Director: Vijay Krishna Acharya
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Manushi Chhillar, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Yashpal Sharma, Sadiya Siddiqui, Alka Amin, Srishti Dixit, Bhuvan Arora, Aasif Khan
“The Great Indian Family,” directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, endeavors to deliver a message of unity between two religions but falls short in conviction and rationale. The story revolves around Ved Vyas Tripathi (Vicky Kaushal), also known as Bhajan Kumar, a devout Hindu man who faces an identity crisis when he discovers he is actually a Muslim by birth.
Pandit Siyaram Tripathi (Kumud Mishra) is a revered priest in Balrampur, and his family is known for conducting religious ceremonies. The plot unfolds when the Tripathi family receives a letter informing them that Ved is a Muslim. While the family dismisses it as a prank, Ved accepts it instantly, leading to a series of events orchestrated by their rival, Pandit Mishra, to bring them down. The movie aims to draw parallels between the two cultures but does so superficially, lacking convincing story development and narrative depth.
The central premise relies on Billu discovering his religion through a dubious letter, and the plot turns into a melodramatic soap opera with social media manipulation and demands for a DNA test. Despite capturing the traditional vibe of a town well and featuring a decent soundtrack by Pritam, the film struggles to deliver its intended message effectively.
Vicky Kaushal makes a sincere effort, portraying a character confused about his identity, but the film doesn’t showcase one of his finest performances. Manushi Chhillar has limited screen time and falls short in portraying a small-town girl convincingly. Kumud Mishra stands out with a powerful performance as a strict yet loving father, showcasing a strong father-son relationship. Manoj Pahwa, as Billu’s uncle, provides able support.
While the family drama offers mild entertainment in the first half, especially with Billu’s shenanigans, the narrative loses its impact as the story progresses. The well-intended premise of the film lacks compelling storytelling and execution, failing to translate its genuine message effectively on screen. “The Great Indian Family” delivers a heartfelt message but falls short of creating a lasting impact.
