Binny and Family Review: Pankaj Kapur Shines, But This Family Drama Stays Stuck in Sitcom Mode

What happens when a traditional grandfather from Bihar meets his free-spirited, modern granddaughter from London? The result is a heartwarming generational clash filled with humor, misunderstandings, and love. Binny and Family, a film centered on the bond between a conservative ‘dadaji’ and his rebellious granddaughter, tries to navigate these differences, but often sticks to predictable beats. While the film aims to showcase the timeless message of "it's all about loving your grandparents," it rarely breaks away from typical family sitcom tropes.

The Storyline: A Tale of Two Worlds

The film revolves around Binny, an 18-year-old girl living in London with her parents. She loves rap music, enjoys sneaking out to parties, and even smokes in secret. Her traditional grandfather, Baba, played by Pankaj Kapur, and grandmother, Dadi, portrayed by Himani Shivpuri, visit from their small town in Bihar. As expected, the cultural differences between them and Binny create moments of both conflict and comedy.

Baba's strict advice for Binny revolves around coming home on time, focusing on her studies, and avoiding unnecessary parties. These low-stakes conflicts escalate when a serious health issue concerning Dadi shakes the family, prompting Binny to re-examine her relationship with her elders.

Predictable Plot and Flat Characters

Unfortunately, Binny and Family doesn't stray far from the expected. The characters often feel one-dimensional, and the storyline unfolds in a way that offers few surprises. The audience can predict how things will play out well in advance, which lessens the emotional impact. Despite the predictability, the actors give committed performances, particularly Pankaj Kapur and Himani Shivpuri as the concerned grandparents.

Binny, played by debutante Anjini (Varun Dhawan's niece), delivers a competent performance in her first film. While her role lacks depth, Anjini handles her rebellious yet soft-hearted character with ease. However, the supporting characters, including Binny’s best friend and love interest, feel underdeveloped and are often used to advance the plot rather than add meaningful depth.

A Familiar Setting

The film also raises questions about the portrayal of British schools, where White students and teachers are mostly in the background, and the focus is primarily on the Asian characters. This adds a layer of disbelief, making the school setting feel less authentic, especially for a movie set in London.

Binny and Family offers a light, feel-good story about the generation gap and the challenges of family relationships, but it sticks too closely to the formula. The film’s heart is in the right place, but its predictability and flat character arcs prevent it from reaching its full potential. Still, for those who enjoy simple family dramas with a touch of humor, it offers a pleasant, if forgettable, watch.