“Prince and Family” is a comedy-drama that offers a glimpse into the life of Prince (played by Dileep), a middle-aged man struggling with personal issues and family dynamics. While the movie has its moments of humor and emotional depth, it also seems to attempt to whitewash Dileep’s controversial image. Let’s dive into the film and its portrayal of the actor, the story, and the characters.
The Story: A Slice-of-Life Comedy-Drama
The film introduces Prince as the eldest of three brothers in a family struggling with domestic responsibilities. Prince runs a bridal boutique and is burdened with the task of managing the household, unlike his brothers, who contribute little to the family’s expenses. His inability to find love becomes a central theme in the story, as he watches his younger brothers get married and have children.
A turning point occurs when a 24-year-old woman, Chinju Elsa Rani (Raniya Raanaa), proposes to marry Prince. Initially excited, Prince soon realizes that he and Chinju are complete opposites, but by the time he realizes this, they are already married. As Prince tries to adjust to her fast-paced life as a social media influencer, his world begins to unravel, and the film shifts from comedy to drama, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and generational differences.
A Mixed Bag of Comedy and Drama
One of the film’s strengths lies in its humor, which feels natural and not forced. Writer Sharis Mohammed succeeds in creating amusing moments from everyday situations, rather than relying on tired slapstick comedy. Dileep, in his portrayal of Prince, doesn’t fall back on exaggerated physical comedy but instead brings a more grounded, mature approach to the role. The dynamics between Prince and his family, especially with his parents and siblings, help build a relatable world for the audience.
However, things take a turn when Chinju enters the picture. The shift in tone as Prince tries to adapt to her influencer lifestyle feels somewhat forced. As the movie transitions into emotional drama, it highlights the struggles in their relationship, with some moments offering genuine emotional depth. Still, the film can feel uneven at times, as it attempts to balance humor with heavier drama.
The Whitewashing and Problematic Themes
Unfortunately, “Prince and Family” can’t escape some of the issues that have plagued Dileep’s past films. There are subtle attempts to whitewash his image, particularly with dialogues that seem to refer to the media scrutiny surrounding him. For example, a montage featuring some of Dileep’s most iconic roles plays alongside a nostalgic melody, which feels like a deliberate effort to garner sympathy for the actor.
Moreover, the film’s portrayal of women and relationships feels outdated, with Prince shown to have an interest in younger women, and some of the humor relying on uncomfortable stereotypes. The character of Chinju, in particular, is reduced to a one-dimensional portrayal of a social media influencer, which comes across as overly simplistic and condescending.
The Performances and Technical Aspects
Dileep delivers a surprisingly strong performance in this film, showcasing his maturity as an actor. His chemistry with co-star Dhyan Sreenivasan is a pleasant surprise, adding depth to their sibling relationship. However, Raniya Raanaa’s portrayal of Chinju feels over-the-top and fails to capture the complexity of her character. Supporting performances by Bindu Panicker, Siddique, and Manju Pillai are solid, with Urvashi making a brief but memorable appearance.
On the technical side, cinematographer Renadive and editor Sagar Dass contribute to the movie’s polished look. The music by Sanal Dev, along with the costumes and makeup, further enhance the film’s charm, helping to create a visually appealing experience.
