In the Hindi film PK, the protagonist's name, "PK," is not an abbreviation or acronym. It is actually a shortened form of the name "Pakkad". This name was given to him by the people who found him in the desert as a child, and he adopts it as his own. The name "Pakkad" means "caught" in Hindi, reflecting the fact that he was found alone and abandoned.
The film's director, Rajkumar Hirani, has stated that the choice of the name "PK" was deliberate. It is a simple and memorable name that reflects the protagonist's simple and innocent nature. The name also subtly hints at the protagonist's journey throughout the film, as he questions societal norms and religious beliefs, essentially "catching" the attention of those around him.
The name "PK" has become synonymous with the film and its protagonist, representing the themes of questioning, challenging, and finding your own truth.