It’s been five years since Piku came out and Shoojit Sircar blessed us all and told us how important the intention of any film is. And it’s been five years since I first saw this film, and have been watching it every time I missed home, regretted a mistake, felt heartbroken, or was just simply not okay/completely okay.
Kolkata and the chaotic calm!
Viewing this film is like remembering what life feels like, how simple joys transform your life. But more than anything else, this film is an ode to Kolkata!
I visited the city 3 years back and only to recall how it seemed in Piku and unknowingly, I happened to stop at the same Kachori Stall Amitabh Bachchan’s character Bhaskor Bannerjee buys kachoris from at the end of the film. There was a picture of him outside the stall in his iconic pink kurta and the cycle he drove across the city.
I couldn’t believe I came to the city looking for traces of Piku and ended up staying in a hotel right in front of that stall.
As I roamed around the city, I could feel how Piku felt, the sense of being at home. The peace amongst the chaos.
I was with my parents at the time and I remember catching glimpses of my father time and again only to realise how much our bond resonates with Piku and her Baba, and how every parent-child relationship is like that.
CR Park’s legendary family gatherings
It is difficult to choose one iconic scene from the film but for me, the best one has to be Bhaskor defending the idea of staying single and not getting married for Piku. He says, “Humne Piku ko padhaya, likhaya, bada kiya toh take care of me, shaadi karke kisi aur ke parents ka dekh bhaal kyun karna”
Marriage isn’t bad, but it should have a purpose! All a husband wants from his wife is food during the day and sex at night! Is that what a women is for?
– Bhaskor Bannerjee, Piku
The film really makes you think how selfless parents can be and how much we take for granted. Bhaskor unapologetically demands his daughter’s time and attention and it feels like every father should.
The sarod theme missing from the playlist..
If anyone is as big a fan of the film as I am, you must be well aware about the Sarod theme that pays visit every now and then throughout the film. I never kept count but I might have watched Piku for more than 50 times by now and I still watch the opening credits every time, only to hear the Sarod theme and weep!
Motion se hi emotion..
Coming to what the film is based on, Constipation! Nothing is more relatable to old age as much as constipation! Every household has an elder who can’t stop obsessing about his stuck motion and Bhaskor isn’t the first to be obsessed with his medical reports and is low key sad when reports are normal.
Last but not the least, Irrfan Khan as Rana Chaudhary (not Bengali) and his constant urge to make sense with Bhaskor!
How will I ever get over the purity behind the film, Kolkata’s streets, Piku missing her mother every step of the way, Rana’s kleptomaniac sister and crazy mother, and Bhaskor’s dying wish to have the best motion?!!
I will not and I should not.
Films like Piku should exist to remind you what filmmaking is about: the intention and sincerity!
The F Word 
I could relate to your undoubtedly amazing write up as I have also seen the film ‘Piku’ more than a couple of times. Poorva, your blogs are very interesting and it really feels good to see your writing skills get better with every write up of yours. Keep going and enjoy what you do which will give the best result!
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