Kapoor & Sons: The Perfectly Imperfect Family
Shakun Batra's 2016 film masterfully peels back the layers of a seemingly normal family to reveal the cracks, secrets, and deep-seated love that bind them. The story revolves around two estranged brothers, Rahul and Arjun, who return home to be with their
ailing grandfather. What follows is a raw, funny, and deeply emotional exploration of sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and long-buried resentments. The characters are its greatest strength; from the constantly bickering parents played by Ratna Pathak Shah and Rajat Kapoor to the nonagenarian grandfather who just wants one last family photo. It’s a film that acknowledges that families can be messy and dysfunctional, but that love, in its many complicated forms, is the thread that holds everything together. It's a must-watch for anyone who knows that family isn't always perfect, but it's always family.
Piku: A Quirky Father-Daughter Tale
This 2015 film is a delightful road trip movie that is less about the destination and more about the journey of its wonderfully eccentric characters. Deepika Padukone plays the titular Piku, an architect living with her cantankerous, hypochondriac father, Bhashkor, played brilliantly by Amitabh Bachchan. Their daily life is a series of arguments, mostly revolving around Bhashkor’s obsession with his bowel movements. Yet, beneath the constant bickering is a profound and relatable love between a single daughter and her aging parent. The film breaks stereotypes by portraying an open, if unconventional, bond where a father supports his daughter's independence. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming look at the realities of caregiving, parental quirks, and the unique language of love that exists within a family.
English Vinglish: A Journey of Self-Worth
Sridevi's comeback film from 2012 is a quiet masterpiece about empowerment and finding your voice. She plays Shashi, a dedicated homemaker and mother who is often subtly belittled by her husband and daughter for her lack of English skills. When she travels to New York for a family wedding, she secretly enrolls in an English language class, a decision that sparks a transformative journey of self-discovery. The film beautifully captures Shashi’s vulnerability and her growing confidence as she navigates a new city and forms bonds with a diverse group of classmates. It is a powerful reminder that a person’s worth is not defined by others' perceptions. It's a tale of quiet courage that will leave you cheering for Shashi and perhaps looking at the mothers in your own life with newfound appreciation.
Do Dooni Chaar: The Middle-Class Dream
This charming 2010 comedy-drama features the wonderful real-life pair Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor as a middle-class couple, the Duggals. Santosh Duggal is a high-school math teacher struggling to make ends meet while trying to fulfill his family’s dream of buying a car. The film perfectly captures the everyday struggles, aspirations, and small joys of a middle-class family in Delhi. From the penny-pinching to the generational gap with their teenage children, every moment feels authentic and relatable. It’s a story about integrity, family pride, and the pursuit of a small dream that represents a giant leap in social standing. The film’s heart lies in its simple, honest portrayal of family life, making the Duggals feel like neighbours you’ve known for years.
