Prince and Family movie review: Old-School Comedy Meets New-Age Crisis

Prince and Family Story line: Prince, a popular boutique owner in a small town, is the eldest of three brothers but remains unmarried due to his long list of ideal qualities in a bride. He finally ties the knot with a trending social media influencer — a decision that throws him into a whirlwind of misunderstandings, culture clashes, and personal reckonings.

Review: Debutant director Binto Stephen’s Prince and Family sets out to be a social comedy tackling modern-day issues through the lens of a traditional family drama. At its heart is Dileep’s Prince — a man rooted in values but swayed by superficial expectations. The film tries to explore how social media culture, validation addiction, and digital identities are reshaping relationships — a theme that’s relevant, especially post real-life incidents like the Misha Agarwal case.

The narrative kicks off with typical Dileep-brand humor and situations, aiming to recreate his vintage charm. But there’s a disconnect — Dileep’s performance feels like a shadow of his earlier, more energetic roles. While his comic timing is intact in parts, it lacks freshness. His character seems stuck in a loop of ‘good guy in trouble’ tropes without evolving with the times. Costume designer Sameera Saneesh deserves credit for keeping his style upbeat.

The real surprise is the female lead — her portrayal is bold, vibrant, and unapologetic, offering a strong counterpoint to Dileep’s more passive role. Her character highlights how today’s youth are shaped — and often trapped — by the need for constant online validation. However, the screenplay falters in fleshing out emotional beats, such as the impact of a family death, which passes without depth or resolution.

Supporting characters like Johny Antony are mostly there to deliver laughs and meta-commentary — including sly nods to Dileep’s real-life controversies, which may or may not sit well with all viewers. Dhyan Sreenivasan’s blink-and-miss appearance feels random and underused.

Technically, the film is polished but formulaic. The climax leans into predictable territory, reducing its thematic weight. Sharis Mohammed’s script is peppered with smart moments of satire, but uneven execution makes the overall experience feel choppy.

Prince and Family has moments of charm and relevance, especially in how it addresses the social media obsession of today’s generation. But its old-school storytelling and reliance on familiar beats prevent it from standing out. A decent one-time watch for Dileep fans, but others may find it underwhelming.