Piku

Piku, a unique and heart-warming comedy-drama, hit the theaters worldwide in 2015. Directed by Shoojit Sircar, the film refreshingly blends family drama, comedy and emotions, and presents an exceptionally real and relatable account of the intricate father-daughter relationship. The film boasts a star-studded cast featuring Bollywood heavyweights such as Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Irrfan Khan.

Deepika Padukone plays the eponymous role of Piku Banerjee, a 30-something architect who lives in Delhi, balancing her demanding work life and her responsibilities towards her eccentric septuagenarian father. The character of Piku is fiercely independent, yet emotionally connected to her father, making her a very relatable character to anyone with familial responsibilities. Padukone beautifully represents the daily conflicts of a young woman who is doing the challenging job of caring for an elderly parent while managing a successful career.

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, as Bhashkor Banerjee, brilliantly portrays the role of Piku's crotchety and demanding father. Bhashkor is a retiree and hypochondriac, obsessed specifically with his bowel movements, which is both a source of humor and annoyance throughout the film. Amitabh Bachchan, in this role, depicts the character who stands as the embodiment of the saying 'the older they get, the crankier they become.' The quirks and eccentricities he brings to the character of Bhashkor endear him to audiences.

The stellar actor Irrfan Khan plays Rana Chaudhary, the owner of a local cab service who ends up embarking on a journey with Piku and Bhashkor. Khan's character serves as an engaging addition to the narrative, providing a contrasting perspective on familial relationships and responsibilities. His character Rana is amiable, patient, and understanding, and acts as a buffer between the perpetually squabbling Piku and Bhashkor.

One of the highlights of the movie is its narrative. The film does not revolve around any grand plot or high-stakes conflict. Instead, the script penned by Juhi Chaturvedi follows a rather simple premise set around day-to-day situations and rolls out a journey filled with love, humor, and understanding. The characters don't undergo a drastic transformation; they remain consistent, evolving subtly and organically over the course of the movie.

The film takes a substantial part of its plot on the road, as the characters take a road trip from Delhi to Kolkata. This journey brings out numerous aspects of the characters' relationships with each other, adding depth to their individual characters and stoking the emotions amidst the humor.

Piku's unique plot and presentation breathe new life into Indian cinema's portrayal of the parent-child dynamic. The change in settings – from the confines of a Delhi dwelling to the broader landscape viewed from a moving vehicle, and, ultimately, the old lanes of Kolkata – reflect the shifts and progression in their relationships.

The music and background score in Piku, composed by Anupam Roy, perfectly complement the narrative and add depth to the movie. The songs are soulful, melodious, and play a pivotal role in enhancing the storytelling process.

Piku will especially resonate with anyone who has juggled a career and elderly care. The film throws light on the theme of aged parent care, an aspect often missing in mainstream cinema. It explores the challenges, sacrifices, humor, and ultimate love, connection, and fulfillment found in this journey.

In essence, Piku is a heart-warming film that combines strong performances, deft direction and a well-written script to deliver an insightful and enjoyably relatable watch. It successfully emulates the madness of everyday life with its mix of humor, drama, and emotions, while also exploring the complexities of familial relationships. Despite dealing with a serious issue of ageing and parental care, it never loses its undertone of light-heartedness and mischief, making it an engaging film from the start till the end.