Santoshi has acquired the reputation of coming up with new stories in film after film. The stories seem straight out of life and charter a new path all the while.
But he does a somersault this time!Family goes against the rules set by the film-maker himself. Its story isn’t original by any standards , it has loads of bloodshed and action [from start to end] It’s a typical masala fare you may’ve witnessed a zillion times!
Family is the story of an underworld don played by Amitabh Bachchan, and the fractured relationship he shares with his folks. It’s also the story of how another family is completely shattered because of Bachchan and how one member of that family seeks to avenge this punishment that was meted out to them for no fault of theirs.
If you’re a fan of Rajkumar Santoshi like me, you’re in for a rude shock from the very opening scene of the film. Crude humour was never Santoshi’s style, and one cannot understand why he resorted to it this time.
The real problem with Family is that it seems more like it’s meant to be a launch-pad for the producer’s son Aryeman, than an effort on the part of its makers to tell an engaging story.
If at all the film scores in any department, it is the performances of the three main characters. Bhumika lends credibility to the role and walks away with the honours. Amitabh is remarkable though his character seems stretched at times. Akshay proves yet again that he is a fine actor. How one wishes his role was lengthier too.
On the whole, Family is a poorly scripted film with just performance as the sole saving grace.