Binny and Family explores the generational gap through the lens of Binny, a girl balancing her modern life with her traditional family’s expectations. While beautifully shot and featuring strong performances by Pankaj Kapur and Anjini Dhawan, it suffers from clichés and fatigue.
In Short
- Binny and Family, a film that explores family dynamics, released in the theatres
- The film’s stretched plot leads to viewer fatigue
- Actors Anjini Dhawan and Pankaj Kapur shine in the film
The film is about Binny, a sweet girl living with her parents in London. They have a simple arrangement: the paternal grandparents visit once a year for two months. Binny and Family is honest about how most people who move out of their homes lead a hypocritical life. While you enjoy your space and freedom, you revert to following the culture your parents still believe in whenever they are around, altering your way of life.
This generation gap crisis has been beautifully presented. The film explores the probability of what would happen if we didn’t put up this mask. What if you were honest about your choices with your parents? How about helping them adapt and evolve rather than fearing them? Neither generation is painted as a villain, as both have their reasons to believe and behave a certain way. The film suggests that one needs to strike a balance if one wants to live like a happy family.
The film has been shot beautifully in London, with the city almost becoming a character itself. Even the scenes in Bihar feel authentic, not just because of the set design, but also due to the conversations and behaviours of the characters. While the music is pleasant as part of the narrative, it lacks a standalone presence. None of the songs have even made it to Instagram Reels, proving that they lacked appeal and reach among the youth.
The plot is elevated by how the filmmakers depict losing a loved one and the struggles of overcoming it. However, it soon falls into stereotypes: be it jokes about Gujaratis and Biharis, class differences, Gen-Z lingo, or even international pop stars. Intended to bring humour, these elements only make you roll your eyes at such novice attempts. Even the conversation around love between Binny and her Dada (grandfather) seems like a forced addition.
Anjini Dhawan makes a remarkable debut as Binny. The actor has a good screen presence and is comfortable expressing herself, especially in emotional scenes—something that most newcomers often struggle with. Pankaj Kapur brings his experience and talent, as expected, to this role. From appearing patriarchal, he evolves into his teenage granddaughter’s best friend. He has also perfected his Bhojpuri accent and quirks, making them an integral part of his character.
Rajesh Kumar has also performed exceptionally well, showcasing his range as an actor. Himani Shivpuri and Charu Shankar provide strong support with their portrayals. Naman Tripathy is quite fun as Binny’s best friend, and their scenes with Pankaj Kapur’s character are heartwarming.
The film is probably the new-age Baghban, leaving you unsure about watching it with family. It promotes the importance of beauty in unity while providing a reality check on how times have changed. With each generation having its own beliefs and aspirations, one must find a happy space where there is beauty even in distance. It’s all about reaching a midpoint where you can respect and celebrate each other and their choices.