Starcast :- Amitabh Bachchan ,Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan, Jisshu Sengupta, Moushumi Chatterjee and Raghubir Yadav Director :- Shoojit S...
Starcast :- Amitabh Bachchan ,Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan, Jisshu Sengupta, Moushumi Chatterjee and Raghubir Yadav
Director :- Shoojit Sarkar
Music :- Anupam Roy
PIku, which released in May 2015, is a heartwarming Indian comedy-drama
directed by Shoojit Sircar that delicately balances humor, emotion, and
slice-of-life storytelling. Written by Juhi Chaturvedi, the film explores the
nuances of familial bonds, particularly the relationship between a daughter and
her aging father. Starring Deepika Padukone as Piku Banerjee, Amitabh Bachchan
as her eccentric father Bhaskor Banerjee, and Irrfan Khan as Rana Chaudhary,
the film is a refreshing departure from mainstream Bollywood tropes. With its
relatable characters and grounded narrative, Piku resonated with audiences and
critics alike, earning praise for its simplicity and authenticity. The film
also marked the Hindi film debut of composer Anupam Roy, whose soulful music
added depth to the storytelling.
Storyline
Piku revolves around Piku Banerjee, a successful but perpetually
stressed architect in Delhi, who juggles her career and the demands of her
hypochondriac father, Bhaskor Banerjee. Bhaskor, a retired widower obsessed
with his health and bowel movements, is both endearing and exasperating. Their
daily squabbles form the crux of the narrative, painting a realistic picture of
a modern Indian family. When Bhaskor insists on traveling to Kolkata to visit
their ancestral home, Piku reluctantly agrees, and they embark on a road trip
with Rana Chaudhary, a cab company owner with his own set of quirks. The
journey becomes a metaphor for self-discovery, reconciliation, and
understanding, as the trio navigates personal differences, generational gaps,
and unexpected camaraderie. The story, while simple, is layered with subtle
humor and poignant moments, addressing themes of independence, duty, and the
inevitability of aging without being preachy.
Direction and Other Technical Departments
Shoojit Sircar’s direction is the backbone of Piku, as he crafts a
narrative that feels organic and unforced. His ability to find humor in mundane
situations—such as Bhaskor’s fixation on constipation—while maintaining
emotional depth is commendable. Sircar’s restraint in avoiding melodrama allows
the characters to shine through their everyday interactions. Juhi Chaturvedi’s
screenplay is sharp and witty, with dialogues that feel like snippets of
real-life conversations. The cinematography by Kamaljeet Negi captures the
chaos of Delhi and the serenity of Kolkata beautifully, with the road trip
sequences adding a dynamic visual appeal. The editing by Chandrashekhar
Prajapati is crisp, ensuring the film’s 123-minute runtime feels neither rushed
nor sluggish. Production design, particularly the cluttered Banerjee household,
mirrors the characters’ emotional states, adding authenticity to the setting.
The technical aspects, while understated, work in harmony to elevate the
storytelling.
Music and Performances
The music of Piku, composed by Anupam Roy in his Hindi film debut, is a
soulful blend of melody and minimalism. Tracks like Journey Song and Bezubaan
capture the essence of the road trip and the characters’ inner turmoil, with
Roy’s compositions striking a perfect balance between upbeat and introspective.
The background score enhances the film’s emotional beats without overpowering
the narrative. Roy’s work, paired with heartfelt lyrics, adds a layer of warmth
to the film.
The performances are the heart of Piku. Deepika Padukone delivers a
career-defining role as Piku, portraying her frustration, vulnerability, and
strength with remarkable nuance. Amitabh Bachchan is phenomenal as Bhaskor,
infusing the character with humor and pathos, making his eccentricities both
hilarious and relatable. Irrfan Khan, as Rana, brings a quiet charm and
understated wit, serving as the perfect foil to the Banerjee duo. The chemistry
among the leads feels effortless, with supporting actors like Moushumi
Chatterjee and Jisshu Sengupta adding depth to the ensemble. Each performance
is finely tuned, making the characters feel like people you might know.
Conclusion
Piku is a rare gem in Indian cinema that celebrates the beauty of
ordinary life. Shoojit Sircar’s deft direction, coupled with Juhi Chaturvedi’s
insightful writing, creates a film that is both entertaining and
thought-provoking. The stellar performances by Deepika Padukone, Amitabh
Bachchan, and Irrfan Khan breathe life into a story that is as much about love
and family as it is about letting go. Anupam Roy’s music, in his Hindi debut,
adds soul to the narrative, making Piku a complete cinematic experience. The
film’s ability to find humor and heart in the mundane makes it universally
relatable, leaving viewers with a smile and a renewed appreciation for the
quirks of their own families. Piku is not just a film—it’s a warm, comforting
hug that lingers long after the credits roll.
-by Ayushman Mitra
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