Binny and Family revolves around Binny (played by Anjini Dhawan), a high school student living in London with her parents, Vinay (Rajesh Kumar) and Radhika (Charu Shankar). Binny’s comfortable life is shaken when her grandparents, SN Singh (Pankaj Kapoor) and Sharda (Himani Shivpuri), arrive from Bihar for an extended stay.
The film explores the generation gap as Binny, a modern teenager, must adjust to the traditional ways of her grandparents. SN Singh, with his strict values, often clashes with Binny’s free-spirited lifestyle, creating friction in their relationship. The story takes a deeper emotional turn when Sharda’s sudden illness leads to her passing, leaving Binny guilt-ridden and regretful for not spending more time with her.
Over time, as her grandfather returns to London, Binny’s relationship with him begins to soften. What started as a tale of conflict evolves into one of healing and understanding.
A Relatable Family Drama
At its core, Binny and Family is about the generational divide, a theme that many families can relate to. The film shines a light on how the lack of communication between generations can lead to misunderstandings, distance, and even resentment. Through the characters of SN Singh and Binny, director Sanjay Tripathi effectively portrays these tensions, but also shows how love and empathy can close the gap.
While the film has its emotional highs, the subplot involving Vinay’s strained relationship with his father feels underdeveloped. If given more attention, it could have added another dimension to the story. Additionally, the setting of Binny’s British school feels slightly out of place, making certain moments feel less authentic.
One of the film’s most impactful messages comes through a line delivered by SN Singh: “Life may have an expiry date, but the way we live it doesn’t.” This sentiment encapsulates the heart of the film, reminding viewers of the importance of embracing life and relationships, no matter our age or circumstances.
Anjini Dhawan’s Impressive Debut
Anjini Dhawan, making her debut as Binny, delivers a confident performance that bodes well for her future in Bollywood. She captures the nuances of a teenager grappling with her own desires while trying to meet her family’s expectations. From her rebellious attitude to her eventual emotional transformation, Anjini showcases a wide range of emotions, making her performance believable and engaging.
Pankaj Kapoor, in the role of the stern yet loving grandfather, is perfectly cast. His portrayal of SN Singh is both endearing and authoritative, giving the character depth and authenticity. The scenes he shares with Anjini are some of the most touching moments in the film.
Himani Shivpuri, as the grandmother, brings warmth and grace to her role, though her character’s arc is cut short. Rajesh Kumar and Charu Shankar give solid performances as Binny’s parents, but their characters could have been explored more. Naman Tripathi, as Binny’s best friend, adds light humor to the story, offering some comic relief in this otherwise emotional film.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Sanjay Tripathi strikes a good balance between emotional drama and lighthearted moments. The film’s strength lies in its exploration of generational conflict, but it also successfully incorporates moments of joy and humor. Tripathi uses the contrasting environments of London and Bihar to visually represent the difference between Binny’s modern life and her grandparents’ traditional ways, with cinematographer Mohit Puri capturing these contrasts beautifully.
However, some elements feel out of place, such as the British school setting, which doesn’t blend seamlessly with the narrative. But despite these minor shortcomings, the film succeeds in delivering a heartfelt message about family and the importance of spending time with loved ones.
Final Verdict: A Heartfelt Family Drama
Binny and Family offers a warm and thoughtful exploration of the generational divide, with standout performances from Anjini Dhawan and Pankaj Kapoor. Although there are areas where the film could have delved deeper, its core message about the power of communication and understanding within families is both touching and timely. For those looking for a wholesome family drama that leaves you with something to think about, Binny and Family is worth watching.