Binny & Family REVIEW: Pankaj Kapur, Anjini Dhawan starrer is all heart; a coming-of-age, heartwarming drama

Film:
Binny And Family Movie

Director: Ssanjay Tripaathy

Writer: Ssanjay Tripaathy

Star cast: Pankaj Kapur, Himani Shivpuri, Rajesh Kumar, Charu Shankar and introducing Anjini Dhawan & Naman Tripathi

Runtime: 2 hours 20 mins

Where to watch: In theatres

Binny And Family Movie Review

Story

A coming-of-age story of two generations Binny (played by Anjini Dhawan), a conflicted, punk, and rebellious teenage girl living in London, and her conservative grandfather (played by Pankaj Kapur) from a small town in Bihar, are as different as chalk and cheese. However, a dramatic incident in their lives brings them together. Can they become friends and make a difference in each other’s lives? Binny & Family is an emotional roller coaster—a coming-of-age drama that explores the journey of two generations.

What’s good

Emphasizes family bond: Binny and Family – The title suggests a conventional family drama, yet the film moves beyond mere melodrama, offering a nuanced exploration of familial bonds. Ssanjay, the director, skillfully captures the intricate moods and dynamics within a family, subtly emphasizing the significance of generational ties. The presence of grandparents, often a neglected theme in modern cinema, is portrayed as a pivotal source of wisdom and unity. The film underscores the importance of bridging generational divides through love, understanding, and shared experiences.

Scenes like family dinners or standing united during crises are crafted with meticulous attention to emotional detail. Ssanjay not only writes these moments with sincerity but translates them effectively onto the screen.

Highlights GenZ behaviour

In Binny and Family, contemporary slang like “simping,” “it’s sick, man,” and “snitch” makes frequent appearances, adding a layer of relatability for Gen Z viewers. Ssanjay cleverly incorporates this modern vernacular to authentically reflect the mindset and experiences of today’s youth. The film centres around Binny, a Gen Z teenager who navigates the world through a distinctly generational lens, offering insights into how young people approach life differently from their parents and grandparents.

One of the film’s standout themes is the clash between the Gen Z concept of personal space and the more communal mindset of older generations, particularly boomer parents. Ssanjay skillfully highlights this cultural shift, illustrating how the idea of personal space, while second nature to today’s teens, feels foreign or even unsettling to their parents. Through these generational differences, the film underscores the evolving nature of family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to new perspectives.

Pankaj Kapur’s performance: Pankaj delivers a standout performance, solidifying his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors. His deep understanding of character allows him to inhabit roles with such ease that it feels effortless, yet his portrayal is anything but superficial. In Binny and Family, Pankaj’s role as the lovable grandfather is the emotional core of the film. From his endearing innocence to the subtle quirks of a grandparent, Pankaj’s performance is layered with nuance. His ability to convey tenderness and warmth without overplaying the role adds sincerity. His effortless yet impactful performance is a true highlight.

What’s not

Screentime: The film’s runtime presents a significant issue, detracting from its overall impact. Sourabh Prabhudesai, the editor, could have tightened the narrative to make the film crisper and more cohesive. There are moments where the story feels unnecessarily stretched, as though scenes are extended merely to pad the runtime. This lack of pacing leads to a sluggish middle act that risks losing the audience’s engagement. While the film’s heart is in the right place, this narrative drag becomes tedious. Moreover, the emotional beats that should land strongly begin to lose their impact. A more refined edit would have allowed the film to maintain its charm and momentum.

Performance

Pankaj Kapur and Himani Shivpuri are perfectly cast as the grandparents in Binny and Family. Their performances radiate warmth, and their chemistry with the rest of the family creates truly heartwarming moments. Their charm, cuteness, and gentle demeanour will likely remind audiences of their own grandparents, making their scenes all the more relatable and touching.

Rajesh Kumar steps into the role of Binny’s father with a grounded portrayal of the “everyman dad.” His performance is perfectly aligned with the character—relatable, understated, yet impactful. Similarly, Charu Shankar as Binny’s mother brings a mature and heartfelt performance. She plays her role with quiet strength and sincerity, embodying the heart of the family in a way that feels endearing.

As for the newcomers, Anjini Dhawan and Naman Tripathi both show promise in their Bollywood debuts. Anjini, though fresh and energetic in her performance, occasionally struggles with the emotional depth required in certain scenes, where her delivery feels somewhat forced. However, her sincerity shines through, making her portrayal of Binny a refreshing one overall. Naman, on the other hand, impresses with his comic timing and regional accent, offering a natural, memorable performance as Binny’s best friend. His energy and presence leave a lasting impact, marking him as a talent to watch.

Conclusion

Overall, Binny and Family is a heartwarming multigenerational saga that beautifully captures the essence of familial love. Particularly the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. Steering clear of the usual family drama clichés, the film takes a more understated approach, focusing on the everyday moments of togetherness that make a family strong. At its core, the film is a gentle reminder of the importance of love, the wisdom of grandparents, and the need to bridge the gap between different worlds. Pankaj Kapur’s touching performance, along with Anjini Dhawan’s refreshing debut, elevates the film. While the pacing may falter at times, Binny and Family ultimately succeeds in delivering a feel-good experience that will undoubtedly lift your spirits.

We hope the review on Binny and Family helped you to understand the movie.

Watch the trailer of Binny And Family after the review

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