“Prince and Family” marks Malayalam star Dileep’s 150th appearance, and it arrives as a warm, family-friendly entertainer directed by debutant Binto Stephen. The film follows Prince Chakkalakkal, a reserved bridal boutique owner, who suddenly finds himself married to someone utterly different from him. What starts as comic collision spirals into emotional moments as they and their extended family navigate misunderstandings, social media chaos, and the unpredictabilities of domestic life.
Cast & Crew Insights
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Binto Stephen (debut) |
| Writer | Sharis Mohammed |
| Producer | Listin Stephen (Magic Frames) |
| Music | Sanal Dev |
| Cinematography | Renadive |
| Editing | Sagar Dass |
| Lead Cast | Dileep, Raniya Raanaa, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Siddique, Bindu Panicker, Johny Antony, Manju Pillai, Urvashi, Josekutty Jacob |
| Runtime | 134 minutes |
What Critics Are Saying
- Times of India (3/5): Praised the pace, calling it a lighthearted social comedy. However, noted that some plots felt choppy and performances relied on Dileep’s familiar charm.
- Indian Express (2.5/5): Acknowledged Binto’s direction keeping the story afloat, but pointed out the characters were flat and many jokes predictable.
- New Indian Express (2/5): Commended Dileep’s more refined, toned-down portrayal. But flagged the film’s regressive moments and social media mockery as drawbacks.
- OTTPlay (3/5): Highlighted Dileep’s old-school style and praised Siddique, Bindu Panicker, and Johny Antony for evoking genuine laughter. Criticised the predictability but appreciated the emotional turn in the second half.
Audience Feedback & Reaction
Reddit user on r/InsideMollywood shared a spoiler-free view:
“Its a fun family entertainer with a comedy first half followed by an emotional second half… Apart from that the movie was a one time watchable comedy entertainer with a happy ending.”
The IMDb audience review section echoes this sentiment, labelling it a “superb movie. A family film with all the fun needed” and crediting the social media storyline.
Box‑Office & Streaming Success
- Released theatrically on 9 May 2025, it quickly pulled in over ₹26 crore, ranking among the top six Malayalam hits of the year.
- Continued to draw audiences with house‑full shows 30 days post release, even during monsoon season – confirming its status as a commercial hit.
- Now streaming on ZEE5 since 20 June 2025. Available in both Malayalam and Tamil dubbed versions.
What Stands Out
Highlights
- Dileep’s charming performance brings nostalgia and familiarity, showing both comedic timing and family-dad warmth.
- Supporting cast excellence: Siddique, Bindu Panicker, Johny Antony & Manju Pillai deliver standout moments.
- Shift in tone: A light comedy evolves into a social commentary on social media, lending depth to a straightforward story.
Points to Consider
- Predictable plot and occasional regressive jokes may not appeal to everyone.
- Characters beyond Prince drive feel underdeveloped.
Final Word
“Prince and Family” offers a cozy mix of comedy, emotional moments, and social media satire, anchored by Dileep’s easy charm. Though far from groundbreaking, it strikes the right balance for viewers seeking a feel-good family film, particularly fans of traditional Malayali comedy.
Recommended for:
- Longtime Dileep fans
- Viewers looking for light laughter, uncomplicated emotions, and glimpses of modern rural lives
Skip it if:
- You’re after complex characters or fresh storytelling
- You dislike predictable tropes or regressive humor