Review: "Binny and Family" is a warm exploration of generational bonds with Pankaj Kapur at it's heart

Binny and Family is an upcoming Hindi-language film that brings a fresh and emotionally rich narrative to the forefront, exploring the complex dynamics of generational conflicts within a family. Directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy and produced by Mahaveer Jain Films in association with Waveband Productions, the film dives deep into the relationship between a rebellious teenage girl, Binny, and her traditional grandfather. The film is presented by Balaji Telefilms and Mahaveer Jain, with contributions from filmmakers Shashank Khaitan and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. It stars Pankaj Kapur, Anjini Dhawan, Himani Shivpuri, Rajesh Kumar, Charu Shankar, and Naman Tripathy in pivotal roles.

Plot and Premise

At its core, “Binny and Family” tells the story of Binny, a punk and defiant teenage girl who has grown up in the fast-paced, multicultural world of London. Binny embodies the essence of modern-day youth—independent, outspoken, and eager to break free from the constraints of family expectations. However, her world is thrown into turmoil when her grandfather, who hails from a small town in Bihar, enters her life after a life-changing event. Her grandfather is the exact opposite of Binny, grounded in traditional values, steeped in cultural heritage, and a firm believer in family hierarchy.

The film centers around how this unlikely duo, despite their stark differences, is forced to connect and confront their individual perceptions of family, respect, and independence. Through a series of emotional highs and lows, “Binny and Family” unpacks the universal themes of generational gaps, communication struggles, and the often fragile bond that holds families together.

Screenplay and Direction

The direction by Ssanjay Tripaathy strikes a balance between drama and heartfelt emotion. The film’s narrative, while dealing with a familiar trope of generational conflict, is executed with a sense of freshness. The screenplay, which spans different locations—from the bustling streets of London to the quieter, simpler settings of rural India—highlights the contrast in lifestyles and cultures. This juxtaposition works well in emphasizing the differences between the characters and their worlds.

The Writing

Binny’s rebellious spirit is captured with authenticity, and the conversations between her and her grandfather are some of the film’s most touching moments. These exchanges highlight the themes of communication and understanding in a very organic way. The writing also avoids making the characters one-dimensional; both Binny and her grandfather grow and evolve throughout the film, showing that even the most stubborn characters can learn and adapt when they open their hearts and minds.

However, the writing could have taken more risks in terms of exploring newer perspectives on generational conflict. The film, at times, feels like it’s treading on familiar ground, and while the execution is sincere, the overall narrative arc is something we’ve seen before in other family dramas.

The Performances

Anjini Dhawan, making her Bollywood debut as Binny, delivers a promising performance. Her portrayal of a Gen Z teenager is natural, and she embodies the struggles and frustrations of her character convincingly. While there are moments where her emotional range could have been deeper, she does well in balancing Binny’s rebellious nature with the vulnerability of a young girl trying to find her place in the world. This film offers Dhawan a solid platform to showcase her potential, and she makes a notable impression.

Pankaj Kapur, as Binny’s grandfather, is the heart of the film. As a veteran actor, Kapur brings depth and gravitas to the role. His portrayal of a conservative, loving, yet firm grandfather is nuanced, and he strikes the perfect balance between being authoritative and compassionate. Kapur’s character evolves beautifully, and his performance is a standout.

The supporting cast, including Himani Shivpuri and Rajesh Kumar, also add depth to the narrative. They play their roles well, providing the necessary support to the central characters without overpowering the story.

The Misses

While “Binny and Family” shines in its emotional depth and performances, the film does have some shortcomings. However, at times the film does lean towards becoming a little preachy, especially when addressing the themes of respect and tradition. The second half of the film could have benefited from tighter editing, as certain sequences feel slightly stretched, with a sense of repetitiveness creeping into the narrative. 

The Verdict

Overall, “Binny and Family” is a warm, emotionally resonant film that explores the complexities of family dynamics in a relatable and heartfelt way. It may not break new ground in terms of its narrative, but it delivers its message with sincerity and features strong performances, particularly from Pankaj Kapur and Anjini Dhawan. The film is a touching reminder that, despite generational and cultural differences, family bonds can grow stronger with love, respect, and communication.

Rating

***(3/5) stars