TheReviewMonk
Piku backdrop

Piku

8 May 2015Hindi2h 3m
out of 10
Recommendedmost critics liked it
Monk Score · 34 scored reviews · 11 not rated

Warm, witty, and well-performed, though its slow pace may not suit all tastes.

Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: writing, performances, and emotional warmth
  • Criticised: limited mass or single-screen appeal

Audience

User score 7.6 out of 10 from 58 ratings, Recommended
Read 14 audience reviews ↓

Critic consensus

What 38 critics are saying

Piku drew near-unanimous appreciation from critics, with the overwhelming majority praising its warmth, humor, and emotional authenticity. Juhi Chaturvedi's writing and the performances of the three leads were singled out most frequently, with several critics noting how the film balances laughter and genuine feeling without resorting to melodrama. A handful of reviewers cautioned that the film's unconventional, slice-of-life pace and reliance on toilet humor would limit its appeal to mass audiences, and at least one critic felt the focus on bowel movements came at the expense of deeper emotional development. A few also noted that the heavy emphasis on Bengali cultural identity occasionally felt excessive.

How the 34 scores spread

11 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 38 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (45)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Rediff

    Film review ·

    It is a film with tremendous heart -- one that made me guffaw and made me weep and is making sure I'm smiling wide just thinking about it now -- but also a sharp film, with nuanced details showing off wit, progressive thought and insightful writing. Take a bow, Juhi Chaturvedi, this is some of the best, most fearless writing I've seen in Hindi cinema in a while.
  2. Top critic

    Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Piku speaks its truth with simplicity and heart. It made me laugh and cry. And I can get behind any Hindi film in which a father says of his single daughter: "She's financially independent, sexually independent." Bravo.
  3. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    It's a charming, unpredictable comedy. Despite being obsessed with all the wrong body parts, it's a film that's full of heart.
  4. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    A warm, charming and bittersweet family drama, Piku turns the genre completely on its head. The result is a magnificently original film that delivers a memorably unique movie experience.
  5. Top critic

    Firstpost

    Film review ·

    Piku glides over all of these heavy-duty themes with breezy lightness and consistent, well-timed comedy. This is a road trip movie after all, and it's got hysterical, rapid-fire montage of cuts of the back and forth between the trio of Piku, Bhaskkor and Rana. The teeny bit of melodrama is handled beautifully by shuffling laughs and tears together like a pack of cards, making Piku one of the more emotionally honest films to have come from the industry.
  6. India Today

    Film review ·

    The only problem with Piku was that it ended. Yet it ended just like the rest of the film - in perfection. You felt full, satiated and still willing to squeeze in one more delicious bite if offered. I can't think of a reason to take even half a star away. 5 stars.
  7. SKJBollywoodNews

    Film review ·

    Piku is an exceptionally intimate character study.The three principal characters bare their frailties on camera as though they were part of a reality show that had no cameras. The emotions are raw and unabashed. The three principal actors sink into their roles like monks bathing in the holiest water on this side of the Ganga.
  8. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Constipation, as a subject, is clearly not something that's easy to digest! But Sircar plays along with it; he makes you laugh with it; he lets you have fun with it. You become so much a part of Bhaskor and Piku's world that even the intermission seems like an unwanted break. Sircar strikes his masterstroke in the second half – where he makes you cry just as easily as he made you laugh.
  9. India Today

    Film review ·

    Sircar's film is a feel-good, emotional tale, involving human relationships. Rarely do we come across films we can call gems and Piku is bound to touch your heart.
  10. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    Piku will make you laugh, cry and smile all at once. It is a slice of life film that captures a rather unseen but the most real father-daughter relation ever. Don't miss this endearingly honest piece of work!
  11. Sify

    Film review ·

    In the end, however, you will love this nutty comedy for its characters that are nuttier still. Much like all of us and the people we love. "Death and shit can come anywhere," says a character. That's quite a philosophy! Watch it, and then watch again. This one's a winner!
  12. Wogma

    Film review ·

    Piku leaves ample scope for stereotyping Bengalis but I'll resist the temptation to go in that direction. I will say though that their "roshogulla-ness" is taken in perfectly even when they are being nasty and well – passing of motions as emotions.
  13. APotpourriOfVestiges

    Film review ·

    Piku's innocent toilet humor may be at the receiving end of some flak from certain sections of audiences but most viewers will certainly appreciate the spirit in which it's done. Piku will certainly prove to be a great experience for those looking for a nice family outing. But, if your sole aim is escapist entertainment then Piku would certainly leave you cold. Recommended!
  14. IndianNerve

    Film review ·

    his was a movie that completely caught me off guard. And however successful Baby and Badlapur were, they didn't make me want to go right back in. Only Dum Lagaa Ke Haisha did it better. I say, complete the trilogy of bodily fluids, Shoojit Sircar and Juhi Chaturvedi, but yes try to move a little north. But even if you don't, I don't think I will mind.
  15. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Everything about you and your precious relationships spoke to me, stirred me and I wish you could hear how deeply you touched me...
  16. The Navhind Times

    Film review ·

    Whether it is the accent, mannerisms, expressions or timing, Bachchan shows that if the role has any potential, he can still make mince-meat of it. Piku offers the most wonderful time at the cinemas, don't miss out on it.
  17. The W14

    Film review ·

    More than anything else this comedy got me slightly emotional thinking about how distracted we get by life in general that we often begin to take our old folks—parents, grand parents—for granted. We get far too edgy and impatient sometimes dealing with their old-age idiosyncrasies. God knows, at some point, they will be no more. And we will miss them forever…
  18. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    With passion, there's precision too, the editing fish-bone sharp, detailing, down to Bhaskor's monkey cap, perfect. Some moments evoke Ang Lee's terrific 'Eat Drink Man Woman'. Others evoke your and my life. Together, Piku makes you shake with laughter. It also makes your heart cry.

From our readers

Audience reviews (14)

58 ratings · user score 7.6

  1. Tejas NairMay 2015
    7/10

    Summary: Feel Good Movie Of The Year. ♦ 74% 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

  2. 7/10

    Piku, a film by Shoojith Sircar, celebrates the father-daughter relationship in a very unique manner. Released two days prior to Mother's day, definitely celebrates this wonderful relationship between an aging parent and the adult daughter. It is being said that there is not much difference between a 7-year old child and 70-year old person. Piku explores the regular bittersweet relationship between parents and children. It stands true in our Indian context, where, the parent, who takes care of children, when grows old, wishes to be taken care of by children. Story telling is done in a unique manner, where most of the time, one problem persists i.e. constipation of the aging parent. Humour is linked to this. The punch line 'motion se hi e-motion hota hai' speaks volumes about the movie. I will not say that this movie will be liked by all the people, but I am sure, it would strike some chord and touch your hearts. Piku (Deepika Padukone) is a 30 year old professional associated with an architecture firm. Her father Bhashkor Banerjee (Amitabh Bachchan) stays with her, who has serious problem of regular constipation. He does not hesitate to even give message to the receptionist of Piku's office in regard to his bowel disorder. Piku definitely gets irritated by his habits, but that does not stop her from taking care of him. Piku is very well aware that it is her top most priority to take care of her father. Although, the differences between Piku and her father us shown, but the best thing is that, it is shown in such a natural manner. Piku wants to sell their ancestral house Champakunj at Kolkatta, and on Bhashkor's insistence (rather emotional blackmail), happens to travel by road. The cab service owner Rana Chaudhary (Irrfan Khan) chooses to drive the cab. Rest of the story covers their road journey: irritation of Rana with Bhashkor's and Piku's moodiness, Bhashkor getting insecure with Rana talking to Piku, bittersweet talks between Piku and Bhashkor (minus any emotional baggage), confrontation happening between Piku-Bhashkor, Bhashkor-Rana etc. Bhashkor says that females with low IQ marry since they leave everything for their marriage. tThe emotional troubles of the daughter is also captured beautifully. In spite of her wanting some space, she knows that she can't live without her father and vice versa. Such a beautiful relationship, where dependency of both father and the daughter are depicted in a simple manner with lot of humour added to the same. Bhashkor has no qualms in telling the prospective grooms of Piku that she is not a virgin and she is financially, emotionally as well as sexually independent. His idea behind this disclosure is to make the person decide against marrying Piku. It is interesting to see, how Bhashkor is particular about spelling of his name (Bengali roots). He picks up fight with the maid, keeps troubling his helper.But all these are done so naturally that one ends up believing in the characters.How role reversal happen?

  3. Rahul RDMay 2015
    4/10

    Highly Overrated movie in recent times. Strictly watchable

  4. RohithMay 2015
    8/10

    Wonderful movie that has fantastic direction, interesting characters, great acting and an engaging story.

  5. sophia ajazMay 2015
    6/10

    Women-oriented movies are a big business now. A few years back, they were scoffed at and consigned to 'women only' category as audience was limited for these targeted movies. Some became a commercial hits but others were the festival stuff or critics' 'delight'. But they were not on par with heroes' commercial movies. Over the years, matters have changed gradually. Heroine-centric movies are not only being watched, they are doing big business. The heroine is slowly becoming the 'hero'. Each heroine is doing at least one woman-centric film. They are low-budgeted so if they make profit, it is like icing on the cake. Mind you, they are not artistic in the traditional sense or parallel cinema. The line has blurred. And these movies are totally mainstream. These movies add to their acting portfolio too. While some women roles are memorable, many films are based on women. Right from Seeta Devi (Durgesh Nandini, 1927), Zubeida (Alam Ara, 1931), Leela Chitnis (Bandhan, 1940), Nargis (Mother India, 1957), Madhubala (Mughal-e-Azam, 1960), Meena Kumari (Pakeezah, 1972), Simi Garewal (Karz, 1980), Meenakshi Seshadri (Damini, 1993), Aishwarya Rai (Provoked, 2006), Preity Zinta (Kya Kehna, 2000), Tabu (Chandni Bar, 2001), Karisma Kapoor (Zubaida, 2001), Lisa Ray (Water, 2005), Kajol (Gupt, 1997), Shilpa Shetty (Phir Milenge, 2004), Sushmita Sen (Filhaal, 2002), Mallika Sherawat (Murder, 2004), Vidya Balan (Kahaani, 2012), Rani Mukerji (Black, 2005), Kareena Kapoor (Heroine, 2012), Priyanka Chopra (Mary Kom, 2014), Kalki Koechlin (Margarita With A Straw, 2015), Kangana Ranaut (Queen, 2014), Anushka Sharma (NH10, 2015), Alia Bhatt (Highway, 2014), and Deepika Padukone (Piku, 2015), and the list continues to 2015 and still pouring. It will go on till the cinema is alive, for without women there is no life. Back to Piku. It is the story of a father-daughter relationship that is surviving with bowel movements and then a road trip! Well, this is the gist of the story. 70-year-old Bhashkor Banerjee (Amitabh Bachchan) resides in Delhi along with his 30-year-old daughter Piku (Deepika Padukone). It is not easy tolerating Bhashkor as he is obsessed with his bowel movement. Piku works to run home. She has her own insecurities and ways to deal with them. Rana Chaudhary (Irfan Khan) is a taxi company owner, who secretly admires Deepika and helps out this Bengali family. As Bhashkor ages, he wishes for a trip to his home place Kolkata. Due to his bowel habits, he cannot think of travelling in plane. So a road trip it should be in Rana's cab with the potty place on top of the cab. Constipation plays a deadly role in cutting short Bhashkor's long life. Relief. Piku unites with Rana or on some such note the movie ends. The story is simply but the light hearted comedy arising out of Amitabh's constipation propels the movie. Of course, there is a real father - daughter relationship that at times is turbulent. Akshay Oberoi is in a cameo as Dippy's suitor. It was a delight to see Moushumi Chatterjee in the movie. Well, the movie could be called deePIKA (not PITA or PAKA) or PADUkone (stinks!) so a combo resulted in PIKU. This is a sparkling, heart-warming movie that gladdens the cockles of the heart. At times I sympathized with the father but most of the times I empathized with the daughter. I could understand her dilemma although the constipation part was new. And those associated weird sounds! Yuck! Three odd people come together and make a watchable whole. Not an easy thing in these times of picture perfect movies. So, next year, same time when Dippy gets her National film Award, don't forget that I already told you so via this review. Dippy is going from strength to strength. With Kat out of the way, this movie will further consolidate her position of being the number 1 heroine. And rightly so. She deserves it. This movie is the proof.

  6. Omkar JoshiMay 2015
    8/10

    Definately a must watch for performance oriented movie lovers. The chemistry between the TRAINGLE(Amitabh, Deepika and Irrfan) was worth to watch. Deepika and Amitabh classically presented the Bengali accent in their dialogues. Irrfan always rules and proves that he is the best actor Indian film industry has got. Direction by Shoojit Sircar is mind blowing. He magically merged the great performances by Trio and a performance packed dialogues and screenplay with eavh other. Ending or better to say a climax moment was bit an abrupt and clumsy. Impreesed by Deepika's traditional Indian Woman look with suitable cloths according to the situations and a magical Bindiya between eyebrows. (Even intial credit sequence and used that same Bindii concept as with black blackground on which white credited names and "a red dot bindii for alphabets like i and j ".. Awesome art)

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