Myra Vishwakarma's solo turn impresses, but the script grows repetitive and manipulative.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
No user ratings yet.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Pihu is mixed, with most reviewers acknowledging the film's unusual premise and the remarkable performance of toddler Myra Vishwakarma as its chief assets. Several critics found it capable of generating genuine tension and praised its emotional engagement, while a notable dissenting voice called it outright silly and sadistic. The most common criticisms center on inconsistent and repetitive writing, a manipulative script, and ethical discomfort over putting a two-year-old through distressing scenarios for dramatic effect. A loose, overlong second half was also flagged by multiple reviewers as undermining the film's overall impact.
2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 11 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
A Script So Visibly Manipulative That It's Difficult To Stay Invested...The film is basically every parent's nightmare, but attempts to up the emotional stakes fall flat because they are repetitive and obvious
Top critic
Film review ·
Director Vinod Kapri's film is a silly, sadistic and torturous experience
Film review ·
Director Vinod Kapri never runs out of ways to engage our senses in the most heightened state of emotional vulnerability.
Film review ·
A two-year-old's incredible solo act keeps this survival saga riveting even through its missteps
Film review ·
At 96-minutes, Pihu grips you by the neck and doesn't let your bat an eyelid. However, it could have helped a whole lot if it had a tighter second half.
Film review ·
Pihu may not be flawless, but it has something valid to say about lousy parents...
Film review ·
This unusual thriller has all the elements you'd expect from a film that can attain cult status. In all fairness, the story does throw up a few nail-biting moments, too. But the inconsistent writing and direction by Vinod Kapri robs the movie of its desired impact. With a little more attention to detail and conviction, this one could have been a terrific experience.
Film review ·
Time and again, it has been proved that mere ideation of a great film doesn't make an engaging narrative. Director Kapri has claimed that the story is based on a real life incident that he knows of. There are reports that a New York based report could be the trigger for its basic premise. Whatever be the source, you don't find the idea bizarre or something that is unlikely to take place. All you wish that despite having one of the most endearing and loveable child actors, Pihu doesn't move forward.
Film review ·
A two-year-old actress rules this exploitative horror...Vinod Kapri's Pihu, which is inpsired by a true story, is not for the faint-hearted
Film review ·
Myra Vishwakarma is adorable, but it is unsettling to think that she had to enact all these horrifying scenes. That a child should have to go through such traumatic scenarios for the sake of a few scares seem wrong.
Film review ·
...the filmmaker indulges in with the child, despite getting enraged at her cuteness being exploited to send the adults on a guilt trip, you ultimately know how it will pan out. But 90 odd minutes of it is way too much of a torture, as much for Pihu, as for us.
Credits
Hindi films like Pihu
Pink
2016
Neerja
2016
Andhadhun
2018
Dedh Ishqiya
2014
Ugly
2014
Talvar
2015
Raazi
2018
Jawan
2023
Badlapur
2015
Sanju
2018
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
