A Heartfelt Journey of Family, Humor, and Life’s Simple Truths
Piku (2015), directed by Shoojit Sircar, is a cinematic gem that blends comedy, drama, and poignant family dynamics into a refreshing slice-of-life narrative. Starring Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Irrfan Khan, this Hindi film transcends typical Bollywood tropes, offering a grounded, relatable story about a father-daughter relationship. With its sharp writing, stellar performances, and subtle humor, Piku remains a timeless classic, as celebrated on its 10th anniversary in 2025. This review explores why Piku continues to resonate with audiences, drawing from critical acclaim and public sentiment.
Plot and Premise
Piku centers on Piku Banerjee (Deepika Padukone), a 30-year-old architect in Delhi, juggling her career and the care of her hypochondriac father, Bhashkor Banerjee (Amitabh Bachchan). Bhashkor, obsessed with his chronic constipation and health, is both endearing and exasperating, driving Piku to frustration with his eccentricities. Their bickering, rooted in love, forms the heart of the story. When Bhashkor insists on a road trip from Delhi to Kolkata to visit their ancestral home—prompted by a potential sale—Piku reluctantly agrees. Enter Rana Chaudhary (Irrfan Khan), a cab company owner who, after his drivers refuse to deal with the quarrelsome duo, drives them himself. The journey becomes a tapestry of humor, revelations, and emotional growth, exploring family ties and personal aspirations.
The plot’s simplicity is its strength. Juhi Chaturvedi’s screenplay avoids melodrama, focusing on everyday interactions that feel authentic. The constipation motif, while humorous, symbolizes Bhashkor’s resistance to change, making the film’s tagline, “Motion se hi Emotion,” both literal and metaphorical.
Performances
The cast delivers performances that elevate Piku to masterpiece status. Amitabh Bachchan, as Bhashkor, is a revelation, balancing comedy and pathos with ease. His portrayal of a cantankerous yet vulnerable father is both hilarious and heartbreaking, particularly in scenes where his eyes soften toward Piku. Deepika Padukone shines as Piku, delivering a career-defining performance. Her nuanced depiction of a woman torn between duty and independence is relatable, her irritability tempered by quiet affection. Critics have lauded her ability to convey complex emotions, making Piku a standout female protagonist.
Irrfan Khan, as Rana, brings understated charm and wit. His bemused reactions to the Banerjee family’s chaos serve as the audience’s lens, while his subtle chemistry with Piku hints at unspoken possibilities. Moushumi Chatterjee, as the lively Chhobi Mashi, adds warmth, while supporting actors like Jisshu Sengupta and Raghuvir Yadav enrich the ensemble. The performances feel so natural that the characters seem like real people, not scripted roles.
Direction and Writing
Shoojit Sircar’s direction is masterful, evoking the simplicity of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s classics. He crafts a film that feels like a warm hug, blending humor with introspection. The road trip, beautifully shot, serves as a metaphor for life’s journey, with each stop revealing new facets of the characters. Juhi Chaturvedi’s screenplay is a triumph, with dialogues that are witty, poignant, and quintessentially Bengali. Lines like Bhashkor’s introduction of Piku as “financially, emotionally, and sexually independent” challenge societal norms, offering a feminist perspective that feels organic.
The film’s pacing, while deliberate, occasionally feels slow in the second half, and some editing transitions are abrupt. However, these minor flaws don’t detract from the overall impact. Sircar’s ability to find humor in mundane details—like Bhashkor’s obsession with his “motions”—and weave them into a universal story of family is remarkable.
Technical Aspects
Kamaljeet Negi’s cinematography captures the essence of Delhi’s bustle and Kolkata’s nostalgic charm, with sweeping shots of the Ganges and narrow lanes adding depth. The editing, while sharp, could have been tighter in parts to avoid minor lulls. Anupam Roy’s music, including the soulful Journey Song and Bezubaan, complements the film’s mood, enhancing its emotional texture. The background score is unobtrusive yet evocative, amplifying both comedic and tender moments. Art direction, from Piku’s cluttered Delhi home to Kolkata’s colonial architecture, feels authentic, grounding the story in reality.
Themes and Emotional Core
Piku explores the complexities of parent-child relationships, particularly the sacrifices and frustrations of caregiving. It portrays Piku as a strong, independent woman who chooses duty without losing her agency, challenging patriarchal norms. Bhashkor’s progressive views on marriage and women’s autonomy add a feminist layer, while his flaws humanize him. The film also celebrates Bengali culture, from fish fries to intellectual debates, without stereotyping. Its emotional core lies in accepting loved ones’ imperfections, encapsulated in Piku’s line, “We can’t judge our parents.” The quiet climax, avoiding Bollywood clichés, leaves a lingering impact.
Reception and Legacy
Released on May 8, 2015, Piku was a critical and commercial success, earning ₹80 crore domestically and over $2 million internationally. It holds an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its performances and realism. On its 10th anniversary in 2025, X posts celebrated its timeless appeal, with users calling it “Hindi cinema’s best father-daughter story” and a “perfect mix of drama and comedy.” The film’s re-release in 2025 has sparked renewed interest, with projections suggesting it could surpass its original box office. Its influence endures, inspiring slice-of-life narratives in Bollywood.
Final Verdict
Piku is a rare film that finds beauty in the ordinary, weaving humor, heart, and truth into a narrative that feels like life itself. While minor pacing issues exist, the stellar performances, sharp writing, and Sircar’s sensitive direction make it a must-watch. It’s a film that resonates with anyone who’s navigated the messy, beautiful bonds of family. Catch it in theaters during its re-release or stream it for a journey that’s as emotional as it is entertaining.
Rating: 4.5/5
Piku is a reminder that the best stories are often the simplest. Don’t miss this heartfelt ride through life’s motions and emotions.
