Peepli Live (2010) poster

Peepli Live (2010)

13 August 20101h 50mHindiIndia
7.3/10TMDB · 80 votes

DirectorAnusha Rizvi

StarringOmkar Das Manikpuri, Raghubir Yadav, Malaika Shenoy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Watch onNot on major OTT platforms in India

Best for: Viewers who appreciate satirical dramas that comment on social issues with a mix of humor and realism.

Where to watch Peepli Live online in India

Peepli Live is not currently listed on major OTT platforms in India. We check availability every week.

Availability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.

Peepli Live story (no spoilers)

Peepli Live is a 2010 Hindi drama-comedy directed by Anusha Rizvi. In a rural village, a farmer named Natha decides to commit suicide to secure the farmers' compensation for his family. When word of his intention spreads, media reporters and politicians descend on the village, turning his private desperation into a public spectacle. The film balances sharp satire with grounded drama, using the characters of Natha, his brother Budhia, journalist Nandita Malik, and others to examine how institutions exploit human suffering. The tone shifts between dark comedy and poignant realism, highlighting the absurdity of the situation without making light of Natha's plight. Over the course of 110 minutes, the story unfolds as a commentary on media ethics and political opportunism, all set against the backdrop of rural India. The ensemble cast includes Omkar Das Manikpuri, Raghubir Yadav, Malaika Shenoy, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, bringing authenticity to the narrative.

Should you watch Peepli Live?

Watch it for

  • Anusha Rizvi's directorial debut offers a sharp, satirical take on media and politics, blending drama and comedy with a grounded rural setting.
  • The cast includes Omkar Das Manikpuri as Natha and Raghubir Yadav as Budhia, with supporting turns from Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Naseeruddin Shah.
  • Ram Sampath's music adds to the film's rustic atmosphere, complementing the story's tone.
  • At 110 minutes, the film is a concise, focused watch that doesn't overstay its welcome.

Skip it if

  • You prefer mainstream Bollywood song-and-dance entertainers; this is a satirical drama with a slower, dialogue-driven pace.
  • You dislike films that critique media and politics; the story heavily focuses on institutional exploitation.
  • You want a straightforward comedy; the humor here is dark and intertwined with tragedy.

Peepli Live cast

Omkar Das ManikpuriOmkar Das Manikpurias Natha
Raghubir YadavRaghubir Yadavas Budhia
Malaika ShenoyMalaika Shenoyas Nandita Malik
Nawazuddin SiddiquiNawazuddin Siddiquias Rakesh
Sitaram Panchalas Bhai Thakur
Shalini VatsaShalini Vatsaas Dhaniya
Naseeruddin ShahNaseeruddin Shahas Salim Kidwai
Aamir BashirAamir Bashiras Vivek
Anoop Trevedias Thanedar Jugan
Pravin Singh Sisodiaas Gudda Babu
Ishita Vyasas Reporter
Indira TiwariIndira Tiwarias Reporter

Peepli Live movie details

DirectorAnusha Rizvi
WriterAnusha Rizvi
MusicRam Sampath
CinematographyShanker Raman
ProducerAamir Khan, Kiran Rao
Release date13 August 2010
Runtime1h 50m (110 minutes)
Original languageHindi
Country of originIndia
Languages spoken in the filmHindi, English
Original titlePEEPLI [Live]
Budget$2.3 million (approx.)
Worldwide box office$6.9 million (approx.)

Parental guide: is Peepli Live family friendly?

ViolenceMild
LanguageMild
Sexual contentNone
Family viewingNot ideal

This is a general guide; the film deals with suicide and exploitation in a rural setting, so parental discretion is advised for younger viewers. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.

Peepli Live official trailer

Our verdict

Peepli Live is a smart, well-acted satire that uses a farmer's desperate decision to expose the circus of media and politics. Anusha Rizvi's direction keeps the tone balanced between dark humor and tragedy, making it a thought-provoking watch. It's not a feel-good film, but it's a compelling one.

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Peepli Live online in India?

Peepli Live is not currently listed on major Indian OTT platforms for free streaming.

When was Peepli Live released?

Peepli Live was released in India on 13 August 2010.

Who directed Peepli Live?

Peepli Live was directed by Anusha Rizvi.

Who are the cast members of Peepli Live?

The cast includes Omkar Das Manikpuri as Natha, Raghubir Yadav as Budhia, Malaika Shenoy as Nandita Malik, Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Rakesh, Sitaram Panchal as Bhai Thakur, Shalini Vatsa as Dhaniya, Naseeruddin Shah as Salim Kidwai, and Aamir Bashir as Vivek.

What is the runtime of Peepli Live?

Peepli Live has a runtime of 110 minutes.

Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.