Piku

Innocent, honest, thoughtful, funny, that is what is ‪#Piku‬. The movie leaves you with a weird sense of responsibility, something we all know but don't want to accept Or have forgotten down the road. The movie will come across as a slow paced in some scenes but that is not really the case, it is just the building up of emotional connect that the scene needs with the audience. Even though the movie portrays a Bengali family, I am sure all families in India can relate to the struggles and laughters that this family goes through. All the actors are just so fine in their craft that you end up believing that you are watching someone's life and not a movie. Still thinking? Don't! Just go watch a movie where the acting is as real as it can get. In the end, if nothing works for you, then you'll at least learn a few tips on how to deal with constipation! :)

The film begins with a soothing sitar recital in the titles and then the film straight away steps on to the 3rd gear in its first sequence itself showcasing the father-daughter having a tensed, high pitched conversation. The few other key characters in the script get quickly introduced in the next 20 minutes with fast intercuts between its short scenes and the progression never really gives you some time even to look at your mobile phone (following the routine habit). In the middle PIKU turns into a road movie with the team of four (Amitabh, Deepika, Irrfan and the servant) deciding to go to Kolkatta via road (car) from Delhi and then the city of joy greets you well with another impressive Bengali couple strongly demanding your attention with their noticeable act. Its final moments make you feel the pain of separation with moist eyes and the climax leaves you thinking on an indecisive note, probably shying away from having a routine, predictable end.

Based on a unique and unusual plot about constipation, PIKU is certainly not an easy film to make as it doesn't have any descriptive storyline and it more or less remains predictable too once its basic premise gets revealed in the initial moments. The topic of toiler humour is quite difficult to express in dialogues being spoken on dinner tables but Juhi does it superbly establishing the loving relationship between the old age father and his daughter in the early thirties. The sequences keep delivering many enjoyable moments and good laughs regularly till the finale and one doesn't feel tired at all watching only 4-5 characters in the entire film simply conversing with each other on the topic of constipation. In other words, the film has no conflict as such (as it was there in VICKY DONOR) but Sircar still successfully manages to make it all fun and nothing boring or dragging with an amazing ease reminding you of the classic films from Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee.

An intelligent film made straight from the heart, PIKU fearlessly talks about many serious issues in a comical mode such as old age ailment, the lonely life of a widower or a widow when their grown up kids are willing to start their own family, the attention seeking nature of old people and the nostalgia they like to keep living in remembering the gone era. It focuses on a weird, over-indulgent father who feels no shame in telling a stranger that his young daughter is not a virgin and a visibly frustrated but caring daughter who only has the topic of constipation to talk about on the phone even when she is sitting in a restaurant on a dinner date.

Besides the best part of the film turns out to be its particular scenes and dialogues dealing with Bengali language, culture and the city of Kolkatta, making it a visual treat to enjoy along with the touching relationships developing between its various characters. Musically, PIKU has few average but soothing numbers from singer- songwriter-composer Anupam Roy (his debut Hindi project) perfectly suiting the mood of the film. Plus the beautiful cinematography, crisp editing (though too quick at times) and casual costumes designed quite authentically establish an instant connection with the viewer enhancing its overall impact.

Moving into performances, though the film has two towering male personalities having their own distinctive screen presence known to all, the film still completely belongs to Deepika Padukone alone as conveyed by the title PIKU that happens to be her nickname (the original name not mentioned anywhere). The actress truly gives another career best performance as the young, casual, middle class, working girl (with minimal make-up) who has twinkling eyes, killer looks and an adorable controlled grin that slowly makes you fall in love as the film proceeds further.

Amitabh Bachchan as Banerjee is a sheer delight to watch and that too minus his baritone voice in an eccentric kind of character conversing in an enjoyable Bengali tone. He is simply outstanding slipping into a different body of an old man annoyed of his own non- existing or self-assumed diseases. And I really doubt we have any other actor around who could be giving these kinds of performances at the age of 70. Completing the trio, Irrfan Khan as expected plays the travel agency owner with an incredible perfection. The way he calls out his drivers to take up different duties and his entertaining interactions with Amitabh Bachchan on the road trip generate a good laugh in the theatres.

In the supporting cast, that always has been the highlight of a Shoojit Sircar film we have the return of Moushumi Chatterjee on screen as the talkative Mausi who is delightful talking with Amitabh Bachchan about his dead wife, her sister. Raghuvir Yadav makes a decent impact as the friendly doctor and then the actors playing the Bengali couple, Irrfan's family and the accompanying servant, all remain fairly entertaining in their respective roles, particularly the servant.

Having praised the film whole heartedly, I still found PIKU as a project majorly made only to entertain its audiences (and not enlighten them), focusing less on the drama and emotional aspect of the relationships that happened to be the key element of films of Hrishi Da and Basu Da. Music being the soul of our Hindi films, the melody was once again missing though the lyrics were right there expressing it fine. Moreover it simply touches many sensitive issues of life but avoids getting into them in details fearing the viewer's loss of interest.

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.

The trailers told us what to expect, and the film definitely lives up to what it endorses. Piku may have taken the subject of constipation quite too seriously, but it really is a realistic depiction of (familial) relationships.

Story of a septuagenarian Bhaskor (Bachchan) who is more concerned about his health issues, especially his holiday tummy, has a daughter named Piku (Padukone). Piku takes care of Bhaskor like a child SHOULD take care of her parent. And that is what the primary theme of the film is, and it slightly preaches that towards the end. Although one cannot call the film preachy, it does convey a message or two.

The plot begins with Bhaskor diagnosing his Delhi belly and ends when he finally empties his bowels, literally. His violent relationship with his digestive system is the reason he acts temperamental, which has far-reaching effects, mostly on Piku. How Piku tackles his snappiness forms the essential part of the film. It is appealing to watch the story unfold, and if one concentrates on the natural dialogs that are delivered by the characters, one is sure to lay back and enjoy a hearty chuckle. The humor is natural and the family ambiance is ideal for an afternoon watch with your family.

How old age has to be handled the same way infancy is handled should be learned by the titular character, played beautifully by gorgeous Padukone. She is shimmering throughout the frames, but for me personally, Bachchan takes the pie. His portrayal is simply fantastic. That brings the attention to the perfect casting done by the makers; Irrfan is phenomenal and so are the pillaring cast. The subject of constipation is so comprehensively addressed one doubts if it is a guide for dummies. The soundtrack and score by newcomer Anupam Roy sounds repetitive, but strictly complements the theme of the film, which is part road drama.

BOTTOM LINE: Soojit Sircar has carved something essential in Bollywood with Piku - a fine story whose effect may not stay for long, but its themes and performances certainly remembered in years to come. 7/10 - recommended.

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

Wow...! I expect this level of expression from Bollywood. In the midst of nonsense and illogical movies, comes a piece of powerful and sentimental love,emotion and drama. It is based on a Father - Daughter relationship which people may call weird but, in fact it is depiction of situations of all old and sick parents in the world, specially India. Why should u watch it ? Because Bachchan Sir has given us a memorable and subjective touch through his acting as Piku's father. It shows how a daughter never forgets her duties even when his father irritates her by impulsive and relentless behavior. It shows how a man accepts death happily. It shows love is not a treaty. It takes us to a life changing journey from Delhi to Calcutta by road ! Just exchange of thoughts and love sprouts from strangest of places with strangest of people no matter what are the circumstances. Irfan is as expected, Deepika fits to the role, Amitabh sir is unforgettable.

Shoojit Sircar reigns supreme as his latest offering 'Piku', is a hugely entertaining, simple & sweet film, that also has some amazing performances working for it. Here's a film that has humor, emotions & the pace, one expected from it.

'Piku' examines the life of a father & daughter, along-with a dry-humored car-hiring company owner/chauffeur.

'Piku' is about relationships & responsibility. The narrative wonderfully narrates the relationship of an overbearing, constipated father & his hard-working daughter. Even the part of the car-hiring company owner is so nicely written. In fact, the diversity between its primary characters is what makes 'Piku' such an absorbing watch. There are moments when you laugh-out-loud & there are times when your heart just melts. You feel for the characters & that kind of connect, is a huge bonus for any film.

While the first-hour builds-up the structure of the film with some hilarious moments, the second-hour shifts into the emotional zone, especially in the penultimate portions. 'Piku' is a lovely blend of humor & emotions.

Juhi Chaturvedi's Screenplay is first-class. She has created a world of difficult, diverse minds with precision. A Special Mention for the fantastic dialogue all through. Shoojit Sircar's Direction is excellent. Sircar is only getting better & better with every film. He's undoubtedly, among the most precious filmmakers working in the Hindi Film Industry today! Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, are superb. Music & Background Score by Anupam Roy is wonderful.

Performance-Wise: 'Piku' is enriched by amazing performances. Deepika Padukone is at her natural best as Piku, the daughter of a selfish father, who's torn between responsibility & her own ambitions. Deepika is believable & affecting throughout. Amitabh Bachchan, as the selfish & constipated old-man, is outstanding. Right from speaking Bengali with the correct dialect, to delivering some of the spiciest lines, the legend doesn't seem to miss a single beat. Irrfan is fabulous. He's given some of the film's best moments & the talented actor only elevates those moments with his superior act. Moushumi Chatterjee is flawless. Its so nice to see the veteran back after a hiatus. Raghuvir Yadav & Jishu Sengupta lend able support.

On the whole, 'Piku' is one enjoyable ride! Go, have a good time! Recommended!