Sanket’s Review: Piku

Piku Cast: Deepika padukone, Amitabh bachchan, Irrfan Khan
Length: 125 minutes approx
Director: Shoojit Sircar

Now knowing the prowess of Sircar, the man who made that flawed but charming “Vicky Donor” or the over-ambitious but yet brave “Madras café”, one could safely expect atleast a good one time watch film from PIKU. But this film is not only his best film so far but also one of the best films made recently. A film that trespasses various issues pertaining to health, age, the irreverence in a parent-child relationship or even nostalgia. The last time a film tried to pack so many thoughtful and relevant issues together was that innocent and likeable “The Lunchbox” although the film couldn’t really exploit all of its emotions in a go.

But “Piku” coasts along like a fresh wind. Without giving separate introductions to three distinct characters, when its all about the characters in the film, PIKU weaves the traits of character nicely in scenes and brings a very real tone to the film. So if we see the father and daughter constantly bantering or bickering or even rudely telling “I wasn’t talking to you” each other every time, then in next few gem of moments we also see how subliminally these characters are so attached and yet so strong. Juhi Chaturvedi pens a masterstroke angle by not manifesting they-fight-a-lot-but-they-love in the narrative. Without a shed of spoon-feed the film sweeps away our heart at multiple occasions.

The film also has a big part of Road Journey and that’s the whole portion where a new dimension to the family in form of driver cum owner Irrfan Khan steps in and experiences humorous yet real journey and also shares his pearls of wisdom in as to how should one use his commode to get rid of constipation in a hilarious episode.

The only part where one might not fully be satisfied is that the film doesn’t have a specific goal from beginning. It might stick you at couple of portions. But that’s it. The film is so engaging that one doesn’t really want to think of anything but the three well written characters.

The film boasts of some nice songs especially the “Journey song” and the well-used “Bezubaan”. The writing is terrific and successful in creating moments that one can cherish forever. Also the film at point will bring tears in buckets which you might not be able to stop them even if you want to. Yes, its that strong a film! Shoojit Sircar has done a great job with this film and has brought out some crackling performances even from bit players like – Massi, or the Servant.

The film belongs to each three of them. Irrfan Khan gets the role perfect to the T. He just shines across in his scenes and maintains terrific chemistry even in mildly romantic scenes or the fascinating repo with Big B with whom he argues, shares great health knowledge and also teaches a lesson or two! While Big B just couldn’t have got better. He is unthinkably good and wins your heart even in a character that might irritate you the moment you meet him. And that’s why a great acror remains a great actor. While Deepika Padukone surprisingly stands tall to these mavericks of performers. She is so good in her titular part that one forgets that its her in the first scene. Absolutely terrific!

A film like PIKU is rare to come by and one should grab the opportunity without hesitation. If family entertainer has any literal meaning, PIKU is the one. A family which in truest form brings out some real moments, without a single moment of preachy idea, that predominantly exists today. Don’t miss it.

Rating – 4/5

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32 Comments
  1. sputnik 9 years ago

    Thanks for the review Sanket. Will definitely check this one out. I liked both Vicky Donor and Madras Cafe by Shoojit Sircar.

  2. rupam { xhobdo } 9 years ago

    Watched PIKU truly brilliant film.
    Great to read your review.

  3. aryan 9 years ago

    Will try to watch tomorrow.

  4. sputnik 9 years ago

    Piku Has Huge Growth On Day Two
    Friday 09 May 2015 23.30 IST
    Box Office India Trade Network

    Piku has had huge growth on Saturday with collections looking to go to 7 crore nett. They could even be higher as growth can be 50% from Friday. The film grossed around 5 crore nett on day one and will be 12 crore nett plus in two days. This gives the film a chance for a 20 crore nett plus weekend which would be decent especially considering the start.

    The film which mainly collected at premium multiplexes on Friday but all multiplexes showed good jumps on Saturday. The business outside the premium multiplexes is still low but there is a trend there.

    The collections in Mumbai city, Pune, Delhi city, Gurgaon, Kolkata and Bangalore were good on Saturday and if other major cities give a good performance on Sunday it may have a chance of success though it will need tor run well after week one.

    The collections of Kuch Kuch Locha Hai had very poor collections all over and will hardly gross 75 lakh nett on day one.

  5. Tall Pike 9 years ago

    Saw the movie, mildly liked it, perhaps for the towering performance of Deepika.

    Irfan was excellent too, he disappears efficiently in his role.

    But the movie was let down because it does not have an compelling arc to which one could get vested to; because the potty humor after a while appears too forced; because Amitabh Bachchan just get did rise up to the requirements of the role or measure up to Deepika and or Irrfan.

    At the end of the day, a better actor in The Bashkor Banerjee’s role could have salvaged the film. I would have loved to see Naseeruddin Shah or even Sanjay Mishra. Amitabh’s mannerism in the movie are not consistent, nor serve a purpose. Like the potty humor, they appear forced. For years people said, Abhishek Bachchan is Amitabh’ son, PIKU will make people say that Amitabh Bachchan is Abhishek’s father.

  6. sputnik 9 years ago

    Good review Sanket. I liked it but its a bit loud at times with all the yelling. I was expecting a somewhat bigger purpose or twist in the climax but there wasn’t.

    “The film belongs to each three of them. Irrfan Khan gets the role perfect to the T. He just shines across in his scenes and maintains terrific chemistry even in mildly romantic scenes or the fascinating repo with Big B with whom he argues, shares great health knowledge and also teaches a lesson or two! While Big B just couldn’t have got better. He is unthinkably good and wins your heart even in a character that might irritate you the moment you meet him. And that’s why a great acror remains a great actor. While Deepika Padukone surprisingly stands tall to these mavericks of performers. She is so good in her titular part that one forgets that its her in the first scene. Absolutely terrific!”

    Agree.

    • yakuza 9 years ago

      ” I was expecting a somewhat bigger purpose or twist in the climax but there wasn’t.”

      Actually that’s the unique beauty of movie which is clicking hugely with audience .. so simple, elegant and yet lovable. Most importantly audience is learning some beautiful lessons of life without any lecture.

      • Tall Pike 9 years ago

        The movie cannot be called simple and elegant. It is more layered than anything we have seen out of Bollywood. My mild appreciation, inspite of a missing leg on this three legged stool, was because the story brings in a lot of dept on all sides. We learn for example about Irrfan’s backgrounds and experiences in Saudi Arabia, the insecurities of Bhaskor’s sister in law. These element allow us to overcome the absense of a decent actor in Bhaskor’s role.

        Then again with the constant yelling and discussion of the potty humor, this is far from elegant, hence cannot call this movie elegant.

        The layers which I liked, will make the movie boring for the single screen audience. The constant yelling and analysis of “shit”, will more or less keep then away.

        But this movie has enough merit that still shines through. Notice Deepika’s fury when Bhaskor goes for a ride by himself.

        Notice Irrfan’s disgust when Bhaskor talk about his father’s death.

        If only Amitabh could likewise emote that well. Even after the ride in Kolkotta, we see no pay off. We should have seen Amitabh like a candied apple dripping with sheer joy and satisfaction, but instead we still see him like some dried Chinese bitter melon.

      • sputnik 9 years ago

        I just mentioned that “I was expecting a somewhat bigger purpose or twist in the climax but there wasn’t.” but I did not mind that there was no bigger purpose or twist in the climax. That is why I said “Its a simple true to life story about an old and somewhat annoying father being taken care of by his daughter.” in my comment in the movies you watched this month thread.

        “Most importantly audience is learning some beautiful lessons of life without any lecture.”

        Yeah it is good that there were no lectures. The other good thing of the movie is that there was no melodrama. Even at the end there is no crying and all. Just accepting it as matter of fact.

  7. yakuza 9 years ago

    Piku Has Extraordinary Growth On Saturday

    Sunday 10 May 2015 11.30 IST

    Box Office India Trade Network
    Piku showed huge growth of 65% plus on Saturday which is extraordinary. It is very rare that this sort of growth happens. The first day business hardly gave the film a chance but day the phenomenal growth on day two has changed the scenario.The approx first two day business of Piku is as follows.

    Friday – 5,00,00,000

    Saturday – 8,50,00,000 apprx

    TOTAL – 13,50,00,000

    The film is now looking at a good weekend which could be in the 23 crore nett range and that is very good after a 5 crore nett first day.

  8. sauravjha 9 years ago

    Saw Piku last night and it was a housefull! Completely loved the film. So endearing such wonderful flow, never wanted it to end! Acting was so natural that it never felt that they were acting. Amitabh Bachchan was the highlight of the film for me. His mannerisms little little details left me awestruck. Deepika is improving so rapidly that there is absolutely no competition for her at the moment. She is miles ahead of the rest. Even with minimal makeup she looked breathtaking and played the role to perfection. For Irfan this must have been a cakewalk or at least he made it seem that way! Such is the calibre of the man.
    All in all this is the movie of the year so far and will remain so in most likelihood. So great to see it is being liked and getting audiences all over! Sunday is going to be huge in terms of collections I feel.

    • sputnik 9 years ago

      Agree completely on “Deepika is improving so rapidly that there is absolutely no competition for her at the moment. She is miles ahead of the rest. Even with minimal makeup she looked breathtaking and played the role to perfection. For Irfan this must have been a cakewalk or at least he made it seem that way! Such is the calibre of the man.”

    • Tall Pike 9 years ago

      “getting audience all over”

      Yes the 5.5 and 8Cr collection on Day 1 and Day 2 of its release reflect the immense & extraordinary popularity of this movie. In the zone of “Special Olympics” this must be some sort of an exemplary record.

      I hope PIKU does in its lifetime at least as much money that a typical Bollywood blockbuster does on Day 1.

      • sauravjha 9 years ago

        @Tall Pike – You missed a ‘s’ and ‘!’ in your quote. BTW coming to your point did you expect Piku to do half the business or get half the response it is getting as on 7.31 PM Monday 11/05/2015 IST? I certainly didn’t. Getting audiences all over meant even in low cost multiplex from where I am coming from it was housefull. You have to get the drift of statements some time! Will take care of elaborating myself from next time.

        • MGT 9 years ago

          Yes Piku is a big surprise and much better than the promo. Absolutely loved the movie and three cheers for the cast. Deepika now takes a leap ahead of others.
          Gosh both massy and classy ! No wonder ranbir is still licking her arse to do movies with her.

        • Tall Pike 9 years ago

          Sauravjha

          While it is true that there is no expectation from an Amirabh Bachchan movie anymore., the fact is Amitabh us just a character actor in this movie. This is a Deepika movie. She is a force to reckon. Plus it also has Irrfan who has an established brand overseas .

          I was expecting a very good opening. I suspect people who claim they were not big numbers from a Deepika/Irrfan movie are being disingenuous.

          But PIKU is like a three legged stool with a missing leg. The actor playing Bhaskor was AWOL. Deepika and Irrfan walk all over him as if he was some junior artist from a Bhojpuri movie. This absence of an actor has killed a multi layered sensitive movie. Hence the low numbers at the BO.

          I also will add that the potty humor got counter productive after a while. Tell me who comes to a wake and informs the grieving daughter that one of her close friend might be constipated. At that point (and even before) it just got repulsive.

          But more than the Potty humor, Amurabh’s lack of ability to emote, deep sixed the movie. Years ago, a change of jacket, or blasting background music or a dialogue indicated Amiyabh was angry. Without a crutch, Amitabh could hardly ever use his acting kegs to stand up, leave alone walk. This becomes very clear in PIKU.

          Therefore I look at 5 and 8 Cr and feel sorry for the lost opportunity,. Watching people celebrate a mile done in 30 hours seems like a farce. I want to stop and ask, are you serious.

          • sauravjha 9 years ago

            @Tall Pike
            While I do agree that Deepika is a force to reckon with and perhaps the undisputed best actress currently, the box office though presents a different picture. Last Deepika film minus Khan was Finding Fanny and we know how it opened.
            Sure Irrfan is a brand overseas but here in India am not so sure. Irrfan Khan’s last film was Qissa or Haider or Gundey whichever you would want to believe and all of it either opened poorly or their opening had nothing to do with Irrfan. So we don’t quite know his box office pull!
            So to say that Amitabh is responsible for the poor opening is far from truth.
            Truth is it was in the same genre as Finding Fanny and opened similarly as well. As far as responses go in my show people kept on laughing/smiling throughout the 2 hours so something must have been right considering the whole base was on Amitabh.
            Reason why people are celebrating Piku’s success is cos it breaks the norm of a successful film at this point in time. No masala, no melodrama, no songs, no plot, everything subtle + almost nobody expected it to be lapped up by audience so much after a poor beginning. Hence a reason to celebrate!

          • Tall Pike 9 years ago

            sauravjha

            There you go again.

            Nobody expected it to be lapped up so much ?

            Lapped up how much ? 5 and 8 Cr much ? There again trying to make a 30 hr mile appear like bullet speed.

  9. Author
    sanket porwal 9 years ago

    Sputnik- good to know your views. Even my friend was kind of disappointed with climax. But I felt it was terrific.

    Tall Pike – Piku will do more than what a typical blockbuster does on day one. Piku will do that in first week itself.

    Yakuza- Any idea about the costs of Piku>

  10. sputnik 9 years ago

    Piku Has Good Weekend And Very Strong Trend
    Monday 11 May 2015 10.30 IST
    Box Office India Trade Network

    Piku had a good weekend of around 24.50 crore nett and the trend was very strong with extraordinary growth on Saturday and very good growth on Sunday. The trending is the best of the year barring Dum Laga Ke Haisha but that film was at very low levels and it is easier with low collections.

    The business of the film was led by the major metros of Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Gurgaon, Kolkata and Bangalore but on Sunday multiplexes all over were good. The few single screens it has released on have not done well but that is does not matter much when multiplexes show this type of growth. The business in West Bengal is better than Gabbar Is Back released last week and that film had the biggest weekend of the year in that circuit.

    It is rare that film a film taking a five crore nett opening day ends up doing an eleven crore Sunday. The film should hold well on Monday especially after the growth on Sunday as some films manage to show huge jump on Saturday but are then flat on Sunday.

    The other release of the week Kuch Kuch Locha Hai was very dull with around 2.25 crore nett business over the weekend.

  11. Anjanpur685Miles 9 years ago

    This year all awards should go to Byomkesh Bakshy – be it direction , screenplay, production design , cinematography, background music etc .

    ps: komal nahta should quit reviewing. “ordinary” my ass!

    pps: Sanket you are slightly better in your writing now.

  12. Anjanpur685Miles 9 years ago

    Amitabh bacchan riding on Deepika’s fame. Without Deepika this film wud not have made even 10cr.

    • yakuza 9 years ago

      Yeah .. we have seen blockbuster ‘Finding Fanny’ last year.

      • Tall Pike 9 years ago

        Yakuza

        You want us to focus on Deepika’s one aberration, Finding Fanny ? Why ?

        Finding Fanny was not a main stream Bollywood movie, nor reflectivive of Deepika’s tremendous body of work.

        Think about it you, who is completely blind to Amitabh’s three decades of non stop flops, want us to condemn Deepika as a failure for one single recent aberration.

        • hithere 9 years ago

          Tremendous body of work? Of all the movies, I think I can say PIKU is only one which I liked and recommend. If you count hits as body of work then there is no discussion.

          As for PIKU, I have said elsewhere, it is writing, director which bring the acting of 3 leads prominently. I can safely say that all three leads were replaceable with different people and movie would have reman same. Someone suggested that only Irfan could do such roles..My counter was we have Jimmy Shergill, Nawazudin, Kay Kay Menon, Ronit Roy who are good at such supporting roles.

  13. sputnik 9 years ago

    Piku Has Very Strong Hold On Monday
    Monday 11 May 2015 23.30 IST
    Box Office India Trade Network

    Piku has held up very well on Monday with collections set to be around 4.25 crore nett range. It will be a drop of just 10-15% from Friday. The film is looking at a 40 crore nett apprx first week.

    The film has found appreciation amongst the multiplex audience especially the premium ones in the metros. The chains with the most premium multiplexes like PVR, Inox and DT look set to record more or equal footfalls to the first day as tickets rates drop on Monday but the drop in collections will be less than the ticket rate drop. These cinemas normally show the biggest falls on Monday as working day big drops in ticket rates but with Piku they have had an excellent hold.

    It film will have a total of 29 crore nett after four days and this may not be a big total but is fantastic considering the opening day was just 5 crore nett.. It has done six times opening day business in four days.

  14. sputnik 9 years ago

    Piku First Tuesday Business
    Wednesday 13 May 2015 12.30 IST
    Box Office India Trade Network

    Piku held up very on Tuesday with a very limited drop on Tuesday.The approx first five day business of Piku is as follows.

    Friday – 5,00,00,000
    Saturday – 8,50,00,000
    Sunday – 11,00,00,000
    Monday – 4,25,00,000
    Tuesday – 3,75,00,000

    TOTAL – 32,50,00,000

    The film is heading for a 39-40 crore nett first week and with weekdays showing strong trend it should hold well in week two despite release of Bombay Velvet though weaker competition could have really pushed the business further.

  15. aryan 9 years ago

    Piku Has Good First Week
    Friday 15 May 2015 11.30 IST
    Box Office India Trade Network

    Piku did well in its first week grossing around 40 crore nett. the film had a poor start but gained momentum from Saturday and has maintained very well in the metros. the other major cities have also maintained well but the collections here are on the lower side. Cities like Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore are set to give the best collections of the year.

    The performance of these of these cities means that Mumbai, West Bengal and Mysore are the best performers while Rajasthan, CP Berar, CI and Bihar have low numbers although have held very well since on Monday

    The film should remain strong in the big cities over the next couple of weeks which should take it to a good lifetime total.
    https://boxofficeindia.com/Details/art_detail/pikuhasgoodfirstweek#.VVWbzqxRJLM

  16. sputnik 9 years ago

    Shoojit Sircar on the film – the trilogy that changed his life

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=KbRpqGiJCU0

  17. sputnik 9 years ago

    Piku Second Saturday Business
    Sunday 17 May 2015 11.00 IST
    Box Office India Trade Network

    Piku showed good growth on Saturday as it grossed around 4.5 crore nett. The failure of Bombay Velvet aided business. The second week first two day business of Piku is as follows.

    Friday – 2,75,00,000
    Saturday – 4,50,00,000

    TOTAL – 7,25,00,000

    The film is now looking at the best second weekend of the year if it can manage to add least 5.50 crore nett on Sunday..

  18. sputnik 9 years ago

    Piku May Emerge Top Worldwide Grosser Of 2015
    Tuesday 19 May 2015 11.00 IST
    Box Office India Trade Network

    Piku may emerge the highest grossing film worldwide of 2015. Baby earlier this year had grossed 125 crore Worldwide and that figure has been beaten by Gabbar Is Back which is looking to settle around the 135 crore mark but the way Piku is going it may just edge past the figure of Gabbar Is Back.

    It will be photo finish between Gabbar Is Back and Piku and will take another a few weeks to settle issue but by that time Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Dil Dhadakne Do may also come into the picture depending on content.

    The latter is hot in Overseas even though there is no big star in the film. The promos have worked and it will probably be the top Overseas in 2015 till date film content willing. Even a market like United Kingdom may put up numbers. Still its a sign how bad things are that the top grossers are falling short of even 150 crore Worldwide when a few films have crossed that amount in three days. Last year nine films topped 150 crore Worldwide even though business was not that good.

  19. sputnik 9 years ago

    Piku Has Highest Third Week Of 2015
    Friday 29 May 2015 11.00 IST
    Box Office India Trade Network

    Piku held up well in its third week with 10 crore nett approx taking its three week total to around 72.50 crore nett. The third week is the highest of the year beating the figures of Baby which grossed 6.75 crore nett approx in week three.

    The film should make it to the 80 crore nett mark. The performance is mainly on the strength of high end multiplexes which have seen good appreciation. The PVR and Inox chains are at 50% of its all India business which is a big amount for a film grossing over 70 crore nett.

    The performance in mass centres is poor with its lifetime business will be less than the first week business of Tanu Weds Manu Returns in Rajasthan, CP Berar, CI and Bihar. Infact its the same story in Delhi/UP and East Punjab where the film can’t reach the first week figures of Tanu Weds Manu Returns. This is a despite a very good performance in the PVR chain who have a huge presence in Delhi/UP and East Punjab.

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