PK — Ending Explained

The film reveals that Tapasvi Maharaj is a fraud who knew all along that the remote was a device, not a divine object. In the climax, PK uses his alien ability (transferring thoughts by holding hands) to reveal the truth about Jaggu's past. It turns out Sarfaraz did not betray Jaggu; the letter she received at the church was actually written by Sarfaraz to another girl (calling off a marriage to be with Jaggu), but Jaggu misunderstood it. The dogmatic prophecy was self-fulfilling.

Jaggu reunites with Sarfaraz. PK, having fallen in love with Jaggu, decides to leave Earth without telling her. He lies (a human trait he learned) that his recorded tapes contain 'sounds of Earth', but Jaggu later realizes they are only recordings of her voice—revealing his silent, unrequited love. The film ends with PK returning to Earth a year later with a new alien (Ranbir Kapoor), ready to teach him about Earth's oddities.

While the film is a straightforward satire, some critics interpret the ending not just as a victory of logic, but as a commentary on the necessity of 'White Lies'. PK, who could not lie, eventually learns to lie to Jaggu about his love for her to ensure her happiness. This suggests that while the 'lies' of religion are harmful, lies born of love and compassion are human and necessary.

Another reading is that PK himself acts as a Messianic figure—he descends from the heavens, challenges the pharisees (godmen), is persecuted, and ultimately ascends back, leaving behind a 'gospel' (the tapes) and a changed disciple (Jaggu).