Prince and Family review: Dileep is back with a hearty family entertainer that tackles a relevant subject

Prince and Family Story - Prince Chakkalakkal, who is middle-aged and single, is the sole provider for his family. He feels hopeless and lonely because of his struggles to find a "suitable" life partner. However, an unexpected proposal from a matchmaking site soon upends Prince's and his loved ones' lives. 

Prince and Family Review - Debutante Binto Stephen has clearly revived Dileep in a role that Malayalis have always enjoyed seeing him perform. It is delightful to see the actor entertain the audience as he did in the past with a simple yet guy-next-door character. 

Middle-aged Prince Chakkalakkal is his family's only provider. Prince, however, longs for a life mate and finds it difficult to discover the "right" one for himself while juggling a number of responsibilities. He occasionally gets into problems because of his desperate search for a partner. Prince soon finds new hope in an unexpected proposal from a social media influencer, but he is unaware that it will completely change both his personal and professional lives. How Prince adjusts to his new circumstances and deals with emerging issues—mostly related to his wife's social media life—is the primary plot element of the film.

The actor's usual knack for enthralling family audiences is used throughout the movie without overly depending on cliches from his earlier works. The makers have utilised minor references, though, such as when Bindu Panicker's character boasts reminiscent of her role in the 1998 movie Sreekrishnapurathe Nakshathrathilakkam. In the second half, the main topics of the negative impacts of social media, fake news circulation, and the generational divide were extensively covered, and every chance was taken to take a jab at the modern online "influencers." 

The film's humorous moments are its strong point. The parts by Siddique, Bindu Panicker, and Johny Antony are guaranteed to make you giggle for a long time. In his role as Prince, Dileep is at ease and gives a playful performance similar of the old times. In this film, Manju Pillai also delivers a moving act. Raaniya also deserves an appreciation for her performance as Chinju Rani.

Prince and Family opens by highlighting the Ishtam star's flexibility in handling comedy, but in the second half, it gradually switches to a different perspective to talk about the dark side of social media. Another element that is sure to delight Dileep fans is the addition of a song by Udit Narayan for the C.I.D. Moosa star. Although Dileep's portrayal of a family man overburdened by his family's obligations is not new, there are elements in the movie that keep the audience engaged. 

There are a few shortcomings with the movie, including its predictable premise and conclusion. Certain actors such as Dhyan Sreenivasan and Aswin Jose does not have much to offer to the plot. The Malayalee from India star has very few s cenes which fails to create an impression on the viewers.

Prince and Family Verdict - Despite all the minor flaws, the movie smoothly portrays Dileep in a part that Malayalis have long loved watching him play.