The Great Indian Family Review: Bhajan Kumar aka Vicky Kaushal and Kumud Mishra shine bright in this unique film

Some major topics that most of us discuss in this country are politics, entertainment and cricket. But there is one other topic which holds equal importance in India– religion. This is exactly the subject that the makers of The Great Indian Family decided to focus on in the Vicky Kaushal starrer. To be honest, when I first heard about the film there was not much of an appeal. But seeing the trailer, getting a hint about the mega twist, definitely raised expectations. Well, Vicky as Bhajan Kumar managed to exceed these expectations with his performance, a unique script and a stellar supporting cast.

The film begins with an introduction of Billu aka Ved Vyas Tripathi played by Vicky. The son of a well known and respected priest, he takes us through his colourful childhood where he discovered the bhajan singer in him at his crush’s birthday party. He goes on to introduce himself as a celebrity of his town, fondly called Bhajan Kumar by his fans. Vicky's entry, singing Kanhaiya Twitter Pe Aaja, is especially impressive. It genuinely feels like you are attending a jagran and he is the performer. Things are pretty good in Ved’s life– he has a successful career, a loving family and a beautiful love interest in the form of Manushi Chhillar, who has a short yet impactful role. But things take an unexpected turn when Ved and the family find out that his biological parents were Muslim. His life turns upside down, quite literally.

What follows will tug at your heartstrings while reminding you that religion is important. But the film also makes you question if religion is as important as upbringing, family bonds and humanity. Vicky has done a fabulous job, like always. He has given this film his all and it is especially evident in two particular scenes where he breaks down. Watching him makes you want to reach out and comfort Ved as he tries to figure out what truly matters in life. Another shining star in this story is Kumud Mishra, who has portrayed the role of Ved’s father. He is stern and respectable, a man of his beliefs. But he is also a parent who loves his children above all else. No spoilers here except for this one– in a scene, Mishra holds Vicky’s hand to take him home. This sequence brings up so many emotions, it is hard to describe in plain words.

Coming back to Manushi and her limited screen time– we wish we saw more of her because she was too good. So was Manoj Pahwa who plays Vicky’s uncle in the film. All in all, this family comedy gives a strong social message and handles the theme with utmost sensitivity. The dialogues are powerful and we have zero complaints regarding the dialogue delivery. But The Great Indian Family is not everyone’s cup of tea. For some, who are secular and don’t care about religion when they make bonds in life, this film might seem too ‘preachy’. It isn’t, but it may seem like it. But for people who understand the need of secularism in our country, this Vicky Kaushal starrer is a must watch. It truly warms your heart. Another segment of our society who need to watch the Vijay Krishna Acharya directorial are those who believe their religion is above all else. What if one day you wake up and find out you actually belong to another religion? It’s a question Bhajan Kumar and his great Indian family answer in this fun and moving film.

As a parting note, let’s remember that we all come into the world as humans. Religion comes later.