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Piku
Theatrical release poster
Directed byShoojit Sircar
Written byJuhi Chaturvedi
Produced by
  • N.P. Singh
  • Ronnie Lahiri
  • Sneha Rajani
Starring
CinematographyKamaljeet Negi
Edited byChandrashekhar Prajapati
Music byAnupam Roy
Production
companies
Distributed byYash Raj Films
Release date
  • 8 May 2015 (2015-05-08) (India)
Running time
122 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget42 crore
(US$5.3 million)[2]
Box office141 crore (US$17 million)[2]

Piku is a 2015 Indian Hindi-language comedy drama film directed by Shoojit Sircar and produced by N. P. Singh, Ronnie Lahiri and Sneha Rajani. Released in India on 8 May 2015, the film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan in titular roles, while Moushumi Chatterjee, Jisshu Sengupta and Raghubir Yadav appear in pivotal roles. The script was written by Juhi Chaturvedi while Anupam Roy composed the music and wrote the lyrics. Principal photography began in August 2014 and was wrapped up in December.[3]

The film garnered critical acclaim, with praise for its screenplay, humour and overall simplicity, and particular praise directed towards the performances of Bachchan, Padukone and Khan.[4] It also emerged as a commercial success worldwide. Made on a budget of 42 crore (equivalent to 63 crore or US$7.5 million in 2023), Piku earned 141 crore (equivalent to 213 crore or US$25 million in 2023) worldwide.[2]

At the 61st Filmfare Awards, Piku received 8 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director (Sircar), and Best Actor (Bachchan) and won 5 awards, including Best Actress (Padukone). Bachchan won his record-setting fourth National Film Award for Best Actor at the 63rd National Film Awards and his record-setting third Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics) for his performance in the film.

Plot

[edit]

Piku Banerjee (Deepika Padukone) is a 30-year-old Bengali architect who resides in Chittaranjan Park, Delhi along with her 70-year-old widowed father, Bhashkor Banerjee (Amitabh Bachchan). The hypochondriac Bhashkor has problems with chronic constipation and traces the root of every problem to his bowel movements. His habits often lead to arguments between Piku, the servants and Piku's maternal aunt, Chhobi Mashi (Moushumi Chatterjee), who often visits them. Piku loves her father and, as her mother has died, takes good care of him, but at the same time, also gets extremely irritated with him because of his eccentricities. Bhashkor has several medical tests done, but everything comes out to be normal, severely disappointing him. Ignoring Piku's vehement objections, he has also recently fired the maid for stealing phenyl, a charge that the maid opposes, and this is the fifth maid that Bhashkor has fired in the last two months. Moreover, Bhashkor is also opposed to the institution of marriage and wants Piku to take care of him to satisfy her maternal urge. He states that marriage is a low IQ decision, and that he wanted Piku's late mother to be independent, but she wasted her life in the service of him. Bhashkor also criticises Chhobi Maashi for marrying thrice and states that her own daughter, Eisha (Rupsa Banerjee), was never a priority for her.

Piku's business partner, Sayyed Afroze (Jisshu Sengupta), is a good friend of taxi business owner Rana Chaudhary (Irrfan Khan), whose taxi Piku always uses to commute to her workplace, but is notorious for being a very difficult customer. Regularly stressed both by her work and by her father's finicky behaviour, Piku criticises the taxi drivers with excessive backseat driving, due to which they lose focus and cause several car crashes. As no taxi driver at Rana's company wants to take Piku's duty, Rana complains to Sayyed but Piku brushes both of them off, offended by Rana's rude nature, and tells Sayyed that she is taking a break from the office. When Piku goes for a date with Aniket (Akshay Oberoi), Bhashkor keeps interrupting her, claiming that he has a fever, and makes such a fuss that Piku has to call his regular doctor, Dr. Srivastava (Raghuvir Yadav), and talk about Bhashkor's feces texture and temperature, causing Aniket to lose all appetite. Bhashkor also has a bit too much to drink at Chhobi Mashi's marriage anniversary party and later dances at home, which results in his blood pressure dropping and him being put on oxygen therapy, leaving Piku distraught. Elsewhere, Rana has his own family problems with his widowed mother and sister. Rana's sister stole her mother-in-law's jewellery and gave it to her mother, due to which her husband abandoned her along with their baby.

Bhashkor's relative, Nabendu (Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury), arrives from Kolkata to secure his consent to sell their ancestral home named Champakunj there. Nabendu tells that a builder is interested in the land and is willing to pay top rates, but Bhashkor objects vehemently and decides to visit Kolkata to stop the deal. Piku has to comply in accompanying him, since she cannot let him travel alone after the recent health scare. Bhashkor cannot travel by aeroplane due to his breathing problem and even refuses to travel by train as he receives constipation due to all the rhythmic movement. Bhashkor decides to travel by road, so that he can stop wherever he wants for excretion and receive some blood circulation going in his body, but none of Rana's taxi drivers are willing to endure Piku or her father. Disappointed with the taxi company, Piku tries to book a flight to Kolkata, but Rana personally arrives at their home to take the family to Kolkata himself, without informing his mother and sister about the trip. Rana is puzzled when he finds loads of baggage being loaded onto the car along with a lavatory chair for Bhashkor.

During the road trip to Kolkata, the group encounters many incidents, including Rana on the verge of losing patience due to Bhashkor's fussy behaviour and his constipation. Piku finds a large knife in Rana's car trunk, and Bhashkor insists Rana to throw the knife away or else he would not travel by the car. Rana pleads that the knife was kept by drivers for their road traffic safety, but has to eventually compromise and throw the knife away. During discussion, Rana reveals that he is an engineer and had a job in civil construction in Saudi Arabia. However, he was made to work as security guard on the site, despite being offered a job as project manager. When Rana protested, he was fired and that is when he returned to India to manage his family business established by his late father. They spend the night at a hotel in Varanasi, where Rana shares a room with Piku and Bhashkor as all other rooms are full and he refuses to sleep in the car. The next morning, Bhashkor tries Indian toilet-style sitting upon Rana's suggestion, which does not seem to help either.

The group finally reaches Kolkata, where Bhashkor's younger brother and sister-in-law still reside in Champakunj, and Bhashkor asks Rana to stay for a day. Piku and Rana spend time with each other in the city and gradually grow close. Rana also subtly hints Piku to not sell Champakunj during a discussion. The next day, Rana leaves Kolkata after advising Bhashkor to stop his eccentricities which he eventually agrees to. Piku changes her mind and decides not to sell Champakunj. Meanwhile, Bhashkor's sudden desire for bicycling increases after Dr. Srivastava gives him the news of a Japanese bicyclist having died at the age of 99. Believing that he will also live a long life by doing so, Bhashkor ends up bicycling through a part of the city alone, leaving everyone tensed since Bhashkor did not inform anyone about it. When Bhashkor returns, Piku berates him for eating street food and for being irresponsible, but Bhashkor simply states that his constipation is cleared, and that he that needs to bicycle every day. He also remembers Rana having advised him to eat everything and not to be dependent on anyone. Piku is secretly happy but does not emote much.

The next day, everyone discovers that Bhashkor has died in his sleep, probably from sleep apnea or cardiac arrhythmia. Piku states that Bhashkor always wished for a peaceful death, and that his only health problem was constipation which was also cleared on the day before his death. She returns to Delhi, where she arranges Bhashkor's funeral. While there, Dr. Srivastava reveals to Piku that Sayyed, too, has constipation and Bhashkor was aware about it for a long time, causing Piku to break up with Sayyed. A few days later, Piku pays up whatever due she owes Rana and he appreciates her for having taken care of her father like an ideal daughter. Piku renames her Delhi residence "Bhashkor Villa" in her father's memory, and the maid, who had left due to Bhashkor's tantrums, returns to work. The film ends with a scene of Piku playing badminton with Rana in the courtyard in front of her house.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]
Shoojit Sircar, Director of Piku

Casting

[edit]

Shoojit Sircar's original choices of the main cast were Parineeti Chopra in the title role, Amitabh Bachchan and Irrfan Khan. These three actors were given the script. However, Chopra turned down the part.[6][7] The cast of Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan and Irrfan Khan was finalised in mid-2014.[8] In preparation for the role of Piku, Padukone learned Bengali as her character is from Bengal.[9] There were early reports that Jisshu Sengupta was cast as the romantic lead opposite Deepika Padukone, but Sengupta plays Padukone's character's best-friend.[10][11] Irrfan Khan plays the romantic lead opposite Deepika Padukone.[12][13] Bachchan essays the role of Piku's father, while Moushumi Chatterjee portrays Piku's maternal aunt.[14] Akshay Oberoi was cast in a cameo.[15]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography for Piku began in August 2014, when the film's first schedule took off in Kolkata.[16] The first schedule for Piku was also filmed in Delhi and Mumbai and included indoor scenes.[17][18][19] The second schedule of filming started on 30 October 2014 in Kolkata, mostly in the north.[19][20][21] Specifically, shooting took place at the Howrah Bridge, in the city's Shyambazar neighbourhood and at Bishop Lefroy Road.[21][22][23] During the shooting at Howrah Bridge, Bachchan bicycled around the city dressed as his character.[24] The Kolkata schedule was completed on 18 November 2014 and shooting now shifted to Delhi and Patdi Near Surendranagar in Gujarat.[25][26]

The "Journey Song" was shot in Gujarat in December 2014 on the state highway connecting Ahmedabad to Bhuj.[27] Shooting in Delhi took place at Gurgaon cyber hub and city club where Padukone and Khan were seen filming.[28] The film was wrapped up after its last schedule shot in Varanasi. Padukone and Khan shot on the ghats of Banaras under chilly conditions and attracted a crowd.[29] Shoojit Sircar said Piku was not written with an interval in mind, but because of the tendency of Indian theatre operators to force intervals into films during screenings, Sircar decided to accommodate an interval during the editing stage.[30]

Music

[edit]
Piku
Soundtrack album by
Released21 April 2015 (2015-04-21)
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length23:05
LanguageHindi
LabelZee Music Company

The music of the film is composed by Anupam Roy while the lyrics are penned Anupam Roy and Manoj Yadav. The first song, "Journey Song", was released on 1 April 2015. The official music album was released online on April 21, 2015.

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Bezubaan"Manoj Yadav, Anupam RoyAnupam Roy05:41
2."Journey Song"Anupam RoyAnupam Roy, Shreya Ghoshal, Anuj Gurwara, S. Janaki04:12
3."Lamhe Guzar Gaye"Anupam RoyAnupam Roy04:18
4."Piku"Manoj YadavSunidhi Chauhan03:26
5."Teri Meri Baatein"Anupam RoyAnupam Roy05:28
Total length:23:05

Marketing

[edit]

The makers of the film released a video of day one on the sets of Piku which is called Piku Begins. The video has the cast speak about what viewers can expect from the film.[31] As a part of promotions, the makers released on-set pictures of the shooting where the main cast are seen in character.[32] Bachchan's first look was revealed — depicting his character of an old Bengali man with long hair and a big belly.[33] On 25 March 2015, as part of the promotion, Deepika revealed the poster of the film through her Twitter handle.[34]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Piku grossed 2.0 crore (US$240,000) in India on its opening day. On Saturday, the film earned 13 crore (US$1.5 million), showing a growth of 65%.[35] On Sunday, it earned 11 crore (US$1.3 million), for a domestic weekend total of 24.5 crore (US$2.9 million).[36] Internationally, Piku had the biggest opening weekend for a Hindi film of 2015, earning over US$2 million.[37] Box Office India reported that the film had a "very strong hold" on its first Monday in India, earning 25 crore (US$3.0 million), and it eventually earned 60 crore (US$7.1 million) at the end of its first week.[38] In ten days, the film earned 70 crore (US$8.3 million) in India.[39] The film earned 22 crore (US$2.6 million) in its second week, and Box Office India projected that the film would earn around 80 crore (US$9.5 million) domestically at the end of its theatrical run.[40]

Critical response

[edit]

The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes the movie has an approval score of 89% on the basis of 19 reviews with an average rating of 7.4 out of 10.

Raja Sen of Rediff.com gave Piku 4.5 out of 5 stars, writing that 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".[41] In a 4 out of 5 star review, The Times of India praised the writing, direction and performances.[42] Pratim D. Gupta of The Telegraph India gave an average of 7/10, saying "Don’t go in with a lot of laugh-out-loud expectations and you will enjoy Piku for what it is –– a simple, slice-of-life bittersweet tale about a family fighting constipation".[43] Gayatri Sankar of Zee News gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "In totality, Piku is a wonderful family film, which will certainly make you wear a broad smile."[44] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and said "On the whole, Piku is a must watch this season as it brings back the memories of the legendary directors Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee and likes".[45]

Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN gave 4 stars out of five and said "Piku, directed by Shoojit Sircar, is a charming, unpredictable comedy that – like Sircar's Vicky Donor – mines humor from the unlikeliest of places".[46] Anuj Kumar of The Hindu gave it a positive review, saying "A slice of life that deals with the practical difficulties in loving your aging parents in a light-hearted, feel good way, Piku is a progressive piece of cinema that brings the parent back into the picture".[47] Sweta Kaushal of Hindustan Times praised the portrayal of a strong, independent female protagonist and noted on how well Sircar presents a "realistic view of a typical Indian family".[48] Anupama Chopra gave 4 out of 5 stars and said "Piku is a delightful film about very little and yet it says so much. This isn't a movie focused on reaching a destination. This is a movie about the journey, both literal and emotional".[49] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and called it a "magnificently original film that delivers a memorably unique movie experience" and praised the performance of the three leads.[50] Tanmaya Nanda of Business Standard praised the film for its feminist tone and its unique approach in dealing with scatological humour.[51] Namrata Joshi of Outlook gave 3 out of 5 stars, and wrote "Piku goes into an atypical zone for a Hindi mainstream film. It breaks the plot-driven, high on drama rule and yet manages to forge a big connect with the audience; The slice-of-life film has characters, relationships and interactions that feel real and evoke empathy in viewers—be they aging parents or their caregivers".[52]

On the contrary, Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express gave 2.5 out of 5, saying "Piku sparks in moments, and I threw my head back and guffawed in a few. But the rest of it stays only mildly amusing. I wanted more motion in these motions".[53] Rachel Saltz of The New York Times wrote "Piku, directed by Shoojit Sircar from a script by Juhi Chaturvedi, isn't a typical Hindi movie. It lopes along, following no formula beyond the roughest outlines of a romantic comedy."[54]

In 2019, Film Companion ranked Padukone's performance among The 100 Greatest Performances of the Decade.[55]

Accolades

[edit]
Amitabh Bachhan's performance in Piku garnered widespread critical acclaim winning him the National Film Award for Best Actor at the 63rd National Film Awards.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Piku is a Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama directed by and written by , starring as the hypochondriac Bhaskar Banerjee, as his independent architect daughter Piku, and as the pragmatic cab driver Rana Chaudhary. The story centers on the trio's eventful from to , highlighting themes of familial bonds, generational conflicts, and emotional reconciliation amid Bhaskar's eccentricities and Piku's caregiving burdens. Produced by Rising Sun Films and Saraswati Films under , the 123-minute blends humor with poignant family dynamics, earning critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of middle-class Indian life. Released on 8 May 2015, Piku was Sircar's follow-up to his National Film Award-winning (2012), continuing his focus on relatable human stories. The screenplay drew inspiration from everyday family interactions, with Chaturvedi's praised for its naturalism and Bengali-inflected . Filmed primarily on location in and along the Delhi-Kolkata highway, the production emphasized to capture genuine character interactions. Critically, Piku holds a 90% approval rating on based on 20 reviews, with praise for the lead performances—particularly Bachchan's nuanced depiction of aging vulnerability and Padukone's restrained emotional depth. It resonated with audiences for its non-melodramatic take on parent-child relationships, grossing ₹79.77 nett in and ₹148.96 worldwide against a ₹35-42 budget, marking a commercial success. The film received numerous accolades, including the National Film Award for (Bachchan) and Best Original Screenplay (Chaturvedi) at the . At the , it won Best Film – Critics, Best Actress (Padukone), and – Critics (Bachchan), alongside honors at the and for Best Film and Best Director. Its enduring legacy lies in redefining cinematic portrayals of and daughterly duty in Bollywood, influencing subsequent family dramas.

Synopsis and Analysis

Plot

Piku , a 30-year-old living in , spends much of her time caring for her 70-year-old widowed father, Bhaskar , whose life centers on his chronic and hypochondriac tendencies. Bhaskar's obsession disrupts Piku's professional meetings and , including potential romantic interests, as he constantly discusses his bowel movements and insists on specific remedies like pudina parathas or tulsi water. Tensions escalate when Bhaskar fires their longtime housekeeper, Budhon, leading to arguments about household responsibilities and Piku's unmarried status, with Bhaskar declaring that any suitor would essentially be adopting him as well. Determined to visit his ancestral home, Kunj, in , Bhaskar refuses to fly due to his health concerns and insists on a , leaving Piku to arrange transportation. After failed attempts to hire a driver, she turns to Rana Chaudhary, the owner of a cab service who is already entangled in a minor legal dispute with her over a car accident. Reluctantly, Rana agrees to drive them, and the trio sets off from in his Innova, with Budhon packing Bhaskar's portable and essentials. Early mishaps include Bhaskar's complaints about the car's discomfort and his refusal to eat improper food, prompting stops for desi remedies suggested by locals. During the journey, family dynamics strain under close quarters: Bhaskar lectures on topics like and , frustrating Piku, who snaps back about her work-life balance and snaps at him for his fussiness, while Rana mediates with calm advice and wry humor, sharing stories of his own Bengali roots to bond with them. Key scenes highlight the humor and tension, such as a stop in where Bhaskar discusses relief methods at the ghats and tries an Indian-style squat, a car sing-along of old Bengali songs interrupted by arguments, and a heated knife-wielding dispute over food that nearly derails the trip. Piku briefly takes the wheel, declaring, "Driving liberates a ," showcasing her amid the chaos. Rana's patience wears thin at times, but he persists, even handling Bhaskar's midnight bathroom emergencies. Upon arriving in , the group reunites with Bhaskar's sister-in-law, Chobi, at Champa Kunj, where old family memories surface amid plumbing issues that Rana fixes, symbolizing his growing integration. In a poignant resolution, Bhaskar experiences relief from his and passes away peacefully in his sleep, leaving Piku to decide against selling the house and instead embrace her heritage. She reconnects with Rana, hinting at a budding relationship as life continues without her father's constant demands.

Themes

Piku delves into intergenerational conflict through the lens of daughter-father dynamics in an Indian middle-class , portraying the strained yet affectionate bond between Piku Banerjee, a career-driven , and her aging father, Bhaskar Banerjee. This relationship exemplifies the tensions arising from Bhaskar's traditional expectations clashing with Piku's modern , as he frequently interrupts her professional life with his health concerns and familial demands, forcing her to prioritize caregiving over personal ambitions. In Bhaskar's arc, his initial controlling behavior—such as defending Piku's single status to relatives while subtly guilting her into staying unmarried—evolves into reluctant acceptance of her , highlighted when he confronts a potential suitor on her behalf, revealing underlying protectiveness rooted in cultural norms of middle-class Bengali households. Piku's , meanwhile, navigates resentment toward her father's , exemplified by her exasperated outbursts during gatherings, yet culminates in quiet affirmation of their bond, underscoring the film's commentary on enduring familial obligations in contemporary . The road trip from to serves as a central for life's unpredictable journey and the unresolved carried within families, transforming mundane travel into a space for and relational shifts. As the trio—Piku, Bhaskar, and cab driver Rana—navigates the Grand Trunk Road, the vehicle's cramped confines mirror the confined emotions of intergenerational ties, with stops for Bhaskar's digestive issues symbolizing pauses in life's progression to address lingering grievances. This narrative device amplifies the theme by fostering unscripted conversations that peel back layers of resentment, such as Bhaskar's reminiscences about his late wife, which force Piku to confront her suppressed grief and the weight of inherited responsibilities, ultimately suggesting that such journeys, though exhausting, facilitate subtle without dramatic resolution. Hypochondria emerges as a poignant motif intertwined with themes of women's and the tension between and personal , embodied in Bhaskar's obsessive monitoring of his bowel movements, which dominates household routines and encroaches on Piku's . His hypochondriac tendencies—stockpiling medicines and fixating on diet—represent not just physical frailty but a psychological for in , compelling Piku to balance her career aspirations with incessant caregiving, as seen when she cancels work meetings to attend to his perceived ailments. In Piku's arc, this dynamic tests her ; despite societal pressures to marry and her own desires for romantic and professional fulfillment, she asserts boundaries by rejecting an arranged match and prioritizing , yet her father's vulnerability evokes a sense of inescapable , illustrated in her decision to accompany him on the trip despite personal costs. Bhaskar's evolution from self-absorbed invalid to a figure who acknowledges Piku's s—admitting his reliance on her during a roadside breakdown—highlights the film's nuanced exploration of how such imbalances foster mutual growth, emphasizing that true for women in such families involves negotiating without total .

Cast and Production

Cast

The principal cast of Piku features in the lead role of Bhaskor Banerjee, a 70-year-old retired from who is preoccupied with his chronic constipation and hypochondriac tendencies. portrays the titular character, Piku Banerjee, a 30-something based in who manages her demanding career while serving as the primary caregiver for her father. plays Rana Chaudhary, a pragmatic service owner in who reluctantly agrees to drive Piku and her father on a road trip to . Supporting roles include as Chhobi Mashi, Piku's maternal aunt who provides familial comic relief during the journey. appears as Syed, Rana's associate at the taxi company, while plays Dr. Srivastava, Bhaskor's physician in . The ensemble also features Priyanka Setia as Nurse, and other minor characters such as as the hotel manager.
ActorRoleCharacter Description
Bhaskor BanerjeeRetired engineer obsessed with bowel health and family routines.
Piku BanerjeeIndependent architect handling work and parental care.
Rana ChaudharyTaxi business owner facilitating the family's trip.
Chhobi MashiPiku's aunt offering support and humor.
SyedRana's colleague in the taxi service.
Dr. SrivastavaBhaskor's local doctor.
Notable casting elements involved during filming, such as in the climactic interaction scene where actors ad-libbed emotional exchanges to capture authentic dynamics, contributing to the film's naturalistic tone.

Development and Casting

The for Piku originated from Juhi Chaturvedi's concept, which she developed in close collaboration with director Shoojit Sircar. Chaturvedi's inspiration drew from her own dynamics, particularly the eccentricities of her grandfather, while Sircar contributed insights from his personal experiences with aging relatives and the everyday strains of familial caregiving. Pre-production gained momentum in early 2014, following initial discussions in 2013, with the project allocated a of ₹42 by producers Ronnie Lahiri, N.P. Singh, and Sneha Rajani under Rising Sun Films, Saraswati Entertainment, and MSM Motion Pictures. commenced later that year. For the central role of the hypochondriac father Bhaskor Banerjee, Sircar envisioned from the outset, tailoring the character with influences from the legendary Bengali Utpal Dutt's portrayals of irascible patriarchs to suit Bachchan's commanding presence and comedic timing. Bachchan accepted the part, drawn to its grounded exploration of parental vulnerability. The titular role of Piku Banerjee initially went to Parineeti Chopra, who was approached due to her ability to embody strong-willed, relatable young women, but she declined amid scheduling conflicts with other commitments. Sircar then pivoted to Deepika Padukone, whom he had in mind even during the scripting phase; he urged Chaturvedi to craft the character around Padukone's poised yet fiery persona. Padukone attached herself to the project immediately after reviewing the script, connecting deeply with Piku's independent spirit and her strained bond with her father, famously remarking that the character felt like an extension of herself. Irrfan Khan was cast as the pragmatic cab driver Rana Chaudhary, building on his successful prior collaboration with Sircar in the 2013 political thriller Madras Cafe, where their creative synergy had already proven effective. Khan committed to the role despite interest from a major Hollywood project, prioritizing loyalty to Sircar and the film's intimate, character-driven narrative.

Filming

Principal photography for Piku commenced in August 2014, with the first schedule taking place in Mumbai from August to September. The second schedule began on 30 October 2014 in Kolkata, where the majority of the film's urban scenes were captured, including exteriors at the Howrah Bridge, Bishop Lefroy Road in Bhowanipore, and the Shyambazar neighborhood, as well as interiors representing the family's ancestral home. Additional shooting occurred in Delhi's Chittaranjan Park for the Banerjee residence sequences, while the road trip portions were filmed along the NH19 highway connecting Delhi and Kolkata, supplemented by locations in rural Gujarat near Surendranagar. The production wrapped in December 2014 following a week-long shoot in Gujarat. The filming process presented logistical challenges due to the diverse locations, ranging from bustling city streets to remote highway stretches, requiring meticulous planning for transportation and permissions. Director navigated acting differences among the leads, with favoring extensive rehearsals for precise single-take deliveries and refining his performance across multiple takes, a dynamic complicated by their first and lack of prior table reads. To portray the Bengali patriarch Bhaskor authentically, Bachchan worked on incorporating a Bengali-inflected Hindi dialect, enhancing the character's cultural roots despite the film's primary language being . The production emphasized realism in depicting familial tensions, drawing from the actors' on-set improvisations to simulate natural arguments and interactions. Cinematographer Kamaljeet Negi employed a grounded visual style, prioritizing and extended sequences to convey the intimacy of everyday life without contrived setups.

Music and Soundtrack

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Piku features five original songs, all composed by in his Bollywood debut, blending acoustic elements with subtle orchestration to mirror the film's intimate dynamics. Released on 21 April 2015 by , the album emphasizes melodic simplicity and emotional depth, with Roy serving as composer, lyricist (alongside Manoj Yadav for select tracks), and on multiple songs. The tracklist is as follows:
No.TitleSinger(s)Lyricist(s)Length
1BezubaanManoj Yadav, 5:41
2Journey Song, 4:12
3Lamhe Guzar Gaye4:18
4PikuManoj Yadav3:26
5Teri Meri Baatein5:28
drew from his Bengali musical roots, incorporating folk influences such as gentle rhythms and regional melodic motifs adapted into , to create a cohesive sound that feels organic to the story's Kolkata-to-Kolkata setting. The recording sessions took place in studios, where Roy focused on balancing light-hearted, playful tones—evident in the upbeat strumming and harmonious choruses—with underlying emotional layers to evoke familial tenderness and tension. Director provided key inputs during composition, ensuring the songs integrated seamlessly into key scenes like the family's car journey. The lyrics, penned primarily by with contributions from , revolve around themes of everyday family quirks, capturing the film's portrayal of bickering, nostalgia, and unspoken bonds between parent and child. For instance, in "Journey Song," lines like "Hum chale baharon mein, chalte rahenge" reflect the characters' reluctant togetherness during their trip, while "Teri Meri Baatein" uses conversational phrasing to highlight mundane yet affectionate dialogues, underscoring the emotional undercurrents of routine life. These elements enhance the songs' integration, appearing diegetically to advance character moments without overpowering the .

Background Score

The background score for Piku was composed by Anupam Roy, who crafted a simple and breezy soundscape to underscore the film's intimate family dynamics and road trip narrative. Drawing from his Bengali musical roots, Roy employed minimalistic instrumentation, including the sarod played by Prattyush Banerjee, acoustic guitar by Rishabh Ray, and organ by Nabarun Bose, to evoke emotional depth without overpowering the dialogue-driven scenes. This approach emphasized melody and cultural resonance, aligning with director Shoojit Sircar's vision for an understated Hindi film debut. Key cues in the score highlight the film's pacing and mood shifts, particularly during the tense highway journey from to . The theme recurs at pivotal narrative points, providing a reflective thread that binds the characters' emotional arcs, while subtle percussion like emerges in transitional moments, such as the arrival at , to signal relief and homecoming. In quieter home scenes, elements contribute to a warm, atmosphere, enhancing the realism of familial tensions and bonds without dramatic flourishes. The score seamlessly integrates with the songs, for instance, extending motifs from "Bezubaan" into ambient cues to maintain narrative flow. Recording took place in a studio during , from late 2014 following principal photography's wrap in December, through early 2015 ahead of the film's April release. Roy recorded core elements like and guitar together for organic cohesion, with sound designer Bishwadeep Chatterjee handling final syncing to the visuals during editing. This process prioritized subtlety, avoiding over-dramatization to preserve the film's realistic tone and allow the score to subtly amplify the characters' unspoken emotions.

Release and Marketing

Promotion

The promotional campaign for Piku began in early 2015, emphasizing the film's humorous take on family dynamics to generate anticipation ahead of its May 8 premiere. A teaser trailer was released on March 23, highlighting quirky glimpses of Amitabh Bachchan's character and the father-daughter bond, which quickly gained traction on YouTube. This was followed by the official trailer launch on March 26, featuring the tagline "Motion Se Hi Emotion" to underscore the film's blend of comedy and emotion; the event uniquely invited journalists to bring their parents for interactions with the cast, aligning with the movie's themes. Social media teasers on platforms like Twitter and Facebook further amplified the humor, including behind-the-scenes clips and contests that engaged urban Indian audiences. Promotional events included multiple press conferences with the cast, such as a May 3 meet in where Bachchan, , and discussed the film's relatable storytelling. contributed to the buzz by releasing promotional versions of songs like the title track remix, shared via to tease the soundtrack's folksy charm. Tie-ups with radio stations, including 's appearances on , promoted theme music snippets to target family listeners in cities. The strategy focused on family-relatable content through TV spots on channels like and digital platforms, positioning Piku as a lighthearted urban dramedy while building hype through unconventional tactics like Bachchan's posts on the "unusual and hilarious" promotions.

Theatrical Release

Piku had its Australian premiere in on May 8, 2015, coinciding with its theatrical debut in multiple markets. In , the film opened nationwide on the same day across approximately 1,300 screens, marking a for a mid-budget . The premiere and initial screenings highlighted the film's intimate portrayal of family dynamics, drawing early attention from international audiences familiar with the lead actors' work. Distributed worldwide by , which acquired the global rights, Piku was granted a U/A certification by India's (CBFC), making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance. This rating allowed broad accessibility without significant alterations to its content, aligning with the film's light-hearted yet realistic tone. managed the logistics for a seamless rollout, ensuring prints were available in key territories promptly. The international expansion was executed simultaneously with the Indian release, with screenings commencing on May 8, 2015, in the , (limited release), , , and , among others. In overseas markets, the film was primarily presented in its original language with English subtitles to cater to communities and cinephiles. This coordinated strategy capitalized on the promotional trailer's viral impact, which had built anticipation through shares and endorsements in the weeks leading up to the launch. The film was re-released in theaters on May 9, 2025, to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Home Media

The home media release of Piku began shortly after its theatrical run, with handling distribution for physical formats. The DVD edition was made available on July 15, 2015, followed by the Blu-ray on July 25, 2015. These physical releases included bonus features such as footage and deleted scenes, compiled on a second disc to provide additional insights into the film's production. In digital formats, Piku became available for streaming on starting December 16, 2015, and later transitioned to platforms including . The film's television premiere aired on in on September 20, 2015. As of 2025, no remastered editions of Piku have been released for home media. Ancillary rights, encompassing home video and digital distribution, generated approximately ₹6 crore in revenue, contributing to the film's overall commercial performance.

Performance and Reception

Box Office

Piku was produced on a budget of ₹35–42 crore, excluding costs for prints and advertising, which were additional to the overall financial outlay. The film's marketing expenditure was incorporated into the total costs, contributing to its effective promotion. In , Piku earned ₹79.77 nett over its theatrical run, with an opening weekend collection of ₹25.22 that included ₹5.32 on the first day, ₹8.70 on the second day, and ₹11.20 on the third day. The first week nett grossed approximately ₹41.42 , demonstrating steady growth driven by positive word-of-mouth. rates began at around 40% on opening day and rose to 60% in subsequent screenings, reflecting increasing audience engagement. Worldwide, the film grossed ₹148.96 crore, including ₹110.79 crore from (gross) and ₹38.17 crore from overseas markets. Piku was declared a hit by trade analysts, achieving profitability through its strong domestic performance relative to the budget and outperforming several comparable mid-budget family dramas of in terms of .

Critical Response

Piku received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising its realistic depiction of family dynamics and strong performances. On , the film holds a 90% approval rating based on 20 reviews, reflecting consensus on its subtle humor and emotional authenticity. Similarly, it maintains an rating of 7.6/10 on from over 36,000 user votes, underscoring its enduring appeal among audiences influenced by professional endorsements. Critics particularly lauded Amitabh Bachchan's nuanced portrayal of the hypochondriac father Bhaskor Banerjee, highlighting his ability to blend eccentricity with vulnerability in a role that humanizes aging and caregiving. Director Shoojit Sircar's handling of the material was commended for its subtlety, allowing the road trip narrative to unfold naturally without contrived drama, emphasizing everyday tensions in a Bengali household. Some reviewers noted minor issues with pacing during the extended road sequences, describing them as occasionally meandering, though this was often seen as enhancing the film's unhurried realism rather than detracting from it. Notable reviews captured the film's emotional depth and understated charm. of awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, praising the strong character work and its truthful exploration of familial bonds that evoke both laughter and tears. The 's Mike McCahill described it as a "crude but effective Bollywood comedy," appreciating Bachchan's commitment to the bodily humor while noting its effective balance of levity and . This critical consensus contributed to the film's commercial success by drawing viewers seeking authentic storytelling.

Audience Response

Piku resonated strongly with urban families and younger adults, particularly those in the 25-45 age group, who found its portrayal of intergenerational dynamics relatable and authentic. The film's focus on everyday family tensions and emotional bonds drove significant positive word-of-mouth, encouraging group viewings among and leading to increased theater attendance over its opening weekend. This appeal was evident in its positioning as 2015's inaugural entertainer, appealing to audiences seeking light-hearted yet meaningful content about parental care and independence. On , the film generated considerable buzz in 2015, with the hashtag trending on and the platform inundated with user posts praising its humor and performances shortly after release. Fans particularly highlighted memorable lines from Amitabh Bachchan's character Bhaskor Banerjee, such as his quips on family obligations and health obsessions, which became fodder for discussions and shared content. User ratings reflected this enthusiasm, with Piku earning a 7.6/10 average on IMDb from over 36,000 votes, indicating broad approval for its relatable storytelling. On Rotten Tomatoes, audience reviews echoed similar sentiments, describing the film as a "surprisingly fun and entertaining road-trip movie" powered by strong ensemble chemistry. In the years following its theatrical run, Piku maintained enduring viewer sentiment through its rewatch value, often cited for its comforting depiction of familial love amid chaos. By the , streaming availability on platforms like contributed to sustained popularity, with fans sharing nostalgic reflections on anniversaries and positioning it as a go-to feel-good family watch. In May 2025, coinciding with its 10th anniversary, Piku was re-released in theatres, drawing renewed attention and positive responses from audiences reminiscing about Irrfan Khan's performance. Articles in 2025 highlighted its ongoing resonance, noting how the film's quiet simplicity continues to draw repeat viewings for its emotional depth and humor.

Accolades and Legacy

Awards

Piku received widespread recognition at major Indian film award ceremonies, earning accolades for its performances, direction, and screenplay. The film accumulated a total of 40 wins and 34 nominations across various events. At the 63rd National Film Awards (2016), Piku secured three wins. Amitabh Bachchan won the Best Actor award for his portrayal of the hypochondriac father Bhaskor Banerjee. Juhi Chaturvedi received the Best Original Screenplay and Best Dialogues awards for her work on the film. The (2016) honored Piku with five awards out of eight nominations. won for her role as Piku Chaudhuri. earned the Best Actor (Critics) award. was awarded Best Director (Critics), and the film itself won Best Film (Critics). Additionally, took home the Best Screenplay award. At the 17th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards (2016), Piku garnered six nominations and three wins, including for performances. won Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female). The film also received awards for Best Story and Best Dialogue, both credited to .

Cultural Impact

Piku has had a profound societal resonance in Indian cinema and beyond, sparking widespread discussions on and the challenges of filial duty within modern families. The film portrays the nuanced dynamics of caregiving through the relationship between the independent architect Piku and her hypochondriac father Bhaskar, highlighting the emotional and practical burdens often faced by adult children, particularly women, in balancing professional ambitions with family responsibilities. This depiction has contributed to shifting narratives in from idealized parent-child bonds to more realistic explorations of aging and dependency, as seen in academic analyses of evolving portrayals of aged parents. Furthermore, Piku challenges traditional roles by presenting its female as a self-reliant whose life revolves around her father's needs without romantic dominance, thereby promoting conversations on women's in patriarchal contexts. The film's themes have inspired subsequent family dramas that delve into unconventional household tensions, such as (2018), which similarly normalizes complex intergenerational conflicts through humor and . In , Amitabh Bachchan's iconic line, "Insaan ka uska motion ke saath juda hua hai," delivered as Bhaskar fixates on his , has become a widely quoted phrase symbolizing the film's blend of toilet humor and emotional depth, often referenced in and everyday banter to lighten discussions on personal vulnerabilities. Deepika Padukone's portrayal of Piku was ranked among the 100 Greatest Performances of the Decade by Film Companion in 2019, underscoring the character's enduring appeal as a symbol of resilient . As of 2025, Piku continues to be featured in curated lists of essential Bollywood films for its realistic storytelling on generation gaps and bonds, reflecting its sustained relevance in contemporary . Its influence extends to streaming platforms, where themes of aging and caregiving have proliferated in original content, with the film itself recommended as a touchstone for empathetic narratives on elder care. The accolades received by the film, including National Film Awards, further amplified its visibility, embedding it deeper into cultural conversations on relatable human experiences.

References

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