PK – ‘My Favorite Martian’
Aamir Khan? No! It’s Christopher
Lloyd from the movie - My favorite Martian (1999)
Ambitious television reporter Tim O'Hara (Jeff Daniels) stumbles
upon a Martian (Christopher Lloyd) whose spaceship has accidentally crashed on
Earth. Thinking this is his ticket to a Pulitzer Prize, Tim makes plans to expose
the Martian, who, posing as Tim's Uncle Martin, takes human form and has plans
of his own. In fact, all of Tim's efforts to divulge the truth are
systematically thwarted by the resourceful alien, who ultimately recruits Tim
to help him repair his ship for a return to Mars.
Cast: Aamir Khan – PK, Anushka
Sharma – Jagat Janani, Sanjay Dutt- Bhairon Singh, Boman Irani- Cherry Bajwa, Saurabh
Dhukla – Tapasvi Maharaj, Sushanth Singh Rajput as Sarfraz Yusuf, Parikshit
Sahani as Jaggu’s father and many others.
& Crew: Director-Rajkumar
Hirani, Music: Shatanu Moitra, Ajay-Atul, Ankit Tiwari, and Ram Sampath
PK an alien (Aamir Khan) from a
distant planet is dropped on earth by a space ship to study earthlings. He
loses an amulet (stolen by a petty thief) which is necessary for his return to
his home planet. In his desperate quest to retrieve the magical amulet he meets
Bhairon Singh (Sanjay Dutt) who becomes a faithful friend. I wonder!) and
guides him to search for it in New Delhi. On reaching Delhi and a few somewhat humorous situations
decides only ‘God’ can help him recover his stolen property. I say somewhat humorous
because a few of the situations conceived were rather childish and a few rather
repetitive (the lovemaking in the car). PK becomes frustrated and finally a confused
alien who questions the methodologies used by Godmen, priests etc to guide the
path of devotees to the almighty. So far so good! The very novelty of the
packaging of the plot keeping in mind the ‘Godmen’ devotee present day situation
should be applauded! The usage of the ‘wrong’ number simile was novel and
catchy and sticks but the ‘right’ number being - Hinduism is probably one of
the very few if not the only religion which does not subscribe to an agent to
establish contact with God but encourages a one on one direct conduit to the almighty
was somehow in my opinion not rightly emphasized in the premise or the screen
play.
The story then goes on to its
next gear when PK meets a reporter Jagat Janani (Anushka Sharma) who fits her
role to the tee. (Except for her mouth I really wish she hadn’t puckered it up)
Anyways AS has a flash back as in while studying in Belgium she falls for Sarfraz
Yusuf a Pakistani student also working part-time in the Pakistani embassy (how
very convenient for the director). Here is my other problem why a Pakistani youth
a simple Moslem boy from Lucknow would have been more than adequate. The Sania –
Shoaib touch was really not required. Moreover in the final analysis Anushka’s parent’s
characterization gets a raw deal. In the sense they are shown as blind
followers of a money making god man whereas Sarfraz’s family are completely blanked
out! The situation scenes using the cat in the basket twice though predictable
well thought of. The uncensored love between Janani and Sarfraz well captured.
The chemistry between the two worked. The blind believes and rituals which
exist in our society worked though a little more thought would have helped. Like
tonsure, thread ceremony, invoking gods into devotees etc would have helped but
there again it is easier said than done in this country. The distribution of
wanted ‘god’ posters the black & white situation (sari, wedding gown &
burka) were absolutely hilarious! Spending time in the jail after urinating in
public brings a smile.
What irked me most was PK’s stilted
gait and wide open eyes all the time. Of course some ardent fans of Aamir will probably
silence me by saying ‘Shaddup Yaar! He looks cute…..! But I still say it looked
downright silly and stupid. The ‘Nanga’ Aamir is probably more a gimmick if
nothing else. What was the terrorist train bombing scene far! It rather left me
baffled! Finally coming to the cinematic climax well! Rajkumar Hirani had very
little leeway and had to finish the film leaving Aamir’s image unscathed and
the fair maiden happily married ever after!
The book sale at the end a nice
touch though I wish PK had walked to Janani and extended a book for her
autograph! Leaving her and the viewers open mouthed!
Acting: It is Aamir Khan all the
way but Anushka has definitely matched him point for point! Sanjay has essayed
a decent performance and so has Sushanth (Sarfraz). Boman Irani and Saurabh Dhukla
essayed their parts with ease.
Music: The songs were quite
pleasing and retro. Reminded one of songs in films like Can Can and Chitty
Chitty Bang Bang etc
D.O.P: Good work. In sync with
director’s premise.
Edit: Well cut.
Bottom-line: PK is definitely OK! But could have been better with a
little more effort!
Quote: A good director and an actor should be in sync to make at least
a decent film if not a great film!
My Rating: 3/5
Until Next Time,
Director Haricharan
15/1/2015
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