PK is a 2014 Indian Hindi-language satirical science fiction comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, who co-wrote the screenplay with Abhijat Joshi. The film was jointly produced by Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra under the banners of Rajkumar Hirani Films and Vinod Chopra Films. It stars Aamir Khan in the title role alongside Anushka Sharma, Sushant Singh Rajput, Boman Irani, Saurabh Shukla, and Sanjay Dutt. The film uses the device of an alien visitor to question religious dogma, godmen, and ritualistic practices in contemporary India.
| Title | PK |
|---|---|
| Director | Rajkumar Hirani |
| Writers | Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi |
| Producers | Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani |
| Production companies | Rajkumar Hirani Films, Vinod Chopra Films |
| Lead cast | Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sushant Singh Rajput, Boman Irani, Saurabh Shukla, Sanjay Dutt |
| Music | Shantanu Moitra, Ajay−Atul, Ankit Tiwari |
| Cinematography | C. K. Muraleedharan |
| Editor | Rajkumar Hirani |
| Language | Hindi |
| Country | India |
| Release date | 19 December 2014 |
| Genre | Satire, comedy-drama, science fiction |
The narrative follows an extraterrestrial being who arrives on Earth in rural Rajasthan and loses the remote-control device needed to summon his spaceship. Stranded and unfamiliar with human customs, he begins a journey across India in search of the device, which he is told only "God" can help him retrieve. His literal and innocent questioning of contradictory religious explanations forms the spine of the film. He befriends Jaggu, a television journalist played by Anushka Sharma, who helps him expose a self-styled godman, Tapasvi Maharaj, played by Saurabh Shukla.
Central themes include blind faith, religious commercialisation, sectarian division, the manipulation of believers by self-proclaimed spiritual figures, and the idea of distinguishing genuine faith from ritualistic conformity. The film also incorporates a cross-border romance between an Indian Hindu woman and a Pakistani Muslim man, played by Sushant Singh Rajput.
PK reunited Rajkumar Hirani and Aamir Khan after the success of 3 Idiots (2009). The screenplay was developed by Hirani with long-time collaborator Abhijat Joshi. Principal photography was carried out at locations including Rajasthan, Delhi, Mumbai, Belgium (Bruges), and the Indo-Pakistan border region depicted in the film. The visual effects were supervised to depict the alien's arrival sequence in the desert. The soundtrack was composed primarily by Shantanu Moitra, with additional songs by Ajay−Atul and Ankit Tiwari, and lyrics by Swanand Kirkire and Amitabh Varma.
The film was released worldwide on 19 December 2014. It opened to a wide domestic release and was simultaneously released in international markets including the United States, United Kingdom, the Gulf countries, and Australia. PK became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of its time and the highest-grossing Hindi film at the worldwide box office at the point of its release. It was also released in China in 2015, where it became one of the highest-grossing Indian films in that market.
Critics widely praised the film's writing, Aamir Khan's performance, and its satirical treatment of religion and superstition. Reviewers highlighted Hirani's signature blend of humour and social commentary. Anushka Sharma, Saurabh Shukla, and Sanjay Dutt received particular appreciation for their supporting roles.
The film also drew protests from certain religious organisations who alleged that it was disrespectful to Hindu beliefs. Public demonstrations were reported in several Indian cities, and petitions were filed seeking changes to or removal of certain scenes. The Supreme Court of India and various High Courts dismissed petitions seeking a ban, allowing the film to continue its commercial run.
PK received multiple nominations and awards at major Indian film ceremonies, including Filmfare Awards, Screen Awards, IIFA Awards, and Producers Guild Film Awards, with recognition in categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Story. The film was also among the top contenders at industry award ceremonies for the 2014 cinematic year.
The film is considered a significant example of mainstream Hindi cinema engaging with religious satire and social critique while retaining commercial appeal. It contributed to broader public debate on godmen and organised religion in India during the mid-2010s. Along with 3 Idiots and Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., PK reinforced Rajkumar Hirani's reputation as a director who combines popular entertainment with reformist messaging.