Movie Review: Prince and Family (2025) – A Mixed Bag of Heart and Heavy-Handed Messaging
Prince and Family, released on May 9, 2025, in Malayalam theaters, marks the 150th film for veteran actor Dileep and the directorial debut of Binto Stephen. Written by Sharis Mohammed and produced by Listin Stephen under Magic Frames, this comedy-drama aims to revive Dileep’s classic comedic charm while tackling modern social issues. Starring Dileep as Prince Chakkalakkal, alongside Raniya Raanaa, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Siddique, Bindu Panicker, Manju Pillai, Johny Antony, and a cameo by Urvashi, the film blends family dynamics with a critique of social media culture. Shot across Ooty, Kozhikode, and Ernakulam, it boasts a 134-minute runtime and a U certificate, positioning it as a family-friendly entertainer. While it delivers laughs and emotional moments, its uneven execution, regressive undertones, and heavy-handed messaging prevent it from being a true comeback for Dileep.
Set in rural Kerala’s central Travancore, the film follows Prince Chakkalakkal (Dileep), the eldest son of a lower-middle-class Christian family. A popular bridal boutique owner and the family’s breadwinner, Prince shoulders the responsibilities of his parents, Baby (Siddique) and Jancy (Bindu Panicker), and his younger brothers, Jince (Dhyan Sreenivasan) and Shince (Josekutty Jacob), who are married or soon-to-be-wed. Despite his success, Prince remains single, burdened by his own lofty expectations for a bride. The first half establishes his world with lighthearted humor, showcasing his frustrations with his freeloading siblings and societal pressure to marry. When he weds Chinchu Rani (Raniya Raanaa), a much younger, fame-obsessed vlogger, their clashing personalities—his introverted sincerity versus her social media-driven chaos—spark comedy and conflict. The narrative shifts to explore how her obsession with online validation disrupts their marriage and family harmony.
The film’s first half is its strongest, delivering the “vintage Dileep” charm fans crave. Sharis Mohammed’s script sets up Prince’s world organically, with relatable family dynamics and giggle-worthy moments, as Lensmen Reviews notes. Dileep’s subtle performance, a departure from his recent over-the-top roles, feels authentic, particularly in scenes with his parents and friend KK (Johny Antony). His interactions, like bantering with Siddique over household duties, ground the film in a slice-of-life warmth, as The Indian Express praises. Raniya Raanaa’s vibrant debut as Chinchu steals the show, her “childish acting” attracting family audiences, per IMDb user reviews. The ensemble, including Manju Pillai as the sharp-tongued Safiya, adds depth, with her standalone performance earning praise for its emotional heft. Sanal Dev’s music, particularly “The Life of Prince,” enhances the feel-good vibe, while Renadive’s cinematography captures Kerala’s lush backdrop beautifully.
However, the second half derails, shifting from a charming family comedy to a preachy critique of social media culture. Chinchu’s vlogging obsession, meant to satirize Gen Z’s fixation on likes and followers, becomes a caricature, as Lensmen Reviews critiques, making her character feel one-dimensional. The film’s attempt to address sensationalism and online toxicity, while relevant, feels forced, with a lengthy cameo monologue spelling out its themes, a trope Sharis used in Jana Gana Mana (2022). The New Indian Express notes this shift squanders the family drama’s potential, leaving the narrative caught between genres. The climax, resolving conflicts too neatly, lacks emotional weight, and critics like Times of India call it “typical” and “choppy.” Additionally, regressive undertones—Prince viewing brides as “products” and pursuing a much younger woman—draw criticism for reinforcing outdated gender norms, as BollywoodShaadis points out.
The film’s handling of Dileep’s real-life controversies also raises eyebrows. Subtle dialogues, like Johny Antony’s jab at social media rumors, seem designed to whitewash his image, per The Indian Express, which feels manipulative given his 2017 assault case allegations. This undercuts the film’s sincerity, alienating some viewers, as Reddit posts suggest, with users noting polarized reactions due to Dileep’s baggage.
Technically, the film is solid but not groundbreaking. Sagar Das’s editing keeps the first half crisp, but the second half drags with redundant scenes. Sanal Dev’s score, while effective, isn’t memorable beyond its singles, and the 134-minute runtime feels bloated, as The New Indian Express observes. Critics are mixed, with Times of India giving it 3/5 for its “feel-good” warmth, while The Indian Express (2.5/5) and Lensmen Reviews criticize its preachy tone.,, Box office data is inconclusive, but full theaters reported on social media suggest initial interest, though bookings later dipped.
Prince and Family is a decent one-time watch for Dileep fans and family audiences seeking light entertainment, as BookMyShow reviews suggest. Its heartfelt first half and strong performances, particularly from Dileep and Raniya Raanaa, are marred by a preachy second half and outdated sensibilities. Compared to 2025’s Maaman or Eleven, it lacks the emotional depth or narrative polish to stand out. Binto Stephen shows promise as a debutant, but the film doesn’t fully deliver the comeback Dileep needs. Watch it for its laughs and nostalgia, but temper expectations for depth or innovation.
