PK reminds us to use fresh eyes and a new perspective and tells us that "the way it is" can be so much better if we are willing to fix it. We are so entrenched in the status quo that we see it as reality and ignore injustices with a "that’s the way it is" approach where hypocrisy often masquerades as good behaviour. The film's questioning approach however applies not just to religion, but can be extended to society and culture as a whole.
He does not question faith itself, but the rituals and rules and outwardly trappings.Ĭlothes, language, the different methods of prayer do not define faith and while none of these things are bad in themselves, the film conveys that they may sometimes keep us from looking further. To question is not to condemn and PK questions to get closer to God, not to discredit religion. The film conveys that spirituality and sceptism are related instincts, not opposing forces. Turning that spiritual search into a literal one can provide an honest representation of how religion works. The journey to find God is a cornerstone of faith. – Photo courtesy: Īlthough (or perhaps because) he has no defined religion, PK has a strong and steadfast belief in a creator. With no cultural or moral biases he questions human customs and hypocrisy without an agenda.Īamir Khan as PK. His affectations and quirkiness, which have seemed out of place in much of his other work, serve him well here.
The discussion it initiates makes any minor flaws irrelevant.Īamir Khan makes the most of one of his meatiest roles in years, perhaps his most serious acting challenge yet and reveals an openness and vulnerability we haven't seen before. Like all good art, PK communicates and evokes empathy even as it entertains. While it may not be perfect as a movie, it works wonderfully as an exploration of an idea. However, none of this changes the fact that this is the most important film to watch this year. The music seems to be an afterthought and the forgettable songs are there simply because mainstream Bollywood movies need them. Competent portrayals by Sanjay Dutt, Saurabh Shukla, Boman Irani and Sushant Singh Rajput cannot offset that they are not given much to work with.Īnushka Sharma's otherwise engaging performance is marred by a distracting wig and whatever she has done to her lips.
Somewhat repetitive and bordering on preachy, judicious trimming was needed for tighter scenes and less predictable plot devices.Īn unrequited love storyline that added nothing to the narrative was shoehorned near the end for no apparent reason. In order to keep the focus on the message, he ignores many other aspects of the movie. The strong premise and intriguing script by Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi provide a foundation for a promising examination of contemporary values and the manner in which opportunists and 'godmen' twist them.īut Hirani's penchant for emotional manipulation removes nuance in favour of simplistic philosophy. If I were to judge PK based purely on its merits as a film, I would give it a score of 3.5/5.