Why Piku is a Masterpiece ?

Credit: Abstract Scriber

                                           

Watched Piku today again and I have to write this blog. Some dialogues carry so much weight but I’m seriously not such a good writer to pen it down in words with that much grace. Still trying my best to do so. Another thing; It's not a movie review blog, so if you're here for the review; you will just get the response 'Please Go and Watch’

It's one of those films that stays with you after the movie is over. The connection between Piku, and her father, so beautifully brought to life. It showed a breath of love, frustration, and humour all mixed into the same place. In many ways, the film shows the difficult effort of looking after an ageing parent, which has its share of battles and delights too. With a road trip thrown in for good measure, it’s got a little bit of everything. Be it heart, humour, and a whole lot of relatable moments. The core of Piku reveals a story that anyone, having experienced the conflict of being pulled in between love and obligation, tradition and modern times, can relate to. It narrates a story that goes far beyond just doing duty to a retired parent, above emotional responsibility in caring, towards an intricate mix of respect, defiance, and sacrifice.

“ Baba, aap kuch bhi karo, maine aapko kabhi kuch nahi bola, kyunki aap mere liye sab kuch ho. Agar aapko kuch chahiye, toh main hoon na. Bas, aap mujhse kuch na chhupao.”

Blending love with unspoken burdens.

Piku’s gentle plea for openness “I am here for you” reflects the silent weight many carry while balancing modern ambitions with traditional responsibilities. Her exhaustion isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, a yearning for mutual understanding in a skewed dynamic. This resonates deeply in relationships where one individual becomes the unseen pillar, silently holding together the fragile threads of familial expectations and personal sacrifice. It’s a poignant reminder to nurture both love and dialogue in evolving bonds.

“ Maa toh sab kuch manage karti thi, lekin aap kabhi manage nahi karte.”

Piercing critique of gender roles within the family structure.

In caregiving and household management, women often shoulder emotional and physical labour, managing everything seamlessly. The societal expectation is that women take on these responsibilities, while men are often disengaged. The dialogue in Piku highlights this imbalance, as Piku observes her mother's sacrifices and contrasts them with her father's detachment. Every woman of an Indian household has experienced the triggered emotional trauma from their husbands. This critique of traditional gender roles urges for a shift toward shared responsibilities, challenging the notion that caregiving is inherently a woman's duty. It calls for equality, urging men to contribute to both emotional and practical labour in relationships.

“ Yeh jo aap hai, yeh baat sabko pata hai. Sabko pata hai ki aap ek bohot ziddi aadmi ho. Par agar aapko thoda bahut khud par meherbani dikhani hoti hai, toh yeh nahi aata.”

Plea for Emotional Self-Care and Self-Compassion.

In Piku, the dialogue where Piku confronts her father about his inability to show kindness to himself serves as a poignant reminder of a larger societal issue: the lack of self-compassion within family dynamics. Bhaskor’s strict belief in duty and sacrifice prevents him from caring for his emotional well-being, a reflection of the cultural norm in India where both parents and children often suppress their own needs for the sake of family obligations. Piku's growing frustration illustrates the emotional toll of always being the caregiver while yearning for recognition and validation beyond that role. This powerful moment calls for a balance between self-care and family duty, urging society to re-evaluate the importance of emotional well-being within familial relationships.

“ Baba, yeh sab aapke saath chalta rahega, par main bhi thoda sa jeene ka haq rakhti hoon,”

Balancing Family Duty and Personal Aspirations.

In Piku, the tension between familial duty and personal aspirations is poignantly portrayed, shedding light on the universal struggle of balancing obligations with personal desires. Piku’s emotional plea resonates with anyone caught between the demands of caregiving and the yearning for their own life. The film highlights the importance of maintaining personal well-being while loving and supporting family, underscoring that self-care shouldn’t be sacrificed in the name of duty. Piku goes beyond caregiving; it is about asserting the right to live your own life, reminding us that love, responsibility, and self-care can coexist, if we make room for both.

“ Sabko apne tareeke se pyaar karne ka haq hai.”

Personal freedom in relationships.

The line boldly challenges societal norms around love and affection. It asserts that everyone has the right to love in their own way, unburdened by external expectations or traditional ideals of how love should be expressed. In a society where love is often measured by predefined standards—whether it's the ideal romantic gestures or familial duty—this dialogue empowers individuals to embrace their own style of caring and expressing affection. It promotes emotional freedom, encouraging people to honor their personal feelings and relationships without conforming to outdated norms or pressures.

“Aapko apni zindagi khud jeeni hai.”

Societal pressure to prioritize others.

The line powerfully challenges the societal pressure to sacrifice one’s own aspirations for the family. In many cultures, especially in India, there is an overwhelming expectation that personal desires should be secondary to the needs of loved ones. The notion that one must put the family’s happiness first often leads to neglecting one’s own dreams. This dialogue speaks to the struggle of balancing family responsibilities with the necessity to live a fulfilling life—one that is driven by personal growth, goals, and desires. It is a call to empower individuals to carve out space for themselves while still supporting their families.

“Hum sab ko apni zindagi ki ek certain limit pata honi chahiye.”

Limitation of personal growth and self-expression.

The line speaks to the emotional and psychological burden that comes with excessive self-sacrifice. Piku's assertion challenges the traditional idea that one should give up their own desires and aspirations for the sake of others, especially family. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, urging individuals to recognize when they have reached their limits. This idea of knowing one's boundaries encourages a healthier balance between family duties and personal growth, advocating for self-respect and emotional well-being. The dialogue underscores the significance of setting limits in relationships and prioritizing one's own life, goals, and happiness alongside familial obligations.

"Zindagi mein do tarah ke log hote hain, ek jo samajh kar chalte hain aur dusre jo apne jazbaat ke saath."

Balance is the key.

In this dialogue from Piku, Irrfan Khan’s character reflects on the dual nature of human behavior. He contrasts two types of people: those who approach life with logic and understanding, and those who act impulsively, driven by their emotions. This line emphasizes the internal conflict between rationality and feelings, a theme central to the movie. It resonates with the universal human experience of navigating between decisions made with reason and those influenced by emotions, highlighting how both paths shape our lives and relationships. It is a reminder that balance is key to understanding and navigating life’s challenges.

Final Thoughts

Watching Piku again brought a mix of emotions. Reminded me of our Indian household have never noticed self-worth, self-love, self-compassion as a thing. How only personal sacrifice makes you a fit for this society. The complex struggle of ageing of parents, balancing relationships as well as the duty of a only child is relatable to many of us. This not just a movie; it taught us finding balance between taking care of others and honoring one’s own life at the same time.

The dialogues are my topmost favourite and if anything else you can share please comment down.