The Great Indian Family is a 2023 family comedy film directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya. The movie stars Vicky Kaushal, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and Manushi Chhillar in the lead roles and the film is produced by Yash Raj Films. The story revolves around a man named Bhajan Kumar, played by Vicky Kaushal, who is a devotional music singing sensation. Bhajan Kumar, raised by Hindus, learns that he might actually be from a different religious background, leading to an identity crisis.
The Great Indian Family: Plot
The story revolves around Ved Vyas Tripathi, aka Bhajan Kumar, a devout Hindu man who faces an identity crisis and a personal dilemma when he discovers he is actually a Muslim by birth. The family receives a letter informing them that Ved is a Muslim by birth while Siyaram Tripathi, the family patriarch, is away on a pilgrimage. As Ved questions his identity, his begrudged friend and the Tripathis’ rival Pandit, Mishra, plots to use this to bring him and his family down.
The Great Indian Family: Performances
The movie is led by Vicky Kaushal, but the real stars of the film are a trio of veterans – Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and Yashpal Sharma. This is definitely not one of Vicky Kaushal’s finest performances.
Kumud and Manoj are the true scene-stealers with their consistent and believable performances, adding depth and humor to the film. Manoj’s confrontational scene with Vicky at the interval, and Kumud’s powering act during the climax, will leave you in awe. However, even such wonderful actors like Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sadi Siddiqui stand no chance in overall mediocre film.
The Great Indian Family: Analysis
The movie aims to deliver the message of unity between two religions but lacks conviction and rationale. 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. Cinematographer Ayananka Bose paints a vivid and enchanting canvas, capturing the vibrant hues of India’s cultural diversity. The visuals not only serve as a backdrop but also as a character in the film, immersing viewers in the various settings and emotions.
The production design has been good, with the movie mostly set in the town. The outdoor shots of bridges, rivers, and temples are even more eye-catching. The movie captures the vibe of a town steeped in tradition well.
Costumes do a good job of portraying the characters in attire that reflects their cultural and religious identities. This is particularly evident in the depiction of the town’s residents, who can be recognized from their attire. Overall, these elements contribute to creating an immersive and authentic viewing experience.
The Great Indian Family: Verdict
The Great Indian Family has a genuine message but falls short in execution. The film primarily fails because of its predictability, preachiness and over-the-top drama. The premise of the film is well-intended but the impact of what it meant to do does not translate on the screen. The movie captures the vibe of a town steeped in tradition well. The soundtrack by Pritam is decent, especially Sahibaa. It also opens with a slow start, which may test the patience of some audience.
Overall, though the film does not offer groundbreaking storytelling, the film’s decent performances and underlying social message make it a worthwhile one-time watch for fans of a feel-good entertainer with a touch of social commentary, this movie is worth checking out. But do not keep your hopes up!
The Great Indian Family Rating
Critics Rating: 1.5/5 stars
Box Office Rating: 1.5/5 stars
Stay tuned for Movie reviews, ott reviews, latest bollywood movie reviews, box office movie reviews
