“Binny And Family” feels like a half-hearted mix of the melodrama from classics like Baghban and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, combined with an American-style coming-of-age story. Directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy, the film is often tedious and lacks the depth it aims to achieve. Set in London, it follows Binny, a rebellious teenager played by Anjini Dhawan in her debut role, as she navigates her complicated relationship with her parents and grandparents. While the premise has potential to delve into the generational gap and changing values, it mostly falls flat and feels bland.
One example of this is the awkward ‘girl meets boy’ moment early in the film. Binny is involved in her school’s drama club and has a crush on Dhruv, who humorously calls her ‘Tarantino.’ However, their interactions lack chemistry, making their scenes feel forced and uninspired. When they discuss the painting ‘The Son of Man’ by René Magritte, it feels more like a filler than a meaningful connection. The painting’s message about hidden truths seems to echo the film itself—what’s hiding beneath the surface? Perhaps just dullness.
The emotional arcs of the characters also suffer from inconsistency. They swing between being overly dramatic and surprisingly submissive, making it hard to connect with them. Binny’s grandparents come to visit, but their presence doesn’t add the depth or complexity that the film desperately needs. Overall, “Binny And Family” is a film that had the potential to explore important themes but ultimately misses the mark, leaving viewers wanting more.
