The film is set in London and follows the story of Binny, a rebellious teenager portrayed by Anjini Dhawan in her debut role. It explores her complicated dynamics with both her parents and grandparents.
Imagine combining the melodrama of films like “Baghban” (2003) and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (2001) with a half-hearted American-style coming-of-age story. That’s essentially what “Binny And Family” offers. Directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy, the film often feels tedious and ultimately unfulfilling.
Set in London, the narrative centers on Binny, a rebellious teenager played by Anjini Dhawan in her debut performance. The story hints at a deeper exploration of generational conflicts and changing values, but for the most part, it falls flat and lacks flavor.
For example, the film’s initial ‘girl meets boy’ scene is handled superficially. Binny, who directs a school play, has a crush on Dhruv (Tai Khan), who amusingly refers to her as ‘Tarantino’ throughout. However, their interactions lack chemistry, resulting in awkward moments that fail to develop their characters. When Binny visits Dhruv’s home to discuss the play, their conversation awkwardly shifts to the famous painting “The Son of Man” by Belgian surrealist René Magritte, which features a man in a suit with a green apple obscuring his face. Magritte once said, “Everything we see hides another thing; we always want to see what is hidden by what we see.” So, what’s hidden here? Perhaps just a sense of dullness.
This lack of depth extends to the emotional arcs of the characters, who often swing between being overly dramatic and excessively submissive. Binny’s grandparents come to stay with her family for two months every year, but even this setup doesn’t bring much complexity to the story.
Rajesh Kumar brings a spark to the film every time he appears, portraying a patient father navigating the challenges between two contrasting generations. However, it’s Pankaj Kapur who truly elevates the performance beyond the script. His delivery has a unique charm that can easily turn serious moments into light-hearted ones. The way he playfully utters “Ji” infuses a touch of poetry into the scene.
As “Binny And Family” progresses toward its final act, the bond between Binny and her grandfather flourishes beautifully. Their shared inside jokes and his attempts to embrace London culture create a delightful atmosphere. Unfortunately, this joyful connection feels fleeting and underdeveloped.
After this uplifting moment, the film quickly falls back into its monotonous rhythm. It builds toward an abrupt climax, leading to a melodramatic conclusion and a weakly delivered moral lesson. Ultimately, one is left wondering what the takeaway truly is.
BINNY AND FAMILY
Cast: Pankaj Kapur, Anjini Dhawan, Manam Tripathy, Rajesh Kumar, Himani Shivpuri
Director: Ssanjay Tripaathy
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