Is PK a Highly Overrated Movie: An Analysis
When discussing the movie 'PK', opinions are often divided. Some see it as a groundbreaking film with a message, while others believe it is overrated. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the controversy and provide a balanced view on whether PK is truly overrated.
Context and Comparison
While the film '3 Idiots' by the same director, Rajkumar Hirani, received widespread acclaim, 'PK' failed to live up to similar expectations. Despite its critical and commercial success, some critics and audiences believe that 'PK' falls short in delivering a significant social message. (Rajkumar Hirani, 2013)
One key factor in minimizing potential backlash was Rajkumar Hirani's inclusion of PK's trips to a Mosque and a Church, acknowledging different religious beliefs. However, his primary focus was on exposing the lapses in the Hindu system, adding another layer to the film's critique.
Motivation and Intentions
It's important to understand why filmmakers point out flaws in a system. Often, it is done by individuals with limited knowledge, who criticize without fully understanding the system's complexity. This applies not only to religious practices but also to social reformers and even communists, who may point out issues without offering solutions (Rajkumar Hirani, 2013).
Rajkumar Hirani, as a respected director, falls into this category. While he successfully highlighted issues such as cheating and fear among educated people in PK, he did not provide any viable alternatives or solutions. This lack of actionable advice or proposed reforms leaves the film's message somewhat lacking.
Analysis of Specific Elements
PK is not a bad movie, nor is it a very good movie. It is an average idea - an alien who lands on Earth and questions everything is a concept that, while novel, feels somewhat familiar. The film explores how a child, an alien, starts questioning the logic behind human beliefs as he grows up. (Rajkumar Hirani, 2013)
However, the inclusion of a love triangle between Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Sushant Sinha feels contrived and stretches the plot. The character of Sanjay Dutta, played by Sushant Sinha, is introduced just to add drama and emotion, although he could have been played by any other actor. His sudden release from jail and his participation in the film felt like an unnecessary and forced element in the story (Rajkumar Hirani, 2013).
The film's success can largely be attributed to the successful partnership between Rajkumar Hirani and Aamir Khan, which led to the commercial success of '3 Idiots' in 2009. While this doesn't necessarily mean 'PK' is overrated, it does highlight that the pairing of these talents was likely a key factor in the film's financial success (Rajkumar Hirani, 2013).
Conclusion
'It is not a bad movie, and it is not a very good movie.' This is a balanced assessment of PK. While it raises important questions about our religious and social systems, it falls short in providing actionable solutions or a profound social message. The love triangle and some of the plot elements feel stretched and somewhat contrived. The film's success is partly due to the powerful duo of Rajkumar Hirani and Aamir Khan, but it's not enough to elevate it above the level of an average movie idea.