We often hear the declaration “I’m not a kid anymore” or “I need my space” around us, but rarely do we take teenage angst seriously. Similarly, in our bid to outgrow our surroundings, we often begin to take the roots that nurtured us as outdated. After every few years, Bollywood reminds us of the perils of leaving the generation gap unbridged. This week, it is the turn of director Ssanjay Tripaathy to revisit this theme with the story of an immigrant family in London, targeting a new set of viewers. With an assured debutante and a competent supporting cast to enhance the narrative, Tripaathy conjures up a series of heartwarming moments in a storyline that eschews big surprises and dramatic twists in favor of a relatable premise, honest conversations, and sincere performances.
With roots in Bettiah, Bihar, Binny (Anjini Dhawan) and her upper-middle-class Singh family have relocated to London via Pune. On the brink of adulthood, Binny grapples with striking a balance between her school syllabus and her extra-curricular goals. Her father Vinay (Rajesh Kumar) and mother Radhika (Charu Shankar) are educated professionals who allow her the liberty to explore the symphony of life, provided it doesn’t deviate completely from their cultural ethos. But soon, they realize that culture is not something set in stone. When her retired grandparents (Pankaj Kapur and Himani Shivpuri) come to live with them, the family must create a picture that suits their value system. Vinay has to transform his bar into a bookshelf, and Binny must remove the F-word from her rap song.
This seemingly light-hearted struggle to adjust snowballs into a conflict when a health scare hits the family. It opens up a poignant conversation between a grieving grandfather and a guilt-ridden granddaughter. Gradually, as the plot advances the subtle pain that arises from the thought of “what if one had been a bit more accommodating,” viewers are likely to find their eyes welling up.
Tripaathy, known for writing popular TV serials and directing ‘Club 60’—a film about five retired men finding a new purpose in life—demonstrates his seasoned understanding of this space.
. He has honed his storytelling skills to capture the vibe of a lived-in household as the film fluidly portrays the multiple lives and languages that immigrants navigate. Without sounding didactic, the film subtly reminds us that the general sentiment of respect doesn’t fully convey the essence of ‘lihaj,’ the deep-seated respect for the values cherished by elders. The movie first dusts off the false veneer of modernity that technology and lifestyle often impose and then gently nudges us to embrace change as a natural progression. Unlike many storytellers who incorporate scheming villains within or outside the family, Tripaathy lets the circumstances themselves serve as antagonists.
Anjini Dhawan, hailing from the illustrious Dhawan family, marks a confident debut. Her screen presence and demeanor elevate even the inadequately written school scenes and Binny’s romantic skirmishes, making them watchable. The chemistry she shares with the seasoned actor Pankaj Kapur is delightfully devoid of false notes.
Meanwhile, Pankaj Kapur, entering with an ‘Office Office’ kind of sequence, seamlessly transitions from a self-sufficient pensioner resistant to change to a charming, gram-worthy grandfather. He reflects every emotional shift in his character through his nuanced body language. Similarly, Rajesh Kumar, whose talent has often been underutilized, delivers an understated yet compelling performance as a father caught between the interests of his family and the expectations of his parents.
The film’s school-related segments may feel somewhat underdeveloped, and Binny’s attempts to use theatre as a means of self-expression come across as predictably frustrating. Towards the end, ‘Binny And Family’ does verge on becoming preachy. However, if one keeps expectations in check, this heartfelt family drama proves to be a decent and engaging watch.
‘Binny And Family’ is currently running in theaters and continues to draw audiences with its relatable narrative and emotionally resonant performances.
Published – September 27, 2024 04:58 pm IST
