Binny and Family: A Family Drama That Struggles to Connect

A Tale of Tradition and Modernity

The film Binny and Family (UA), produced by Mahaveer Jain, Balaji Telefilms, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, Shashank Khaitan, and Mahaveer Jain Films, presents a narrative that contrasts traditional values with contemporary ideals.

Currently, Binny, portrayed by Anjini Dhawan, resides in London with her parents, Vinay Singh (Rajesh Kumar) and Radhika Singh (Charu Shankar). As a modern girl, she frequently attends late-night parties and consumes alcohol. However, she must maintain a facade whenever her grandparents visit from India. This year proves particularly challenging for Binny as she prepares for her board exams. Initially, she expresses irritation at the thought of her grandparents staying with them, especially since they will be sharing her bedroom.

A Sudden Turn of Events

After a few days in London, Binny's grandmother falls ill. Vinay, displaying a worried demeanor, insists that his father bring his mother back to London for the best medical care. Binny's life is further disrupted when she learns that her grandparents will be visiting again. In a moment of desperation, Vinay deceives his father, claiming that the family doctor recommended taking the grandmother to a hospital in Patna instead of risking a flight to London.

Vinay travels to India, acting as a concerned son. Tragically, the grandmother passes away from heart failure shortly thereafter. Binny and her mother return to India to pay their respects, feeling remorse over the loss. After completing the rites in India, they return to London, where Vinay's father arrives to stay with them.

The Family Dynamics

What follows is a complex exploration of family dynamics. How does Binny react to her grandfather's presence? Is there tension within the family, or do they share a strong bond?

This narrative, crafted by Sanjay Tripathy, delves into the generational divide and the camaraderie that exists within families. However, the story often resembles a short tale, which may not translate well to film. The pacing feels sluggish, particularly in the first half. Following the intermission, the tempo and drama increase significantly. The second half contains several emotionally charged moments that could resonate deeply with sensitive viewers.

Balancing Generations

The writer seems to struggle with balancing the perspectives of both generations. It appears that he aims to avoid alienating either the older or younger audience. This indecision ultimately detracts from the drama, leaving it feeling ambiguous. A narrative that requires a clear stance often fails to deliver when the author does not highlight the distinctions between right and wrong. Binny's reasoning in the pre-climax, as her grandfather prepares to return to India, lacks sufficient support.

The younger generation's viewpoint may not resonate well with all audience members. Additionally, the drama occasionally veers into predictability, and the episodic nature of the storytelling leaves much to be desired. The lack of depth regarding Binny's parents during the aftermath of her grandmother's death and her grandfather's return to London is notable. The finale, in which the grandfather explains the circumstances surrounding the grandmother's passing, feels overly simplistic and lacks authenticity.

Binny's Academic Journey

Moreover, the script fails to adequately address Binny's academic struggles. Despite the emphasis on her studies and the need for privacy, the narrative does not convincingly portray how sharing her room with her grandparents affects her. Viewers may question Binny's commitment to her studies, as she is often seen engaging in activities unrelated to her education.

The dialogues penned by Sanjay Tripathy and Naman Tripathy lack the necessary strength and could benefit from a more assertive tone.

Character Performances

Anjini Dhawan's portrayal of Binny is commendable, showcasing both a free spirit and competence. Pankaj Kapur delivers an outstanding performance as Binny's grandfather, earning him admiration from the audience. Rajesh Kumar, as Vinay Singh, has his moments and fulfills the role adequately. Charu Shankar charms as Radhika Singh, while Himani Shivpuri provides solid support as the grandmother.

Naman Tripathy shines as Bhavesh Parikh, Binny's closest friend, and Tai Khan impresses as Dhruv. The ensemble cast, including Ariya Larker (Sanaya), Lydia Danistan (Diya), Robert Griffith (activity coordinator), Shahab Ali Khan (Raghav), Jyoti Pandey (Vibha), Manju Gupta (widow), Sandip Challa (widow’s son), Rahul Tomar (bank clerk), Asif Rehman (bank manager), Deepak (Suraj), Umesh Shukla (Shukla), Sunil Bajpayee (Sinha), Dr. Omendra Kumar (Raheem), Gandhar Babre (Dr. Ghosh), and Kumar Gaurav (junior doctor), provides the necessary support to the narrative.

Direction and Music

Sanjay Tripathy's direction is competent, particularly in the latter half of the film, where his storytelling shines. The music, composed by Lalit Pandit and Vishal Mishra, plays a crucial role in enhancing the film's emotional depth. The lyrics, penned by Sanjay Tripathy and Kaushal Kishore, hold significant meaning. The background score, crafted by Arjuna Harjai, is satisfactory, while Mohit Puri's cinematography impresses. The production design, executed by Leena Bhandula, is accurate, though the editing by Sourabh Prabhudesai could have been more precise.

Conclusion: A Mixed Bag

In conclusion, Binny and Family represents a commendable effort to create a family drama with a meaningful message. However, its box office prospects appear dim for several reasons: it lacks initial appeal, offers no novelty in its subject matter, and does not possess significant star power.

Overall, the film may resonate with certain audiences, but it ultimately struggles to establish a lasting connection. The balance between tradition and modernity remains an ongoing challenge, and the narrative's execution leaves room for improvement.

For those interested in exploring family dynamics and generational conflicts, Binny and Family may provide some insights, albeit with limitations.