In our daily lives, we frequently encounter statements like “I’m not a kid anymore” or “I need my space,” especially from teenagers. However, the underlying teenage angst is rarely taken with the seriousness it deserves. Similarly, as we grow older, we often dismiss the values and traditions that nurtured us as outdated. Bollywood, recognizing the risks of widening this generational gap, periodically offers narratives that remind us of its impact. This week, director Ssanjay Tripaathy addresses this theme with his film “Binny And Family,” focusing on an immigrant family in London. Armed with a promising debutant and a seasoned supporting cast, Tripaathy crafts a film abundant with heartwarming moments, all rooted in a storyline that bypasses dramatic twists in favor of relatable experiences and authentic conversations.
“Binny And Family” transports viewers to the life of Binny (Anjini Dhawan) and her upper-middle-class Singh family, originating from Bettiah, Bihar, and now settled in London via Pune. At the cusp of adulthood, Binny navigates the dual pressures of academic commitments and her extracurricular aspirations. Her parents, Vinay (Rajesh Kumar) and Radhika (Charu Shankar), well-educated professionals, provide her with the freedom to explore her passions, as long as she remains anchored to their cultural values. Yet, they soon realize that culture is not static but ever-evolving. The arrival of Binny’s retired grandparents (Pankaj Kapur and Himani Shivpuri) adds another layer of complexity, compelling the family to reconcile their modern lifestyle with traditional values. Vinay, for instance, must transform his bar into a more acceptable bookshelf, and Binny has to sanitize her rap songs of any F-words.
While the family’s attempt to adapt might initially seem light-hearted, the narrative deepens as a health scare triggers a poignant conversation between Binny’s grieving grandfather and her guilt-ridden self. This moment highlights the latent tension and emotional nuances that linger under the surface of everyday familial interactions. The film gradually builds a dull ache associated with the “what ifs” surrounding familial understanding and compromise, bringing tears to the eyes of viewers.
Tripaathy, known for his work on popular TV serials and the film “Club 60,” demonstrates his adeptness in portraying the quiet rhythms of domestic life.
. “Club 60” explored the lives of five retired men discovering renewed purpose, and now, with “Binny And Family,” he delves into the immigrant experience. The film sensitively captures the multiplicity of lives and languages that immigrants embody. Importantly, Tripaathy subtly conveys that mere respectful gestures don’t encapsulate the profound respect (‘lihaj’) that is intrinsic to Indian cultural values. The film seeks to dismantle the superficial aspects of modernity driven by technology and lifestyle, advocating instead for a balanced embrace of change.
Eschewing traditional villain archetypes, Tripaathy lets circumstances naturally introduce conflict. This approach highlights the organic tensions and resolutions that emerge within this family setting. Anjini Dhawan, hailing from the illustrious Dhawan family, makes a confident debut, her screen presence animating even the more lackluster portions of the school-related plot and Binny’s tentative romantic entanglements. Her interactions with veteran actor Pankaj Kapur resonate with genuine emotion, free of exaggerated melodrama.
Kapur, entering the scene with a familiar “Office Office”-esque sequence, evolves from a self-reliant pensioner resistant to change into a doting, socially savvy grandfather. His nuanced body language effectively mirrors the evolving emotional landscape of his character. Meanwhile, Rajesh Kumar shines in his role as a father caught between the conflicting demands of his family and his parents, delivering a nuanced and understated performance.
However, the film is not without its shortcomings. The school segments feel somewhat underdeveloped, and Binny’s theatrical ventures come across as predictably clichéd. As the narrative progresses, it occasionally slips into a didactic tone. Despite these flaws, keeping expectations grounded allows for a rewarding viewing experience.
“Binny And Family” is currently gracing theatres, offering audiences a touching depiction of the complexities and warmth of family life amidst cultural transitions.
Published on September 27, 2024, at 04:58 pm IST
