PK (2014)

Last updated:
August 26, 2025

PK (2014), directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is a thought-provoking Indian satirical comedy-drama that blends humor, romance, and social commentary. The film challenges blind faith, organized religion, and the human search for truth, all wrapped in an entertaining yet emotional story.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Arrival of the Alien

The story begins when an alien (Aamir Khan) lands on Earth in Rajasthan. His remote control device, the only way to contact his spaceship, is stolen almost immediately, leaving him stranded. Without clothes, language, or knowledge of human customs, he sets off on a journey to survive and understand humans.

Learning the Human Way

PK (the nickname given to him, meaning “drunk” because of his odd behavior) learns human culture through observation. He picks up languages quickly and tries to return home by searching for his lost device. Every time he asks people for help, he is told, “Only God can help you,” which leads him into temples, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras. Confused by conflicting rituals, he starts questioning how so many different “Gods” can exist.

The Encounter with Jaggu

Jagat Janani, or “Jaggu” (Anushka Sharma), is a TV reporter in Delhi. After returning heartbroken from Bruges (due to her failed romance with a Pakistani Muslim man, Sarfaraz), she meets PK. Initially skeptical of his bizarre claims, she realizes he’s genuinely different after seeing his innocence and childlike honesty. She decides to tell his story to the world through a news channel.

Exposing the Godmen

PK soon sets his sights on Tapasvi Maharaj (Saurabh Shukla), a powerful godman who claims to have divine connections. PK challenges him by pointing out the absurdities of blind faith and manipulation of people in the name of God. His questions—simple yet deeply logical—start shaking people’s beliefs.

Jaggu’s Personal Conflict

Jaggu slowly falls for PK’s innocence and bravery, but her unresolved past with Sarfaraz also plays a key role. PK helps her realize that her breakup was a misunderstanding created by Tapasvi Maharaj, who falsely predicted that Sarfaraz would betray her because of religion.

Movie Ending

The climax comes when PK confronts Tapasvi on live television. PK exposes Tapasvi by revealing that Jaggu’s breakup with Sarfaraz was based on a planted letter, not divine foresight. Sarfaraz, still deeply in love, shows up and proves his loyalty. Tapasvi is humiliated, and the public begins questioning his legitimacy.

In the end, Sarfaraz and Jaggu reconcile and decide to be together, bridging the India-Pakistan divide. PK, however, is left heartbroken because he had developed feelings for Jaggu. In a deeply emotional farewell, PK confesses his love but also acknowledges that Jaggu belongs with Sarfaraz. Before leaving Earth, PK gives Jaggu his audio recorder, which contains all his thoughts and his hidden affection for her.

The movie closes with PK returning to his planet, but in the final shot, he comes back again—this time with a group of aliens, hinting at a continuation of his journey on Earth.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, PK does not include any post-credits scenes. The story concludes fully within the film, though the ending does suggest the possibility of a continuation or sequel.

Type of Movie

PK is a satirical comedy-drama with strong elements of romance, social commentary, and science fiction. It uses humor to deliver powerful messages about religion, love, and humanity.

Cast

Aamir Khan as PK (the alien)
Anushka Sharma as Jagat Janani (Jaggu)
Sushant Singh Rajput as Sarfaraz Yousuf
Saurabh Shukla as Tapasvi Maharaj
Boman Irani as Cherry Bajwa
Parikshit Sahni as Jaggu’s father

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack was composed by Shantanu Moitra, Ajay-Atul, and Ankit Tiwari. Songs like “Chaar Kadam,” “Love is a Waste of Time,” and “Bhagwan Hai Kahan Re Tu” became popular, balancing light romance with philosophical undertones. The lyrics were penned by Swanand Kirkire, Amitabh Varma, and others.

Filming Locations

The movie was shot in Bruges (Belgium), Delhi, Jaipur, and Belgium’s Church of Our Lady. The contrast between European romance sequences (Jaggu and Sarfaraz) and the earthy Indian landscapes (Rajasthan and Delhi) reflects the cultural breadth of the story.

Awards and Nominations

PK was a massive critical and commercial success. It won several awards, including:

Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue (Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani)
Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay
Multiple nominations for Best Film and Best Actor

It was also India’s highest-grossing film of 2014 and among the highest-grossing Indian films worldwide.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Aamir Khan went through extensive training to develop PK’s unique body language and wide-eyed expressions.
He reportedly avoided water for hours to achieve the “childlike, thirsty” look.
Director Rajkumar Hirani said the story was inspired by real-life experiences of people questioning blind faith.
Sushant Singh Rajput’s cameo was originally much longer but was trimmed to keep the focus on PK.

Inspirations and References

The film draws inspiration from the Valérian and Laureline comics (for the alien character concept) and combines it with Indian social realities. It also echoes themes seen in Hollywood films like E.T. and The Man Who Fell to Earth—outsiders questioning humanity.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Though the film ends conclusively, deleted scenes include:

Extended sequences of PK learning Indian customs.
More comedic interactions with Jaggu before she believes his story.
The final return of PK with other aliens was meant as a teaser for a potential sequel (PK 2 has been discussed but not confirmed).

Book Adaptations and Differences

PK is an original screenplay, not based on a book. However, its storytelling style resembles allegorical novels that use outsiders to critique society.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

PK entering temples, churches, and mosques, collecting items of worship.
The “dancing car” scenes where PK steals clothing from couples.
Live TV debate between PK and Tapasvi Maharaj.
PK silently recording his feelings for Jaggu.

Iconic Quotes

PK: “Which god should I believe in? You all fight over him.”
Jaggu: “He isn’t drunk. He’s innocent.”
PK: “We speak different languages, but emotions are the same.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The transistor radio carried by PK is a nod to old Bollywood posters.
PK’s wide-eyed look mirrors Aamir Khan’s childhood expressions, which he practiced in front of a mirror.
References to Hirani’s previous films (Munna Bhai MBBS) are subtly embedded in newspaper clippings.

Trivia

Aamir Khan went bare-bodied in the desert for the opening sequence—shot in freezing conditions at night.
The film sparked nationwide debates on religion and was even protested by some religious groups.
It became the first Bollywood film to gross over ₹700 crore worldwide.

Why Watch?

If you’re interested in a film that combines laughter with social reflection, PK is a must-watch. It isn’t just a comedy—it makes you rethink faith, love, and what it means to be human, all while keeping you entertained.

PK (2014)