptu dance after a few pegs is in itself worth the ticket price.... full review
Thumbs up, by Srijana Mitra Das, Times of India : ...With passion, there's precision too, the editing fish-bone sharp, detailing, down to Bhaskor's monkey cap, perfect. Some moments evoke Ang Lee's terrific 'Eat Drink Man Woman'. Others evoke your and my life. Together, Piku makes you shake with laughter. It also makes your heart cry. Don't miss this gentle rollercoaster ride. Piku's motions and emotions must be enjoyed. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Vito Vega, Upper Stall : ... a warm fuzzy feeling of satisfaction washes over you when the lights come on... full review
So-So, by Deepa Gahlot , cinemaah : ...The film is different in the way it sets up relationships and stays unpredictable; it has many warm and funny moments and absolutely wonderful performances from all the actors, even the one-scene appearances. But in the end it is as engaging or amusing as a dinner table conversation about shit... full review
So-So, by Suparna Sharma, Deccan Chronicle : ...AB has shed many inhibitions to play Bhashkor and is, for a change, acting here. An ungainly wig, his brows arched in wary surprise at the world around him, I thought he was at times channelling Harindranath Chattopadhyay, the man who acted only in burlesque to create his own unique stereotype. But AB's Bhashkor is a fluctuating Bengali. He oscillates between a crabby Bengali and Amitabh Bachchan mannerisms. I was entertained but couldn't make a connect with him and for me that's usually impossible. Deepika Padukone, on the other hand, was simmering. Apart from the fact that she is simply luminous and I couldn’t take my eyes off her, she was very good. Despite her compelling screen presence, she was restrained and subtle... full review
So-So, by Ameet Bhuvan, Desi Martini : ...Warm at the core, but not great... full review
So-So, by Johnson Thomas , Free Press Journal : ...The film is interesting and likeable too but after a point it ceases to affect. The constant carping about motions does take it’s toll towards the end. To begin with it felt charming especially because the interplay between father and daughter was so succinct but thereafter when every character begins to get overly involved in it, the charm begins to wear off ... full review
So-So, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...Piku may be a film about difficult fathers and dutiful daughters and charming taxi stand owners, but audiences are likely to leave with crap on their minds.... full review
yuvrajwalunj: #Piku 4star out of 5.
xxJaneeeshhaaa: I can assure you that every single person thoroughly enjoyed #Piku last night in #Perth. Absolutely amazing! ❤️@SrBachchan @deepikapadukone
x_lilyax: "Last year it was Queen & this year it is Piku that touches your heart and brings a large smile on your face as you exit the cinema hall."
wasimbhaihere: Watched #Piku . Best of @deepikapadukone Tremendous response in Chennai. Congrats to the Whole Team
Varshil: Watched #Piku. Try and watch it. Take you’re parents, trust me you won’t regret it. Great performance by @deepikapadukone and @SrBachchan
UshaVavveti: 5/5 rating for a movie these days is like already an award and achievement Well deserved @deepikapadukone @SrBachchan @irrfan_k
tsheringyangzo8: I loved Piku! I want these three together again ! ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️ Rana, Piku , Baba #lovepiku
TravelureAjay: #Piku is a beautiful #RoadTrip! #Travel #Bollywood
The_vaibhavtare: #Piku As Simple and Heart touching Story it can be. Dont Miss It Watch @PikuTheFilmOf @SrBachchan @deepikapadukone
Tanuzararia9: Superb film #Piku
ssdulawat: Lesson from PIKU Accept the people the way they are , we should accept our parents kids friend the way they are Good movie for family
srushti1191: Piku is the sweetest movie I've seen in a long time. @irrfan_k is understated elegance personified.
sonikudikad: #Piku must watch movie with robust sense of humor.
sonakapi: #Piku One of the best movie . #indiandirector Learn something and make sensible movies.
somu_sk: #LovePiku Just saw the Movie .......Have seen Many Road movies but ....... It was awesome Journey with Piku, Bhoskar & Chaudhary
ShreeyaBhardwaj: #Piku is simply an awsm movie. I m very glad 2 say that today also this kind of lovely movie exists..luv u @deepikapadukone @SrBachchan
shivanijadhav15: thats the same thing with me rite now . Last nite i watched piku and it was amazing https://t.co/spG7ckqXdD
shivamvcc: Just saw Piku. Nice watch.
shikhar2907: Piku is a rasuglla of a film drnchd in the sw8tst chaashni u can imagin. @SrBachchan @irrfan_k @deepikapadukone r \m/ http://ish.re/MHWY
SharminTSharna: Its not just a movie #Piku Its a feeling tht u'll never share w8 ur father #UnconditionalLove nd a fear tht u’ll lose him someday @writeonj
Sethumadhavan: #Piku is also the best Hindi film of 2015 so far IMO !
seshak: #piku is must watch . what divine acting by @SrBachchan @deepikapadukone #irfankhan and everyone else
seemanthinic: #Piku story of a perfect modern family. Family so liberated yet grounded by family values. Hilarious yet emotional. Hats off @ShoojitSircar
SawantDivya: Watched Piku last night....such a beautiful film.. take a bow @deepikapadukone @SrBachchan @irrfan_k @ShoojitSircar
sanya1Dforeva: #piku @deepikapadukone all the love you are an amazing actress !! wonderful movie
sacjyo: Piku. Recommended
romitgharat: #Piku what an amazing movie hats off to @SrBachchan and @deepikapadukone #mustwatch #PikuReview
romaanch: Watched #piku twice..what a beautiful piece of cinema..loved every emotion related to motion.
rohitsatiani: #Piku - such a fun witty film.
rohitkaran: Piku is a must watch. Very sweet movie. @SrBachchan
rathod_hardik3: Piku...:) #mustwatch
RanaAyyub: One of the sweetest films i hav seen in a while. #piku
rakeshnath13: amazing movie #piku @PikuTheFilm
rajdandy143: Guy's don't miss to watch #Piku !
rajatsaroraa: This "E-motion Raag" connects instantly and entertains wholesomely. Marvelous in all departments. #Piku is not to be missed!
rajaryank: Piku....wonderful...@SrBachchan and @irrfan_k amazing...@deepikapadukone overrated actress...
PiyaGupta023: #Piku being a bengali myself .blown away by d attention 2 details-All d subtle bengali touches.. Jharna ghee.. Monkeycap..simply awesome ;)
pariharsakshi23: Loved the movie #Piku ...beautiful depiction of how children should treat their parents. perfect blend of acting,story, humour & direction!
pareshkshah: Guys watch PIKU super film and enjoy weekend
ParasSayed: #Piku what's a movie Brilliant brilliant brilliant !!!!
nkhanlive: #Piku A film which highlights the real face of realistic family bonding & problems. Go for this masterpiece & watch it for @SrBachchan
ninja_chaacha: Loved the silence romance between irfan and deepika. Beautifully shown by shoojit. #piku
nidhiK9: watched #Piku with friends seriously enjoyed it @irrfan_k @deepikapadukone @SrBachchan
nehaaa08: Omg piku was sooooooooooooooo good
Mayank199404: Awesome movie #Piku sme one can be so creative with constipation....
MaanviNarcisa: But mostly watch #Piku for @SrBachchan. He is astonishing. How does he do it after all these years? We, mortals, can only guess. :) #Legend
ksjyothi2010: PIKU!!! Loved it...
KryptoKnight23: Watched piku. The best Bollywood film of the year so far.. Good humor and some amazing performances...
khewlcat: Just saw a brilliant film #Piku. It brings out all emotions in you....best performance by @deepikapadukone till date.
khersahib: #Piku looks extremely good. #intervaltweet
Kavee_Mishty: Really enjoyed Piku!!
JitteshShah: Displaying characters to its root and reality is awesome,what a connect, that's what Piku is all about...masterpiece !!!
jeyprakash: #Piku - 4/5 Piku = Feel Good Entertainer + Amazing Performances + Strong script + Solid direction. Each character... https://www.facebook.com/JeyPrakashMovieReview/posts/639986759434544
jazzy_09dj: Watched #PIKU REALLY OSM MUVIE
jain_nisha7: Sweet light movie - Piku...
ItsAPerfectLife: Thank you sir for making such a brilliant movie @ShoojitSircar, loved every bit of it. #Piku :)
ISunilAgnihotri: Amitji,Deepika,Irrfan n Shoojit Sarkar r just Brilliant in Piku.Would recommend Film of d Month is Piku #Piku @ShoojitSircar @SrBachchan
IrrationalProd: Just saw Bollywood movie Piku. Nice movie. Had a great time with it.
imabhi023: Big b you really the father of PK. Thousand sallute to sir... #Piku
iamsreeku10: Good luck for #Piku @deepikapadukone This one will be amazing.. Big love always
hoque_moynal: House full #piku.....well done @depika_padukone
HannaKh: U will laugh, u will cry n u will fall in love vit genius Soojit Sircar's #Piku. Endearing performances by Mr Bachchan,Deepika n Irfan Khan.
gyanderp: Dear @ShoojitSircar, please accept my sincer-est for the absolute cracker of a film that you've made. #Piku
grahamftstyles: PIKU is so good omg loved it!
Govikavaturi: #Piku is one such rare film that needs to be seen with family & for family. Take a bow @irrfan_k @deepikapadukone @SrBachchan @ShoojitSircar
Gopikri88870319: Piku was so touching and hilarious in its every part but for me Amit sir was the one who kept on bringing smile on my face
GhaliahFakhoury: Thank you, @ShoojitSircar & @writeonj. #Piku filled my heart with so much happiness. Enjoyed every bit of it. All appeared so effortless.
gauravsolanki71: #Piku yes sir we watch piku and only in cinama OK...I like this movie very much
foodmantra: I loved #Piku .. Such a sweet film.. Long time since people said so much in so less words.. #Bollywood less drama, more substance
FarhanaRoma: Watched piku last night had tears and smile on my face... it's such a awesome movie.
fa0cd85251134a5: Nic #Piku
EFAnamika: After Thursday....I have slept so peacefully...#Piku was like a healing touch @srbachchan
easynut: #Piku is such a wonderful movie. Well made @ShoojitSircar @irrfan_k
Dwarak_M: Piku is a brilliant brilliant movie. Absolutely loved it. Must watch!! Fabulous work- @SrBachchan @deepikapadukone #Piku
drranjanirao: PIKU is a class act by Mr B Dipika an Irfan!!!!
dikshita: What a refreshingly funny movie! #Piku @deepikapadukone @SrBachchan @irrfan_k
digvijayghosh: #Piku a great movie to take your mind off things; like picking up part of a life and sharing it with others; ends as naturally as it began..
Digital_Hello: Piku - Superb Movie.Bachchan is superb.. old wine .. stronger with time !!
dgarpan: Piku - an awesome movie...enjoyed every minute in the theatre.
DDibbipihu: Awesome movie #funny#diffn8role of#mramitabh Bach an #Piku
cynic_wall: Because i am so not over #Piku yet Its a must must watch. Extraordinary performances by @SrBachchan @irrfan_k n @deepikapadukone
chachra42: Watch Piku. Dont miss.you will love.
bondedvagabond: #Piku...amazing infinitely..
BirdLarry68: I could totally relate to almost every other scene of #Piku.Extremely sweet n beautiful movie .@deepikapadukone @SrBachchan class apart acts
Bea_Dickson: Piku was so touching and hilarious in its every part but for me Amit sir was the one who kept on bringing smile on my face
babumoshoy: Expecting @ShoojitSircar 's #Piku to win Oscar. Academy of 'Motion' Picture Arts & Sciences rewarding a film on 'motion' is only natural.
Baawli__Booch: #PIKU Straightly goes to my favourite movie list for some reason . :) This movie made my whole week .
ayandas34: Watched this looovely movie called #PIKU @PikuTheFilm Evrybody should watch this. It was Great @deepikapadukone @SrBachchan @irrfan_k
AvtarPanesar: 4.5 Stars PIKU http://www.melbartsfash.com/112962
avisek_pandey: Watched the film #piku today..... wonderful @SrBachchan u r really above all. @deepikapadukone #fullfun
AmitabhUpdate: 'PIKU' Review: Must-watch for the thundering trio of Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone... http://www.snsanalytics.com/9Ixpy6 http://twitter.com/AmitabhUpdate/status/596923564596428800/photo/1
AliaBhattFan01: Watched Piku! @deepikapadukone and @SrBachchan were phenomonal! My favouite movie of this year and one of my all time favourites! #Piku
AKSHAY_K_KOSHIK: Watched #Piku in my sense it is a good movie with light comedy...love d way acting of @SrBachchan @deepikapadukone @irrfan_k #PikuReview
akshaj23: Another movie @deepikapadukone playing role of architect I think she likes this profession #PikuDay #Piku watched amazing storyline loved it
akashkalp: Piku was funny and real..a rare combination @ShoojitSircar you are brilliant
Agragami: Never thought would njoy movie on constipation so much. Motion has moved emotions #Piku @SrBachchan
addzz8: BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW EF'S - for OUR NÚMERO UNO @SrBachchan 's #Piku HURRRRRRY !!!!!!!!!!! I HAVE SEEN IT
abhisboss: #Piku it's like in end I, felt still there would be something more. I was still glued to the seat. Sircar u made us laugh from the stomach
abhi08me01: As Simple n Heart touching Story . Dont Miss It #Piku !
abhayojha: Shit shit...#Piku whole movie talk about shit but what great shit to watch ☺Oscar winning performance by @deepikapadukone take bow...
aattuull6: Achi movie hai #Piku
AaruC: #Piku is a very simple yet very powerful film. An absolute must-watch. Like @gradwolf said, very Woody Allen-esque.
9b7b1bb620f944c: Piku excellent movie...worth to see..
97Fafalashok: Piku best movie
5hbootypoppin: IM LOVING #PIKU THIS MOVIE IS SO CUTE @PikuTheFilm
1166584Bhatia: just watched piku Amazing performance by @deepikapadukone @SrBachchan @irrfan_k
_fbm0: Just watched piku..Can't stop smiling..loved it @deepikapadukone @irrfan_k @SrBachchan
KRajeshchauhan: Average #Piku
unearthlyswank: I dint like Piku, too much of potty in it.
PRABHAKARMUNISH: Piku turns out to be a real shit movie
Jose2United: Ironically, Piku is a shit movie
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: None.
- Language: No abusive language.
- Nudity & Sexual content: No intimacy on screen. But a few scenes with talk about sex, pre-marital sex, casual sex and virginity.
- Concept: Father-daughter relationship that also subtly observes our society the way it is.
- General Look and Feel: Creates a warm ambiance.
![[Facebook page of Piku]](/static/images/icons/facebook_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Twitter account of Piku]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
![[YouTube channel of Piku]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of Piku]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of Piku]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (35)
BIG B looks in fine form in the promos. Ditto for Irrfan. Add to that Deepika's star value, hopefully Piku emerges a winner. Fingers crossed! Either this one's gonna be one of the year's best films or one that flatters to deceive and fizzles out. Hopefully its the former.
@Anuj: "BIG B", huh? In my household we call him "Bachchan-ji" - and Abhishek "Bachchan Junior". :D
Sounds interesting - of course, how successful that is depends on if he's able to throttle back his Bachchan-ness enough to play just another colorful senile old coot, or if (as often happens when Bachchan-ji tries to play an average person) his star power and presence swamps the movie. It's not necessarily a bad thing if that's kind of the point, but it could be off-putting it you're expecting something other than "The Amitabh Bachchan Show".
Seeing the trailer, I kind of have hopes that Irrfan Khan might prove to be a suitable foil to him, because he does dry amusement very well - which may be just the thing this movie needs to keep it from getting too-too.
Love the Bengali tone , i thing it would be a Laugh Riot
@Meeta : Thanks for informing me that I'm "not interested in watching" this film, but unfortunately I am INDEED very very interested in catching up on this one. It seems like you've made a habit of twisting or censoring my comments as well as my ratings!
Agree with most of the review except the part where Shoojit's first movie is mentioned. It's not 'Vicky Donor', but 'Yahaan'.
@TimELiebe Yeah, that is what he is affectionately called - Big B.
I have to disagree. If there is one star who makes you forget who you are watching it is Amitabh Bachchan. I still can't get his performance in Eklavya out of my mind even though I didn't quite like the film. I felt the same way while watching Piku's trailer.
@Anup I sure hope so!
@Anuj I'm sorry. I don't understand what you are saying. It shows to me as "Anuj has given this movie a Want to Watch". This part of the comments section did have a glitch but it has been sorted for a bit.
I don't remember twisting your comments. But, yes I sure do censor your comments to maintain healthy conversations in this forum.
@Dattaprasad Apologies. I meant it as his name reminds me of the film. Corrected it. Thank you for pointing it out. :D
This is the first time that Deepika is looking like she can also act. She's improved a lot since her initial days. She used to be show piece in those says. About Irrfan and Big B.... you can't ever get enough of them. And to that Shoojit Sircar's direction. What more do you need to take out time to watch a movie.
Such a simplicity , such a freshness.
Soojit and Hirani are two of such directors who can make a movie using toilet humor , still its a family movie.
And the Bengali tone , if Irfan would not have been there then it would have felt totally like a Bengali Film , a flavour which has been nicely done before in KAHAANI but not in such perfection as that was a crime thriller and was totally missing in BARFI and BYOMKESH BAKSHI.
Back to Back three entertaining sober movies , great work Soojit.
I havnt seen YAHAAN his directorial debut but i have heard that it was a good movie too. Certainly have to watch it now.
@Anup : Did you just refer to Madras Cafe as a "sober" movie? Its was a superb movie no doubt, but sober is not exactly the kind of term anyone should associate with that!
Really, Meetu? You ended up liking the film that much, after a preview that sounded like you were about to dismiss it altogether? Well, now we have to see it! :)
As for "forget you are watching" Amitabh Bachchan? I was thinking more his character in Teen Patti than Eklavya, which you may remember we loved Loved LOVED!
But, though I'm not explaining it very well, I'd say that proves my point even as you say it disproves it: It's precisely because Eklavya is played by Amitabh Bachchan that he becomes a great and memorable character. He is a genuine movie star, of the old-school like that few actors in any part of the world can claim to be - Sean Connery and Toshiro Mifune are the only other actors I can think of who have a similar blend of grace and strength.
Anyway, it's great to hear that this is more than a great actor amusing himself with poop jokes.... :D
@Anuj you typed your name as Anup :'D (I think this is the second time it is happening. Freudian slip?)
@TimELiebe My preview sounded like I was going to dismiss it? Where? How?
I think I get what you are trying to say now. Amitabh Bachchan makes the character memorable because of him and thus making the character more about him than the character itself. Hmmm...that I guess, he is guilty of. I was talking about the other kind of stars. The kind that make you forget the character and can't stop reminding you of the actor.
Would love to hear what you think of Piku. It has a theatrical release in the US, I know my friends in Atlanta are going this weekend.
Anuj- Of coarse its a great movie , i just used SOBER as a word which can complement all the three movies , As i haven't described all the three movies individually.
@Meeta : Nope. There's some glitch from the back end!
Direction: 2.5
Story: 0.5
Lead Actors: 2
Character Artists: 2
Dialogues: 1.5
Screenplay: 2.5
Music Director: 1.5
Lyrics: 1
lol anuj and anup !!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DycrSIo3btc
@Anuj ha ha ha. No this one is surely not a technical glitch. If you note the link to the user profile* which is generated by the backend has the name as Anuj. That is how I knew the post was by Anuj and not Anup. The backend uses the registered e-mail ID and not the user name.
@Suman wow! That's harsh! Would be great if you could tell what you didn't like.
And literally laughed out loud while watching the video. Thanks for sharing.
~ ~ ~
*line which currently reads: Anuj has given this movie a Want to Watch . Anuj has posted 776 comments and has rated 68 movies.
I am all excited to watch this movie!
Film is more concerned about Constipation?
Piku is an evocative family drama that tugs at our heartstrings and delivers a serious message about life in an altogether non-serious manner. It teaches us about the meaningfulness of life while depicting how most of us fail to savor its true pleasures while we still can.
Here's the link to my review of Piku
http://www.apotpourriofvestiges.com/2015/05/piku-2015-shoojit-sircars-evocative.html
Two hours well spent!! This simple has so much to offer. As Murtaza Ali puts in the last comment, "It teaches us about the meaningfulness of life while depicting how most of us fail to savor its true pleasures while we still can."
Bollywood is really growing by each passing year. When you see divas like Deepika cast in a close to reality role like this, with minimal make up, you know that our film industry is on the right path. What is more comforting is when these types of films do good business at the box office. Films are no more just a way out of our frustrated lives. They are no more some medium to provide escape. A big thumbs up from me.
Sadly, Meetu - we didn't get Piku - we got Bombay Velvet instead. :(
Because Syracuse, NY only has one screen for Indian cinema since the Palace in Eastwood stopped showing Bollywood films, despite us having a large Southern Asian community here.
Guess everybody has the ErosNow app instead.....
Fabulous movie. Supreme performance by the leading trio! Piku is a much more refined and pleasant version of a father-child relationship than many of the over-rated attempts bollywood has made in the past. 4/5
Anuj / Anup confusion? Deja vu. Well spotted Meetu.
::My preview sounded like I was going to dismiss it? Where? How?::
Your comments about the Preview sounded like you weren't expecting much but a poop joke comedy with an overqualified cast, Meetu. I was really pleasantly surprised as how much you ended up liking this movie, based on what you'd said about it in your Preview.
Isn't it nice to have a film exceed your expectations? :)
@TimELiebe Actually, I was looking forward to the film and I thought that's what the preview says. I was just hoping it wouldn't be only about constipation, which it isn't. Anyway, that's history. I highly recommend the film even though some of it's dialogue is in Bengali and a lot might be lost in translation of emotion in the sub-titles.
::even though some of it's dialogue is in Bengali and a lot might be lost in translation of emotion in the sub-titles.::
Welcome to MY world, Meetu! ;)
@TimELiebe I can imagine. Very recently, we had this conversation of how much we must be losing out on cultural references in films, even if we understand the language.
Finally got the opportunity to watch Piku.
A gem of a film few blemishes apart. Amitabh Bachhan has played the 70 year old dad to the hilt. Not even once did I feel that I was watching Amitabh. In each scene that he was present his mannerisms, expressions, utterings were almost genuine. Hats off to such a performance.
Deepika Padukone was mesmerising. Barring one random glitch like HNY (or FF) she has been on a roll since Cocktail.
The film has no story, and yet I was glued to it from the start to finish. Speaks tons about the director to make an absorbing full length feature film without any real story.
All other performances are in line with expectations.
For 2015, knowing the few films that are still lined up for release, it would be a safe guess to state that Amitabh Bachhan is guaranteed one more best actor trophy (sorry Bajrangi bhai). And Deepika is guaranteed one more best actress trophy (even if Bajirao Mastani excels then she would get it for BM but in the whole it is guaranteed).
@Fan Indeed, indeed. I think a good film under your belt is award enough :P
Finally got to see it - and, although it is about constipation, it's also about a great deal more than that. Amitabh Bachchan does a brilliant job playing a cranky, opinionated old coot who expects his daughter to take care of him, even as he wants her to be as liberated as possible - and who, under all the crankiness loves her very much. Deepika Padukone is marvelous as the daughter, who gives as good as she gets to everyone, which terrifies people who don't know her well. And Irrfan Khan (just billed as "Irrfan" here) matches both as the wryly sensible but proud car service company owner who ends up driving them to from Dehli to Kolkata.
It's a "little" movie, a slice of life really - with major stars doing some of their best work. As the movie progresses and you see Pakukone's Piku try and hide her smile as Irrfan's Rana gets sucked into her family's insanity and deals with it believably, or their shared expression of exasperated amusement at some of Bhaskor or the rest of her family's antics, is in a small way heartwarming - they don't "fall in love", but they become their best selves around each other and clearly enjoy being together.
Everybody but Tammy loved it - Tammy refused to watch it, because as she said, "'Everybody Poops' - With Amitabh Bachchan? Pass!" It was realistically funny, believably poignant, and romantic without any "romance scenes" - unless you count Piku and Rana casually playing badminton together while dealing with their professional and home lives.
It's wonderful - and I'm glad we finally got around to seeing it.
If you haven't seen it - see it.
@TimELiebe Tammy refuses to watch it even after you have reviewed it so?
@TimELiebe Tammy refuses to watch it even after you have reviewed it so?
Yep, Meeta - she didn't even want to hear about it. :(
To be fair, another part of the problem for her might be just how closely Piku and Bhaskor resemble our best friend and her mother, who live in connecting apartments and the daughter's never gotten married. We spent a lot of time during the last month with them, because our friend underwent major surgery and we were there to lend moral and any actual support we could (even though we now live a six-hour drive away) - Tammy basically spent two weeks living with a Parent/Adult Daughter relationship similar to the one in the movie!
Guess Tammy will just have to not have seen this one.... ::sigh::
@TimELiebe aah. I have always found it interesting how our personal, real-life experiences influence or reel likes and dislikes
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