Binny And Family movie review: A heartwarming slice-of-life drama explores generational gap in the sweetest yet emotional way

Cast: Pankaj Kapur, Himani Shivpuri, Rajesh Kumar, Charu Shankar, Anjini Dhawan, Naman Tripathi

Director: Ssanjay Tripaathy

From Kal Aaj Aur Kal to Baghban, we have seen Bollywood exploring the dynamics of the generational gap between parents, children and grandchildren. While some have shown a good side, some have taken through the harsh reality.

Amid this, a slice-of-life family drama comes across as an unabashed, unfiltered take on the generational gap between a teenager and her grandfather and how they create memories and bonds irrespective of their different approach, culture and core nature.

Binny aka Bindiya Singh (Anjini Dhawan) is a carefree rebellious teenage girl living in London with her parents. As she moved to the UK from Pune at the age of 5, she is now adapted to the foreign culture and has imbibed Western culture and modern thinking like having your own space and other aspects.

While her father is a professor in a college, her mother is a career counsellor. The duo somehow imbibed the values and style of living of both countries.

Every year, Binny’s grandparents (Pankaj Kapur and Himani Shivpuri) come to London from their hometown in Bihar for two months and Binny has to share her room with them. In this period, Binny and her parents pretend to be rooted and follow the rituals and etiquette taught by them.

While Binny doesn’t hate her grandparents, she thinks that because of them she is losing her personal space and portraying her fake identity.

After going back to Bihar, Binny’s grandmother Sharda, who is a patient, falls unconscious. Binny’s grandfather calls his son and tells him about the incident and says that she is in hospital and while the oxygen level is now on level, he is concerned about her health.

The son tells his father he is arranging the tickets for London and asks him to come  ASAP with his mother as the medical facilities are better in London.

When Binny’s father tells the situation to his wife and daughter, Binny gets annoyed that it’s her 12th, she wants to study and there are good hospitals in Bihar, where she can be treated. After a heated argument with her father, she leaves home in anger. Binny’s mom supports her and tells his husband that his mother can be treated in Bihar.

While the character of Pankaj Kapur gets ready to come to London along with his wife, Binny’s father calls him and lies that he had a word with the doctor and that it is better if she is treated there. He makes all the arrangements in a multi-care hospital in Patna.

Binny’s father takes leaves from college and heads to India to meet her parents. While the treatment goes smoothly, Binny’s grandmother succumbs to a sudden cardiac arrest.

After hearing this news, Binny and her mother feel guilty for opposing the decision to bring grandmother to London for treatment.

Following all rituals post grandmother’s demise, Binny and family along with grandfather come to London. Binny’s grandmother, who is still grieving over his wife’s demise leaves isolated and sad.

Now, Binny, who is still guilty of his behaviour, makes efforts to bring a smile to his grandfather’s face. Slowly and steadily, the duo develops a bond and smoothly accepts each other’s lifestyle.

However, due to a sudden incident, a rift is created between the duo. Will this misunderstanding hamper this beloved and unique bond? For that, you have to watch Binny And Family on the big screen.

Director Ssanjay Tripaathy brings a compelling narrative and storytelling, which is relevant to almost every generation. The filmmaker presents complex relationships most simply and beautifully.

Apart from exploring this bond, Binny And Family takes a subtle dig at youngsters and GenZ living a pretentious life for likes on social media platforms and sharing each and everything digitally.

Talking about the performances, Anjini Dhawan makes a confident debut as Binny and deserves appreciation for her sincere attempt to bring out this layered, relevant and complicated character. Pankaj Kapur is brilliant and makes a special place in your heart with his moving and cherishable performance. Himani Shivpuri is sweet and loveable as caring grandmother. Naman Tripathi as Binny’s friend BP is funny and has his moments to shine. Rajesh Kumar & Charu Shankar as Binny’s parents are superb and natural.

On the whole, Binny And Family is a loveable film that will take you on an emotional roller-coaster.

Rating: 3.5 (out of 5 stars)

Binny And Family is playing in cinemas