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! :)

Piku is one gem of a movie - a film that is as realistic as it is charming, as beautiful as it is brilliantly humorous. Soojit Sircar's able directorial efforts on Juhi Chaturvedi's excellent script turn it into an ineffable film experience. With its quirky and eccentric characters, the film adopts a persistent sense of everyday realism which makes the overall product consistently engaging, funny, moving and fascinating. Piku is comic and dramatic in equal parts, but more than its substance, it is a true visual treat. What starts as a nice domestic picture concentrating on the routine of its lead players in what is clearly reminiscent of the old Hrishikesh Mukherjee classics, it takes a turn of events to become an eminently watchable and breathtakingly shot road movie. It never drags for one minute, often making you wish it wouldn't end as quickly as it eventually did.

The film presents one of the most authentic and credible father-daughter relationships ever recorded on film. In so doing, it celebrates values of children looking after their aging parents, values which certainly prevail in a country like India and which gradually disappear from the common consciousness of the current youth. The main character Piku's responsibility towards her ailing father, her patience towards his annoying habits and oversmart nature, is captured with terrific detail, and not for a moment does it veer into cliche. Her almost maternal care of him is never portrayed with overdone sentimentality, sweet talk, or much physical interaction. Her love is selfless and unconditional, and it's proven in actions rather than words. In that respect it reminds one of Mrinal Sen's classic Khandhar, where Shabana Azmi took care of her bedridden mother.

The soulful delivery could not have been possible without the acting, and Piku, both the film and the character, reveals Deepika Padukone as an actor who, at her best, has the rare ability to grasp the complex realities of the human condition. Easily irritable, no-nonsense, always under the pressure of her struggle, she is fully in sync with her character, capturing the flawed nature of Piku with tremendous subtlety. Hers is a portrait of true selflessness and strength. At the same time, Amitabh Bachchan offers a poignant study of old age experience. His mastery of the essence and meaning of growing old and of this ultra-annoying yet touchingly endearing man is phenomenal in a performance that is remarkably well-detailed, nuanced and naturalistic. To think that this towering star-actor would ever approach his parts with the sensibility of character actors is a treasure to behold.

These two work wonderfully opposite each other, but the rest of the cast are all brilliant living their parts. Obviously Irfan's quiet, effortless charisma is undeniable, and his performance vies for top honours despite perhaps being given the status of a supporting actor here. He is dependable all through, and this touch of mystery where you never know what exactly this guy is thinking is as great as ever. In a small part with almost no lines, but being present in almost every scene, Avijit Dutt is reliably good. Yesteryear star Moushumi Chatterjee is also very good in a role that would certainly remind you of some woman you know. But Piku has no stars, is a film which conveys simple and meaningful messages, and it does so through pure entertainment. The constipation part is a recurring comic motif here, but the reinforcement of the divine duty to honour one's parents is stronger.

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.

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

Director Mr. #SoojitSircar has done wonderful job. He was very clear about the emotions of every character. He has taken far ahead the script by his visualization. Writer #JuhiChaturvedi breaks the all taught grammar of a script but still succeeded to posses its soul. Hats off to her. She had just an idea on the name of story but she developed this beautifully which was not an easy work. Screenplay is good. Dialogues are sweet and witty. Writing and direction are so gelled that it is hard to believe that actually that is written by two persons. Both were creatively tuned on the same note. This film is a great example that good rapport of writer and director can even carry a very thin subject to an entertaining flick. All characters are very real. You start believing them very soon. Love scenes are realistic, unusual but project the correct emotions. Film is slow but you still enjoy it throughout like home made food. You will be wearing smile and sometimes burst in laughter too. Brilliant performance by all actors is icing on the cake. One can watch any film just for Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. He is par excellence. Deepika Padukone is one of very fine actor, who can carry very glamorous character as well as hard core real, authentic and girl next door role with ease and conviction. Irrfan Khan is fabulous. Moushumi Chatterjee and Raghuvir Yadav are very good. Music by Anupam Roy and lyrics by Manoj Yadav and Anupam Roy are impressive.