Though a bit cheesy in execution, Pankaj Tripathi’s OMG 2 was a bold move in today’s India. It was an admirable attempt to expose social hypocrisies and emphasize the importance of sex education in the country that gave Kamasutra to the world, with its protagonist drawing inspiration from Lord Shiva. However, the makers took a calculated and smart approach by aligning their message with religion, leveraging faith to address a sensitive issue.
But what if a film dares to question the very foundations of religion? What if it exposed shortcomings in education, condemned exploitation by its self-appointed ‘custodians’ and called religion a business? That was the essence Aamir Khan’s PK. Released in 2014 — the same year BJP came to power —PK Dared to use the alien’s perspective – an innocent, otherworldly character with no preconceived notions – to highlight the bigotry, hypocrisy and stupidity in all religions. PK was the perfect outsider to upset the balance of our so-called organized society.
In the film, PK is a foreigner who turns to worshiping the gods of all religions, believing it’s the only way to find his lost locket—the key to returning home—because that’s what he’s been told. It shows that no one had the patience or compassion to give him practical instructions, resorting instead to the simple but evasive advice: “Ask God, he will help you.”
Revisiting PK seems to peel back layers of deep-seated prejudice within us. It’s equal parts funny and poignant, emotional yet profoundly eye-opening. Each viewing challenges you to confront not only your prejudices towards religion but also your perceptions of humanity – keeping you thoroughly entertained. The film’s ‘back to basics’ approach allows you to see the world through PK’s fuzzy, childlike eyes.
In one of the film’s most iconic lines, PK declares, “Believe in the God who created us, not the God you created.” This statement becomes the backbone of his journey as he navigates the maze of religious contradictions. When a policeman mistakes PK for a member of another faith, he sarcastically advises, “Are you going to start a riot, go worship your own God.” This sets PK on a quest to find the true God. But in his journey, PK shows how each religion contradicts itself – from food restrictions and contradictory dress codes to rituals that demand money for divine intervention.
PK 3 feels like an extension of Idiots’ Rancho (also played by Aamir), a character who gets thrown out of class to give a loud, straightforward answer to an unnecessarily complicated question. Similarly, PKs are beaten, abused and ridiculed for calling them out.
One of the film’s most striking moments is PK’s concept of “wrong numbers”—religious practices that mislead innocent people. In an unforgettable scene, PK encounters a self-styled God who advises a grieving man to leave his ailing wife and seek God in the Himalayas. PK countered this with a strong argument saying, “Why would God complicate things for him and ask him to leave the one who needs him the most?” It’s a moment that’s both funny and deeply thought-provoking, encompassing the folly of superstition.
While it is difficult to imagine PK Continued in today’s political climateIts release in 2014 was not without controversy. Various Hindu organizations have demanded a ban on the film, while some Muslim boards have called for the removal of some scenes. The poster, which showed Aamir posing naked with a bombbox strategically placed to cover his modesty, also sparked outrage, leading to calls for its removal. Let’s just say the film ruffled every feather in existence.
But staying true to its theme, PK rose above these prejudices and released in theatres. It is one of the most fascinating films of Aamir Khan’s career. The film also featured Ranbir Kapoor in a special appearance towards the end, hinting at the possibility of the actor taking the story forward with PK 2. While there is no word on that front, Ranbir Kapoor is currently gearing up for the release. Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana.
Demand shapes the supply chain, and maybe we’re not ready for PK 2.
Why should you buy our membership?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be confused and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package
Click for latest Bollywood news with more updates and entertainment updates. Also get breaking news and top headlines from India and the world on Indian Express.