Prince and Family: Cast, Review, OTT Date & Box Office

You’re a quiet guy in your 30s, running a bridal boutique in a sleepy Kerala town, footing the bill for your entire joint family while dodging aunties’ endless matchmaking schemes. Life’s predictable—until you tie the knot with a firecracker of a woman who’s got more Instagram followers than your whole village has WhatsApp forwards. Suddenly, your quiet evenings turn into viral scandals, family dinners become live streams, and you’re wondering if “happily ever after” comes with a mute button.

Sound familiar? That’s the chaotic charm of Prince and Family, Dileep’s 150th film that’s got everyone from Kochi multiplexes to Koovappady tea stalls buzzing. If you’re an Indian movie lover who’s ever laughed (or cringed) at a family wedding gone wrong, this one’s for you. But is it the feel-good hit we needed, or just another nostalgic nod to the Dileep comedies of yore? Let’s unpack it like a poorly packed trousseau.

As someone who’s spent way too many weekends dissecting Mollywood’s ups and downs—yes, even the ones that make you question your life choices—I’ll walk you through the good, the goofy, and the groan-worthy. Spoiler: It’s got heart, but it doesn’t always know when to quit.

What’s the Story? A Quick Plot Without the Spoilers

Prince and Family isn’t your typical mass entertainer with fistfights and folk songs (though, give it time—Kerala cinema loves a good detour). Directed by debutant Binto Stephen and penned by Sharis Mohammed (the guy behind Jana Gana Mana, so expect some sharp social jabs), it’s a comedy-drama that hits close to home for anyone who’s navigated modern relationships in a traditional setup.

Our hero, Prince Chakkalakkal (Dileep, channeling his inner reluctant romantic), is the quintessential eldest son: responsible, reserved, and ridiculously single. He’s the breadwinner for his sprawling Christian family in rural Kerala—parents, two married brothers, their wives, kids, the works. His days revolve around stitching wedding gowns at his boutique and fending off proposals that feel more like job interviews. (“Must know cooking, no social media, and preferably allergic to selfies,” or something equally outdated.)

Enter Chinju Elsa Rani (Raniya Raanaa, making her big splash), a bubbly social media vlogger who’s all energy and zero filters. Their marriage? Let’s just say it’s less “arranged with care” and more “arranged with chaos.” What starts as a clash of quiet nights versus reel-worthy antics spirals into a full-blown family feud when Chinju’s online antics go viral—for all the wrong reasons. Misunderstandings pile up like unread notifications, forcing Prince to pick sides: his old-school fam or his new-age wife? Along the way, we get laughs, tears, and a sneaky commentary on how TikTok is turning us all into keyboard warriors.

It’s shot in lush spots like Ooty and Kozhikode, with a runtime that clocks in at about 2 hours—perfect for a family outing, if your family’s the type that debates plot twists over samosas. But here’s the thing: In a year dominated by action flicks like Thudarum, this feels like a cozy throwback. Refreshing? Absolutely. Revolutionary? Eh, not quite.

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Meet the Cast: Dileep Leads a Ensemble That’s Equal Parts Charm and Chaos

One of the film’s biggest draws? That killer cast. It’s like Binto Stephen raided the Rolodex of Malayalam’s comedy goldmine and said, “Everyone, pile in!” For intermediate fans like you—who know your Marykkundoru Kunjaadu from your Vellimoonga—this lineup delivers familiar faces with fresh twists.

• Dileep as Prince Chakkalakkal: Ah, Dileep. The man who’s built a career on everyman heroes with impeccable comic timing. Here, he’s dialed back the slapstick for something more layered—a guy who’s equal parts provider and pushover. His emotional scenes (especially one gut-punch with Manju Pillai) had me tearing up mid-popcorn crunch. But let’s be real: Some of his “vintage” gags feel like they’re auditioning for a 2000s rerun. Still, in his 150th film, he shines when it counts. 8/10 for nostalgia points.
• Raniya Raanaa as Chinju Elsa Rani: Fresh face alert! Raniya bursts onto the scene like a confetti cannon, nailing the extroverted influencer vibe. Her energy’s infectious, but—full disclosure—it veers into caricature territory at times. Think less nuanced Gen-Z and more “what boomers think influencers are.” That said, her chemistry with Dileep sparks real fireworks. Props for holding her own against the vets.
• The Family Squad: Siddique and Bindu Panicker as the parents are pure gold—warm, witty, and oh-so-relatable if you’ve got nosy in-laws. Johny Antony brings his signature sarcasm as Prince’s buddy, dropping lines that had the theater howling (and subtly nodding to Dileep’s real-life headlines). Manju Pillai steals hearts in a pivotal role, while Dhyan Sreenivasan pops up in a cameo that’s equal parts fun and “wait, why isn’t he the lead?” Urvashi’s brief appearance? Chef’s kiss—short, sweet, and scene-stealing.
• Supporting Stars: Josekutty Jacob and Vijay Jacob round out the brothers, adding that lived-in family banter that makes you miss your own cousins. No weak links here, folks; it’s a true ensemble effort.

Overall, the cast of Prince and Family feels like a reunion picnic—comforting, a tad overcrowded, but impossible not to love. If you’re bingeing on ZEE5 later, keep an eye on those subtle nods between Dileep and Dhyan; it’s the buddy dynamic we didn’t know we needed.

Behind the Scenes: Binto Stephen’s Debut and Why It Matters

Binto Stephen’s jumping straight into the director’s chair with this one, and you can feel the newbie nerves mixed with bold swings. Produced by Listin Stephen under Magic Frames (the folks behind Drishyam), it’s Dileep’s big 150 milestone, shot in just 85 days across Kerala and Ooty. Music by newcomer Sanal Dev? Surprisingly catchy—those folk-infused tracks linger like a good filter coffee.

Sharis Mohammed’s script is the real MVP, weaving in timely digs at social media’s dark side without preaching. (Remember that viral video meltdown? Oof, hits too close.) But here’s where it gets real: In an industry that’s seen Dileep through controversies and comebacks, this film subtly positions him as the “misunderstood good guy.” Some critics call it whitewashing; I see it as smart storytelling. After all, who hasn’t posted something dumb and regretted it?

Fun fact: The bridal boutique set? Inspired by real Kerala shops, with costumes that scream “Dileep’s wardrobe on steroids.” It’s got that glossy-yet-grounded vibe that makes Mollywood feel like home.

The Buzz: What Critics and Fans Are Saying in Our Prince and Family Review

Reviews for Prince and Family are like a typical family chat—half agreement, half eye-rolls. It’s mixed-positive, landing at a solid 6.2/10 on IMDb and earning shouts from family crowds, but not everyone’s sold.

• The Highs: Times of India gave it 3/5 stars, praising the “vintage Dileep charm” and laughs for fans of his classic era. Indian Express called it a “decent comedy-drama” with strong social messaging on influencer culture, though execution falters in spots (2.5/5). Fans on Reddit and Letterboxd rave about the emotional second half and family vibes— one user said it left them “reflecting on personal lives.” BollywoodShaadis roundup? Fans love the “laugh-out-loud moments,” but some sniff out “regressive undertones” in the age-gap romance.
• The Lows: Not everyone’s buying the “boomer vs. zoomer” trope. Reddit threads call it “cringiest shitfest” with an “unsahikable heroine” and outdated double-entendres. Lensmen Reviews nailed it: “In search of vintage Dileep, we get a boomer preacher.” Fair? Yeah, the script chops around like a bad edit, and Chinju’s arc feels underdeveloped.

My take? If you’re in for light-hearted chaos with a side of feels, it’s a win (7/10 from me). But if you’re over the “social media bad” sermon, it might grate. Perfect for intermediate viewers who appreciate the subtext without needing a deep dive.

Box Office Bonanza: How Prince and Family Cashed In

For a mid-budget family flick (around ₹8 crore, per industry whispers), Prince and Family punched above its weight. Theatrical release on May 9, 2025, saw it rake in ₹90 lakh on day one, holding steady against heavyweights like Thudarum.

By day 19, it hit ₹14.61 crore net in India (₹17.23 crore gross), nabbing an 82% profit margin and the “hit” verdict. Worldwide? Over ₹26 crore, landing it as the seventh highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2025 so far. Kerala crowds turned out in droves—family packs galore—proving comedies still rule the roost when action tires you out.

Compare it to Dileep’s recent hits like Ramaleela (which he likened this to in interviews), and it’s no blockbuster, but damn if it didn’t deliver bang for the buck. Sacnilk’s day-wise tracker shows a steady drop but no crashes—classic family entertainer hold.

Streaming Soon: Prince and Family OTT Release Date and Where to Watch

Missed the theater rush? No sweat—Prince and Family hit OTT waves on June 20, 2025, exclusively on ZEE5. Both Malayalam original and Tamil dub dropped same day, so pan-India fans, rejoice. (Hindi? Fingers crossed for a future add-on.)

Why ZEE5? It’s got that sweet spot for regional gems—think easy subs and binge-friendly queues. Pair it with their Drishyam series for a Magic Frames marathon. Pro tip: Grab the family plan; this one’s made for group watches with pauses for “that was so us!” debates.

Why Watch? The Pros, Cons, and That Sneaky Social Media Lesson

Pros:

• Relatable AF: Joint family dynamics? Check. Social media mishaps? Double check. It’s like your cousin’s wedding, but scripted.
• Emotional Punch: Second half tugs at heartstrings without going full sob-fest.
• Fresh Blood: Binto and Raniya bring new energy to a formulaic setup.

Cons:

• Pacing Hiccups: First half meanders like a pre-wedding sangeet—fun, but could trim the fat.
• Dated Vibes: Some jokes land flat if you’re under 30 (or allergic to double meanings).
• Predictable Plot: You see the twists coming, like a forwarded chain email.

At its core, it’s a timely nudge: In an Insta-perfect world, real connections matter more than likes. As Forbes notes in their family film roundups, movies like this remind us why we hit play together— for the laughs, the lessons, and the “remember when” chats.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions on Prince and Family, Answered

Wrapping It Up: A Prince Charming for Messy Modern Love

Look, Prince and Family isn’t flawless—it’s got more rough edges than a hand-stitched lehenga—but that’s what makes it feel alive. In a cinema landscape screaming for spectacle, this film’s quiet rebellion is a breath of fresh coconut air. It had me chuckling at the absurdities of my own feed-addled life, then pausing to text my mom about that one auntie’s passive-aggressive stories. Dileep proves he’s still got it, Binto’s a name to watch, and hey, if a viral prank can mend fences, maybe there’s hope for us all.

If this sparked your curiosity (or a rewatch urge), why not jot down your own family “oops” moments? Share in the comments—I’ll be here, scrolling through them like Chinju on a bad day. For more Mollywood magic, explore our full guide to 2025’s must-sees [here]. Or, got questions? Join our free Slack community for spoiler-free chats with fellow film buffs. What’s your next family watch— this, or something wilder?