The Shoojit Sircar-directed film, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan, connected with all age groups through its cool combination of comedy and melodrama. The multiaward-winning story of a strong-minded daughter taking a road trip with her cranky father and a sarcastic taxi driver completes a decade this week – and is being rereleased in cinemas across India.
Irrfan Khan in scenes from PikuFilm campanion
Eastern Eye marks the occasion by revealing 10 reasons why it is a modern-day masterpiece.
Story: Writer Juhi Chaturvedi’s relatable story found real magic in the everyday struggles of a middle-class family. Piku did not need a villain, forced conflict or elaborate twists. The authentic interactions, engaging characters and universal themes enabled it to resonate deeply. Whether it was the frustrations of younger protagonists or the eccentricities of old age, there was something for everyone.
Screenplay: A good story is often let down by a weak screenplay, but not here. Juhi Chaturvedi brought her beautiful idea to life with a sharp, emotionally intelligent script filled with memorable dialogues, strong characterisation and well-structured scenes. It is no surprise she won all the major writing honours, including Filmfare, IIFA, National and Screen awards.
Irrfan Khan brilliantly performed throughout the filmFilm comapanion
Performances: A character-driven story demanded a strong lead cast, and Piku delivered just that. Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan fully immersed themselves in their roles. The versatile talents played off each other brilliantly, creating memorable moments throughout the film. Even the supporting cast delivered solid performances that added texture to the narrative.
Direction: Strong acting, great writing and interesting settings all came together under Shoojit Sircar’s deft direction. He transformed a simple premise into a deeply emotional cinematic experience. Avoiding heavy-handedness, he let the characters drive the story, focusing on natural interactions instead of dramatic set pieces. His approach allowed audiences to laugh, cry and reflect – often all at once.
Deepika Padukone: The superstar actress arguably delivered the best performance of her career in this modestly budgeted film, despite having starred in far bigger productions. She brought remarkable range to the challenging title role, offering a deeply relatable portrayal of a daughter caught between duty and personal aspiration. Her exhaustion, love and sacrifice struck a chord with audiences who had been in her shoes. She deservedly won a host of best actress awards.
Amitabh Bachchan: Bollywood’s greatest star has delivered countless unforgettable performances, and Piku ranks among his finest. Whether it was his appearance, accent or mannerisms, he completely transformed into the hypochondriac father obsessed with digestive health. The multi-layered role, filled with contradiction, humour and empathy, earned him widespread acclaim and all the top acting honours.
Acclaim: One of the clearest signs of Piku’s greatness is the critical acclaim and awards it received. In addition to individual honours for direction, writing and performances, the film itself received multiple best film awards and nominations. Critics praised it as charming, progressive, unpredictable and realistic. It proved that content-driven cinema could thrive in mainstream Bollywood. With the industry currently struggling, it is crying out for another Piku.
Romance: Amid its fabulous father–daughter narrative, the film featured a subtle romantic thread. The understated chemistry between Piku and her driver Rana (played by Irrfan Khan) felt refreshing in an industry known for grand, over-the-top romances. Their exchanges – laced with wit, sarcasm and growing mutual respect – offered a beautifully written and believable love story.
Locations: A road trip involving a strong-willed woman, her ageing father and a nononsense taxi driver called for evocative locations – and the film delivered. From intimate indoor scenes to striking outdoor backdrops, the film maintained authenticity from start to finish. The journey’s various pit stops added emotional depth and gave the story a tangible sense of movement and discovery.
Music: The soundtrack – including its background score – may not receive enough credit when discussing this landmark film. The understated compositions perfectly complemented the story’s contemplative tone. Its heartfelt and timeless song, Bezubaan, remains beloved a decade later. The music elevated the film’s emotional resonance without ever overpowering the narrative.
Suhana Khan and Aryan Khan earn their place through hard work says Karan JoharInstagram/Pinkvilla
As for Aryan, the spotlight is different. He’s not facing the camera but he’s behind it. Aryan’s Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood, which he co-created and is directing, is already creating industry buzz. Karan has watched it and didn’t mince words: Aryan is not what people expect from a superstar’s son. “He’s not loud. He’s not trying to prove anything. He just works. Twenty hours a day, quietly and obsessively. He’s not trying to be SRK 2.0, he’s doing his own thing.”
Karan also touched on the long-running nepotism debate. Yes, having a famous last name might open doors, but staying in the room, he said, takes real talent and consistency. He used Aryan and Suhana as examples of young people not riding the wave of their family name, but carving a place of their own.
Karan Johar defends Shah Rukh Khan's kids against nepotism claimsGetty Images
He admitted he has a soft corner for them. For Karan, they’re like family. But that’s not why he believes in them. “You can’t fake the kind of hard work they’re putting in. They’ve chosen the hard way, and they’re sticking to it.”
One Direction star Liam Payne's fortune to be held in trust for his son Bear until he reaches adulthoodGetty Images
Under UK intestacy rules, this likely means Liam’s estate will be held in trust for Bear until he reaches adulthood. Cheryl, who co-parented Bear with Liam even after their split, is expected to ensure that the money is safeguarded for their son’s future. A music lawyer, Richard Bray, has also been named co-administrator.
But there is one notable absence from the legal arrangements: Liam’s girlfriend at the time of his death, Kate Cassidy. Despite having been in a committed relationship with Liam and reportedly discussing marriage, she is not entitled to any part of his estate, as they were neither married nor in a civil partnership.
The tragic end of Liam Payne's life leaves his £24 million estate to his son Bear with Cheryl Tweedy overseeing its managementGetty Images
Kate has spoken publicly about the pain of losing him, recalling their last moments together before she left Argentina. “He joked I was acting like it was the last time I’d ever see him,” she said. “And it was.”
Liam’s death was ruled accidental, with high levels of alcohol and traces of drugs in his system at the time of the fall. Earlier this year, charges against hotel staff for negligence were dropped by an Argentinian court.
Liam Payne’s untimely death leaves his £24 million fortune to son Bear Getty Images
Known for his role in One Direction, one of the most successful boybands of all time, Liam’s music touched millions. But perhaps his most meaningful legacy is Bear, the little boy he called his “mini-me.” In one of Liam’s final videos, he gently tousled Bear’s hair and smiled. “He’s getting so big now,” he said. Bear will one day inherit the life Liam left behind and the love he never stopped giving.
