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PK (Tipsy). Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, with Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput. At Ster–Kinekor Cavendish Square.
REVIEW: Mehboob Bawa
DIRECTOR Rajkumar Hirani’s eagerly awaited fourth film, despite being a hit and miss affair, is still extremely entertaining and thought provoking. Celebrated actor Aamir Khan turns in a magnificent performance as the titular character PK.
An alien comes to earth and his first encounter with a human sees his communication device being stolen. Stuck on earth in search of the device all his efforts lead him to understand that help can only be found from God.
The trouble is that there are so many religions this becomes confusing. PK sets out to find God, whom he believes to be missing. On his quest he uncovers many who purport to lead in the name of religion, but actually prey on the naïve, lining their own pockets in the process. Help arrives in the form of an intrepid journalist who develops a keen interest in his story.
Through a series of hilarious incidents showcasing humans’ idiosyncrasies and their fixation with religion, PK comes head to head with the leader of a religious group.
From the moment Khan appears on screen he commands attention, not least because he is naked. He is ably supported by wonderful Sharma. She has been given a complete makeover and is well suited to her role as the journalist Jaggu. The supporting cast are equally excellent – as Jaggu’s one time lover Sushant Singh Rajput performs with the ease of an established actor belying his newcomer status, Sanjay Dutt shines as a local band leader; the ever reliable Boman Irani is a hoot as the head of a TV channel. Veteran Parikshat Sahni as the journalist’s father and Saurabh Shukla as the religious leader also offer solid support.
Hirani and co-writer Abhijat Joshi infuse witty screenplay with great standout scenes. But the team responsible for two of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters Lage Raho Munnabhai and 3 Idiots fall short this time. Sadly, the film has its share of convenient contrivances. The climax is preachy and while relevant, the proceedings could have been concluded more creatively. The music by a variety of composers is suitably melodious. Cinematography by CK Muraleedharan is exceptional. Hirani’s editing could have been tighter. At 153 minutes, the film is unnecessarily lengthy.
Despite the flaws, PK is definitely worth watching and you should leave the cinema smiling broadly.