The Great Indian Family Movie Review
It’s good that director Vijay Krishna Acharya has chosen the light-veined route to put his point across. The film starts off as a genuine comedy but later takes a serious turn. We see a small town boy named Ved Vyas Tripathi/Bhajan Kumar/Billu (Vicky Kaushal), being the king of bhajans in Balrampur. His father (Kumud Mishra) is the most respected pandit of the area. whose rival, Pandit Mishra (Yashpal Sharma), wants to usurp the position at all costs. Bhajan Kumar lives in a dysfunctional family and sees them as being ‘snakes’ who always put up a hurdle when he begins to climb a ladder, equating his life to a game of snakes and ladders. While the family bickers all the while, they do love each other fiercely. Bhajan Kumar’s father goes on a pilgrimage and in his absence, the family learns that he might be an adopted child and worse, his biological parents might be Muslims. The news somehow leaks out in society. His uncle (Manoj Pahwa) is somewhat influenced by societal pressure and suggests Bhajan should lie low till the things settle down. Angered by his family’s lack of support, an angry Bhajan storms out of his house and starts living with a Muslim friend. Things take such a turn that he seriously thinks of embracing Islam…
The film brings forth the message that all religions are one and the biggest religion is that of humanity. Bhajan is alive and well because a Hindu priest and his wife chose to adopt him. He’s sheltered by a Muslim family in his hour of need and his Sikh girlfriend (Manushi Chhillar) has no problems with him belonging to either of the religions. And it says it all without resorting to jingoism. It points out that today, we’re becoming the sort of society which is giving in to blind hatred. That we’re closing doors to each other instead of integrating and learning from each other. We’re forgetting that as a nation, we’re a great Indian family. Every family is dysfunctional and while it’s not necessary that everyone should get along with each other, the love and respect between members should remain. Such films are the need of the hour and it’s great that Yash Raj Productions have chosen to take the lead in it. Kudos to director Vijay Krishna Acharya, who is known for his masala films like Thugs of Hindostan and Dhoom 3, for taking up the cause of communal harmony.
Kumud Mishra says more with his silences and his expressions than his dialogue. He’s seen as the beacon of good in the society and people like him are sorely needed in real life. Manoj Pahwa plays the everyman citizen, who is good at heart but can be swayed towards toeing the wrong line, much like those easily influenced by social media forwards. You can put Vicky Kaushal in anything and he’ll shine. He’s in his element both in the comic as well as the dramatic portions. He represents the pure soul of India which is in danger of getting corrupted by the poison of communalism. His angst, his helplessness feel real. Manushi Chhillar looks easy on the eyes and is competent enough in her brief role. There wasn’t much scope for her in the film.
The film must be watched for the important message it conveys. Religious harmony is the need of the hour and should always be preserved.
Trailer : The Great Indian Family
Dhaval Roy, September 22, 2023, 6:16 PM IST
Story: The Great Indian Family story: Ved Vyas Tripathi, aka Bhajan Kumar, is a devout Hindu man who faces an identity crisis and a personal dilemma when he discovers he is actually a Muslim by birth.
Review: Pandit Siyaram Tripathi (Kumud) is a revered priest whose family conducts all the religious ceremonies in Balrampur. The town and Tripathi household’s star is their son, Ved Vyas Tripathi (Vicky Kaushal), aka Billu, also fondly called Bhajan Kumar for his famed bhajan performances. When Siyaram Tripathi goes for a teerth yatra, the family receives a letter informing them that Ved is a Muslim by birth. As Ved questions his identity, his begrudged friend and the Tripathis' rival Pandit, Mishra (plot to use this to bring him and his family down. While the Tripathis risk losing a prestigious and hefty marriage contract to Mishra, it remains to be seen whether Pandit Siyaram will accept his son and if Billu will be accepted by their fervently religious mohalla.
The movie aims to deliver the message of unity between two religions but lacks conviction and rationale. The basic premise of the story by Vijay Krishna Acharya, also the film’s director, is Billu discovering his religion (by birth) through a dubious letter, which the family dismisses as a prank. However, Billu instantly accepts it as a truth. The plot turns into a soap opera, with the bad guys editing images and videos to make Billu infamous on social media and demanding a DNA test to prove he is Pandit Siyaram’s son.
The movie tries too hard to draw a parallel between the two cultures but shows the similarities superficially. With unconvincing story development and tracks, by the end, it turns into a predictable fare with oft-repeated dialogues on unity and humanity. The movie captures the vibe of a town steeped in tradition well. The soundtrack by Pritam is decent, especially Sahibaa. The modern bhajan Kanhaiya Tu Twitter Pe Aaja is foottapping.
Vicky Kaushal makes a sincere effort and does well in the scenes where he’s confused about his identity, but this is not one of his finest performances. This more depth to his character would have helped. Manushi Chhillar has limited screen time but does not pass off as a street-smart small-town girl. Kumud Mishra has a powerful screen presence and delivers a strong performance as a strict but loving father. He especially shines in the scene where he leaves for his yatra and blesses Billu, though what he really wants to do is give him a hug. The father-son relationship throughout the movie is depicted well. Manoj Pahwa, as Billu’s uncle Balakram Tripathi, lends able support.
The family drama lacks a compelling storyline and narrative to keep you hooked. While Billu's shenanigans with his friends are mildly entertaining in the first half, as the story progresses, the narrative loses its punch. The premise of the film is well-intended but the impact of what it meant to do does not translate on the screen. The Great Indian Family has a genuine message but fall short in execution.
