PK: A Controversial Satire That Questioned Superstition

'PK', the 2014 Bollywood sensation directed by Rajkumar Hirani, transcends the boundaries of conventional cinema. Starring Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Sushant Singh Rajput, how did the critically acclaimed film delve into the intricate realms of religion and superstition?

PK theatrical poster. Source: IBM

"This is as much a philosophy as a film."

These were the words of Srijana Mitra Das, a movie critic from the Times of India while giving a review of PK, the 2014 'controversial satire' Bollywood masterpiece. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the man behind the iconic 3 Idiots, PK is a movie of its kind. The movie ventured into the domains of religion, superstition, and human beliefs- which are often touted as risky elements in Bollywood, let alone being controversial.

Starring Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, and the late Sushant Singh Rajput, this film was not only a blockbuster, it was a thought-provoking journey that challenged societal norms and sparked vital discussions.

Behind the scenes of the movie: Source: VisitBruges

PK was the product of meticulous planning, creativity, and perseverance by Hirani and Abhijat Joshi - the co-writer of the film. The shooting phase spanned months and with a budget of Rs. 1.22 Billion - reflecting the film's ambition. It was strategically released during a festive season to maximise its potential. However, like every groundbreaking film, it faced its share of challenges and controversies that shaped its destiny. The movie dared to explore the delicate subject of religion and faith.

The story revolves around an alien named PK (Aamir Khan), who lands on Earth and gets stuck. What started as a quest to find his lost communication device, transformed into a journey to understand humanity's relationship with God. This quest involved him posing thought-provoking questions, which struck at the core of various religious beliefs. Jagat Janani Sahni (Anushka Sharma) played a pivotal role in helping PK navigate this journey.

PK did not single out any religion or attack anyone's beliefs. It is a satire- delivered in a fairly appropriate way- to stimulate contemplation and open dialogues about faith and spirituality. However, the satirical approach was misinterpreted by people with high beliefs, leading to outrage and violent protests.

Various protests and demonstrations happened after the release of the movie. Source: GulfNews

The controversy surrounding PK stemmed from a misunderstanding. Some individuals perceived the film as an attack on their faith which, as covered by Srijana Das, was far from the truth. The film merely questioned the rituals, dogmas, and superstitions that had permeated society. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding triggered violent uprisings, protests, and calls to boycott the film. Even a legal complaint was lodged against the director and the actors.

However, despite the outrage, PK remained an iconic film that takes the viewers on a quest to provoke critical thinking and encourage a deeper understanding of religion and superstition in India- especially on how it is practised in India.

The aftermath of the film reflected the success of the movie in raising questions which went beyond its compelling and satirical narrative.

It relied heavily on cutting-edge special effects to create a believable world inhabited by an alien protagonist. The film's aliens and usage of religion were meticulously designed, requiring a dedicated team of experts, especially in matters of belief and religion.

Their effort paid off even after facing a turbulent journey. PK delivers a visually stunning experience that adds depth to the storytelling.

PK Success Party. Source:  moviecrow.com

The film's locations also played a vital role in its authenticity. Shot in various parts of India, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Varanasi, PK showcased the rich cultural diversity of the country.

This endeavour involved extensive logistical planning, as filmmakers had to secure permissions and manage large crowds of curious onlookers.

Aamir Khan's dedication to his role as PK also deserves mention. He portrayed his comical role as the alien with such commitment that he did not blink his eyes throughout the film!

Its impact extended far beyond the silver screen. The film earned critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including the prestigious International Indian Film Academy Awards for both Best Director and Best Dialogue- along with the nomination for Best Actor and Best Actress Award.

It also emerged as one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever, amassing over 183.09 crore rupees (US$28.955 million) worldwide. PK became the first Bollywood film to earn one billion rupees (US$16.39 million) net from online bookings. Srijana Mitra Das gave the movie four stars out of five.

PK ignited a national conversation about religion, superstition, and the importance of critical thinking. It challenged the status quo and encouraged individuals to question deeply ingrained beliefs. The controversy surrounding the film served as a catalyst for much-needed introspection within society.