The Great Indian Family

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.