In the bustling world of adolescent declarations like “I’m not a kid anymore” or fervent pleas for personal space, there is a tendency to dismiss teenage angst as mere growing pains. Simultaneously, as we mature, we often see the channels that nurtured our development as antiquated objects to be outgrown. Bollywood, in its periodic wisdom, reminds us of the inherent dangers that lie in allowing the chasm of the generation gap to widen too significantly. This week, it is the turn of director Ssanjay Tripaathy to revisit this universally relatable theme with a fresh perspective, through the narrative of an immigrant family navigating life in London. Carefully crafted with an assured debutante performance and a proficient ensemble cast, Tripaathy spins a tale that forgoes heavy-handed dramatic revelations for a simple, yet genuine, narrative enriched by authentic conversations and sincere performances.
The story centers around Binny (Anjini Dhawan), her family originally rooted in Bettiah, Bihar, who have transitioned from Pune to the multicultural expanse of London. Binny, teetering on the brink of adulthood, finds herself in a delicate balancing act between adherence to her academics and her extra-curricular passions. Her parents, Vinay (Rajesh Kumar) and Radhika (Charu Shankar), are enlightened professionals who grant her the freedom to explore the symphony of life, provided her explorations do not completely stray from the cultural moorings that they hold dear. However, the entrance of Binny’s retired grandparents (Pankaj Kapur and Himani Shivpuri) into their lives turns this cultural negotiation into an intricate act of creating an inclusive family tableau. Adjustments begin with the mundane—Vinay morphing his bar into a bookshelf, and Binny sanitizing her rap lyrics of any profanities.
What begins as a light-hearted negotiation of co-existence soon escalates into deeper conflict when a health scare strikes the family, deeply affecting the grandfather and opening channels of communication between him and his remorseful granddaughter. This results in a poignant discourse that evokes the soft ache of missed opportunities for understanding and accommodation, masterfully crafting moments that bring tears to the eyes.
Ssanjay Tripaathy, known for his earlier work in television and his film “Club 60” which explored the themes of retirement and finding renewed purpose, channels his expertise to create an authentic portrayal of a household marked by the immigrant experience. The film adeptly captures the dichotomy of multiple identities and languages that immigrants often juggle. Without sermonizing, it subtly communicates the nuanced respect encapsulated by the cultural concept of “lihaj”, which often gets lost in modern, technology-driven life.
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Central to his narrative technique, Tripaathy avoids the usual tropes of brewing familial villains or external antagonists. Instead, he allows the circumstances themselves to challenge the characters, creating real-world stakes that resonate with the audience.
Anjini Dhawan, hailing from the illustrious Dhawan lineage, makes a commendable debut. Her screen presence breathes life into even the less engaging segments depicting school life and her nascent romantic endeavors. She shares a palpable chemistry with the veteran Pankaj Kapur, whose transition from a rigid, self-sufficient pensioner to a doting grandfather unfolds with remarkable authenticity. Kapur’s nuanced body language captures every subtle emotional shift, showcasing why he remains a stalwart of the Indian cinema.
Rajesh Kumar, often underutilized in mainstream cinema, finally finds a role that does justice to his talent. As Vinay, he embodies the quintessential modern father torn between his loyalty to his parents’ values and the evolving worldviews of his family, delivering a performance marked by understated brilliance.
However, the film is not without its flaws. The school-related storyline feels underdeveloped, and Binny’s engagement with theatre as a form of self-expression treads predictably familiar ground. The film veers into didactic territory towards its conclusion. Yet, these shortcomings do not significantly detract from the film’s overall impact. It remains an engaging and touching family drama for audiences who manage their expectations.
‘Binny And Family’ is a heartfelt meditation on the immigrant experience, family dynamics, and the inevitable generational clashes that define human relationships. Currently showing in theatres, it offers a decently entertaining and emotionally fulfilling experience for families seeking a reflective cinematic outing.
Published – September 27, 2024 04:58 pm IST
reviews / Hindi cinema / Indian cinema
