Rajkumar Hirani-directed Aamir Khan starrer 'PK' is said to be >the toughest role of the actor's career. The film that released on December 19 has been under limelight ever since the release of its first promotional teaser poster which saw Aamir Khan posing in a semi-nude state. The film has had its ups and downs since then.
1. From the poster...
>A lawyer in Kanpur moved court against the star saying that the poster was “obscene.” >Aamir Khan defended nudity on PK poster saying that it’s not for publicity. He called it “key art”, and that it depicted the story of the film. The poster (below) features Aamir posing nude with a strategically placed boombox hiding his modesty. The poster was >later approved by a government panel.
2. PK: An Aamir Khan show
With the >Supreme Court saying that nothing was wrong with the poster, the movie was released amidst much expectations. While many felt that the film was a tad preachy, the theme was appreciated for its bold handling and Aamir's performance.
Anuj Kumar reviews the movie saying its >One for the believer; Sudhish Kamath said that this is >an Aamir Khan show in which logic takes a backseat.
3. Protests galore
Despite being critically acclaimed within the short span of the release, the movie drew flak from Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad for hurting religious sentiments. Theatres running the movie were vandalised and there were calls to stop further shows of the movie. Aamir Khan said, “ >I respect Hindu religion . My Hindu friends have seen the film and they have not found anything objectionable in this movie."
Right wing activists protesting against Aamir Khan starrer 'PK' burn the film's posters outside a movie theatre, in New Delhi on December 30. Photo: PTI
Bajrang Dal activists protest against Aamir Khan starrer film ‘PK’ in Jammu on December 29. Photo: PTI
4 . Supreme Court refuses to ban PK
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking a ban on the film for hurting religious sentiments and promoting nudity. “If you dont like it, dont watch it. Indian youth are smart enough to know that PK is fiction,” said Chief Justice R. M. Lodha
5. Bihar, U.P. give tax exemption to PK
After Uttar Pradesh, the Bihar government had decided to give Aamir Khan-starrer PK entertainment tax exemption. The former Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, recommended that the film be made tax-free after watching it. >15 booked after protest over tax exemption to ‘PK.’
6. Positive comments as well
Arya Samaj leader Swami Agnivesh on January 02, 2015 said that >‘PK’ should not be opposed on “flimsy” grounds by people who haven’t even seen the film. >Baba Ramdev wanted people to boycott the movie , claiming it had hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. Cricket icon >Sachin Tendulkar was floored by Aamir Khan’s performance in the film and said it’s the best film that he has ever seen.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar with actors Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma and prducer Rajkumar Hirani during the screening of film PK in Mumbai on December 16, 2014. Photo: PTI
7 . Freedom of expression?
>Baradwaj Rangan wrote that none had the right to pull the film from theatres after the Censor Board had cleared the film.
8. PK became the highest grosser in Bollywood
Even as protests against the film continued, the producers said that the film had broken Dhoom 3 record to become the biggest earner in Bollywood by collecting Rs. 278.52 crore since its release on December 19.
Read: >PK becomes highest grossing Bollywood film
9. PK ‘download’ gets Akhilesh in trouble
While announcing that PK would be made tax-free in UP, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav told journalists: “People had been telling me for many days to watch PK. I downloaded it a few days ago, but only found time to watch it last night. I liked it.” The comment drew flak in social media and the CM was accused of violating anti-piracy laws.
10. Aamir Khan: I would love to do sequel to PK
Asked if a sequel to “PK” is underway, he said: “Let’s see. You all have to ask Raju Hirani (director Rajkumar Hirani) if he is interested in making a sequel. If they make it, it’s good. I would like to do it.”
