Whenever his grandparents visit from Bihar, Binny’s family pretends to be a typical cultured Hindu family. They hide their bar behind a bookcase, their mother Radhika Singh (Charu Shankar) wears Indian attire and takes up pallu, and their father Vinay Singh (Rajesh Kumar) also gives up smoking. However, Binny feels stifled by these excuses – she has to vacate her room, limit her clubbing and adhere to a curfew. She wants her parents to remain true to their elders, which creates a tension that echoes throughout the film.
The story takes a poignant turn after the demise of his grandmother Sharda Singh (Himani Shivpuri). As her grandfather walks in, the two are transported into their opposite worlds, embarking on a heart-warming journey of self-discovery. The film is an emotional roller coaster that deeply highlights the importance of family, friendship and the ties that bind us even amidst our differences.
One of the main messages of the film is summed up by one character’s comment: “It’s all about loving your grandparents.” Writer and director Sanjay Tripathi has skillfully depicted how each generation can learn from each other. Binny introduces his grandfather to social media, spending quality time together which gradually helps him deal with his grief. In return, he imparts valuable lessons about love, happiness, and resilience. Through their developing relationship, Binny grows, eventually writing her experiences into a play that wins her recognition in an inter-school competition. At the same time, she also develops a deep friendship with her crush Dhruv (Tay Khan), with the help of her best friend Bhavesh Parikh (Naman Tripathi), who provides comic relief and grounding.
Pankaj Kapur has presented a masterclass in acting while portraying grief and loss with depth. His conversation with Binny is the heart of the film, filled with untold emotions. Debutant Anjini Dhawan combines her energy with a strong, confident performance, especially in their climactic confrontation scene, where raw emotions of guilt and anger are revealed – a testament to their powerful on-screen camaraderie.
Supporting performances from Charu Shankar and Rajesh Kumar add layers to the family dynamics, with Kumar moving away from his comedic persona to present a nuanced portrayal of a man struggling to connect with both his father and daughter. Himani Shivpuri also shines in her brief but impactful role.
Binny & Family is more than just a film; It is a celebration of the growth that arises from love, understanding and embracing our differences. It beautifully reminds us that, despite generational divides, the bonds of family can create profound change and connection. Watch it for its emotional story and great performances. Be sure to keep an extra handkerchief with you in the theater. And call your grandparents later…