Rating: 6/10

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Manushi Chhillar, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Yashpal Sharma, Alka Amin, Sadiya Siddiqui, Shrishti Dixit, Vedant Sinha, Bhuvan Arora, Aasif Khan, and more.

Vijay Krishna Acharya’s “The Great Indian Family” attempts to revisit the classic family drama genre by introducing a modern twist while addressing the sensitive issue of religious identity and unity. While the film’s concept is commendable and aims to tackle a relevant social concern, it falls short in execution, resulting in a mixed cinematic experience.

The story revolves around Bhajan Kumar (Vicky Kaushal), a talented Jagarata singer from the Tripathi Pujari family. Bhajan’s life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers that he was born to a Muslim mother but has been raised in a Hindu family. This revelation creates a significant conflict within his family, which is known for being prominent pujaris in the town. Bhajan’s journey to explore his true religious identity and discover the meaning of family and relationships forms the core of the narrative.

“The Great Indian Family” starts on a shaky note with loud background scores and melodramatic music reminiscent of the ’80s and ’90s, which feels out of place in the modern cinematic landscape. The film incorporates some humorous dialogues to create a lighthearted atmosphere, but they often come across as forced and over the top. There are several references to Bollywood stars and films, which, while amusing, may not appeal to all viewers.

The first half of the film sets up the story’s twists, although the storytelling is weak. The second half, which deals with more dramatic and sensitive moments, unfortunately, suffers from poor execution. It feels more like a mess than a miss, as it fails to deliver on the potential of the intriguing premise.

Vicky Kaushal delivers a decent performance but struggles to embody the quintessential hero character that the film attempts to portray. His character comes off as somewhat forced, making it difficult to connect with. On the other hand, Kumud Mishra steals the show with a compelling portrayal of the family’s patriarch. He brings depth and mass appeal to the character, making him the true hero of the film. Manushi Chhillar, while visually striking, doesn’t get much opportunity to showcase her acting prowess, and her character lacks the substance needed for a family drama. Manoj Pahwa, a seasoned actor, delivers as expected, while Yashpal Sharma adds depth as the antagonist.

The film’s music is underwhelming, and while “Kanhaiya Twitter Pe Aaja” stands out as a modern and unique track, the rest of the numbers are disappointing. The choreography in the Kanhaiya song is impressive, and the cinematography captures the essence of a small town effectively. The outdoor shots of bridges, rivers, and temples add visual charm to the film. The editing maintains a good pace, ensuring that the audience remains engaged despite the film’s shortcomings.

Vijay Krishna Acharya’s penchant for twists and turns is evident throughout the film, but it might not be the best approach for a family drama. Family dramas typically rely on emotions and simple storytelling, and the film’s attempt to inject sensational elements doesn’t entirely align with the genre. The film’s last quarter, in particular, feels illogical and lacks sympathetic character development, which detracts from the overall experience.

“The Great Indian Family” tackles a sensitive issue with good intentions but fails to provide a more logical and well-crafted narrative. The film could have explored its subject matter with greater depth, nuance, and sensitivity. While it has a promising premise, the execution leaves much to be desired, resulting in a well-intentioned but ultimately flawed family drama.

In conclusion, “The Great Indian Family” has its heart in the right place but struggles to realize its potential due to its execution and treatment of a sensitive subject. It offers a decent cinematic experience but falls short of being a truly great family drama.