By Susmita Sameera
Peotu is a term used to describe someone who has lost control over alcohol, an addict unable to break free. The film stays true to this idea, exploring the emotional and social impact of addiction, the stages a person goes through, and the haunting question: Is there truly a way out?
At the centre is Peter (Likith MN), a simple married man whose life turns upside down when he comes home to a note from his wife, Rita (Ashwini Chavare), saying she has left him for someone she truly loves. Shocked and unable to explain the situation to anyone, Peter collapses under the weight of gossip and judgment. Lost and desperate, he calls his friend Kiran, and that first drink intended to numb his pain becomes the beginning of his downfall.
What starts as a single night of drinking extends into days and weeks. Peter loses his job, becomes the subject of neighbourhood whispers, and finds comfort only in alcohol and his drinking circle. The film portrays his steady decline emotionally, socially, and professionally as addiction takes hold of every part of his life.
A brief encounter with Rita at the interval point becomes a turning moment. Peter decides to start over by opening a tea shop. But addiction remains stronger than his resolve. Soon he loses the shop, ends up on the streets with no money, and even befriends a beggar just for company. The beggar’s death due to alcohol becomes a hard-hitting wake-up call. Peter sells his father’s vintage bike, his last prized possession, and finally admits he needs help.
He joins rehab and genuinely tries to rebuild himself. After 100 days of sobriety, however, he spirals back, showing how relentless and repetitive the cycle of addiction can be. This time, Peter turns to his church. The Father advises him not to merely “try to quit,” but to surrender—to seek strength beyond personal willpower. Step by step, he attempts to rise again.
The film highlights the good, bad, and ugly sides of life, including friends who genuinely care, others who take advantage of his vulnerability, and a society that is quick to judge but slow to understand. It also explores the emotional toll of falling and rising multiple times before true change becomes possible. It does not glorify alcohol but presents it as a destructive force with painful consequences.
However, despite its thoughtful intention, the film’s execution falters. The timeline feels disjointed, with crucial emotional moments—especially in the climax—receiving surprisingly little screen time. Instead, extended drinking scenes and repetitive friend gatherings take up more space than necessary, weakening the emotional impact of Peter’s struggle and recovery. Performances are average, though the cinematography and music offer occasional highlights.
Peotu is not a film that exaggerates alcohol use, but one that attempts to speak about its consequences. Despite its uneven pacing and structural flaws, its message remains clear: addiction is a battle fought daily, filled with setbacks, and victory comes only after countless attempts to rise again.