Is Shoojit Sircar Right? Was 'Piku' One of Big B's Finest Performances?

Mumbai, May 2 (NationPress) Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar considers Amitabh Bachchan's portrayal in 'Piku' as one of his most outstanding performances, noting how the megastar relished the role of the lovable Bhaskor Banerjee throughout the film.

Did he anticipate the performances to leave such a profound impact?

“Absolutely, for me, it stands out as one of the most remarkable performances of Mr. Bachchan. He dedicated his all to this film. While we were filming, it was evident that he was having a great time. Each reading, every scene, every moment was infused with his joy. He would often linger on set.”

“Some days, he would return to redo shots. He was driven to deliver his best because he was genuinely enjoying the process. I could see it in his eyes and his demeanor.”

Shoojit emphasized the cinematic legend's talent for encapsulating everyday subtleties, imbuing authenticity and charm into his character through small, relatable moments.

He elaborated: “He captured those little moments, like interacting with the house help. He was just having a great time, even getting annoyed at a neighbor's remarks. The small details, like how he sits, eats, or converses at the dining table, brought real joy to the performance. I was completely mesmerized by his portrayal.”

'Piku' tells the story of an architect named Piku and her aging yet bothersome father Bhaskor Banerjee, who bond during a road trip to Kolkata amid their differing beliefs and petty arguments.

This comedy-drama, celebrating its 10th anniversary since release, features Amitabh Bachchan alongside Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan, Moushumi Chatterjee, Jisshu Sengupta, and Raghubir Yadav.

As 'Piku' is set for a re-release on May 9, it underscores the emotional and moral duties of adult children in caring for their aging parents, spotlighting the struggles of balancing personal lives with caregiving.

When asked about the film's contemporary relevance, especially for young adults juggling personal commitments while caring for elderly parents, Shoojit remarked to IANS: “Yes, caregiving is a critical issue today. Parental care is indeed a crisis in the modern family dynamic. This film speaks volumes about that, emphasizing the importance of not abandoning our elders.”

“Piku takes charge of this responsibility. She realizes that she cannot just let her parents fade away. To ensure their well-being, she must be present. The film conveys a clear message: as parents age, they can’t be left to fend for themselves.”

He continued: “You must support them through this phase. This message is especially pertinent today. Piku, as a progressive young woman from an enlightened family, embodies this sentiment, which is a crucial takeaway from 'Piku'.