Critical reception Peepli Live received positive reviews. Subhash K. Jha, film critic and author of
The Essential Guide to Bollywood, describes
Peepli Live as "a work of damning ramifications." He further states that, "To most of us out here sitting in the auditorium, farmers' suicide is just a headline. Read, regretted and then put to bed. Peeply (Live) is that savagely raw and hurtful wake-up call for the conscience which does not mince words."
Nikhat Kazmi of the
Times of India gave the film three and a half out of five stars stating," How smart can Indian cinema get? Exhilarating answer: Very smart. And that's the bottomline of
Peepli Live, a small little film, that showcases the real India without glossing over the contradictions of our fumbling-bumbling democracy or getting overtly sentimental about garibi and the attendant grime that goes with it.
Pratim D. Gupta of
The Telegraph wrote "Peepli Live demands to be absorbed and not just watched over the weekend" and praised the director Anusha Rizvi – "she has the gift of the dark humour satire ala Shyam Benegal and in her uncompromised shooting style, she shows the fire of Mira Nair".
Taran Adarsh of
Bollywood Hungama gave it four and a half out of five stars and argues that "the concept [farmers' suicides] would instinctively translate into a serious, thought-provoking film. But
Peepli [Live] takes a grim and solemn issue, turns it into a satire, garnishes it with populist sentiment and makes a far greater impact than a mere documentary, had it tackled the burning issue. In fact, like all Aamir Khan films,
Peepli [Live] marries realism with a winning box-office formula most brilliantly." Mayank Shekhar of
The Hindustan Times gave the film four out of five stars arguing that "the satire is irresistible; the subtext, compelling. And yet neither shows itself up in any form of self-seriousness. The comic writing is immaculately inspired". Noyon Jyoti Parasara of
Yahoo gave the film 3.5 out of five and said, "
Peepli [Live] is a class act and director Anusha Rizvi and producer Aamir Khan could take a bow for working this into reality".
Rajeev Masand of
CNN-IBN also gave it three and a half out of five stars, calling it "a scathing satire on the country's apathy towards the rural class, and specifically towards farmers,
Peepli Live employs a comic tone to tell a serious story. The witty script turns Natha into something of a local celebrity, who draws out the true character and motivations of all those who cross his path." Mathures Paul of
The Statesman gave the film 4 out of 5 stars noting that, "Anusha Rizvi demolishes successfully whatever little faith we had in the political process.
Peepli (Live) is entertaining and inspiring". , the film holds an 86% approval rating on
Rotten Tomatoes, based on 28 reviews with an average rating of 6.32 out of 10. On
Metacritic, the film had an average score of 69 out of 100, based on 12 reviews, indicating "Generally Favorable" reviews.
Box office According to Box Office India,
Peepli Live took a good start and did a business of on its first day. The film collected by the end of its third week and was declared a super hit. Overseas, the film opened to a limited release at 64 places in the U.S., and was ranked third, grossing $350,054 in the domestic market and $700,000 worldwide in its opening weekend. ==Awards and nominations==