Boman Irani’s directorial debut, The Mehta Boys, is a deeply personal yet universally resonant tale of a strained father-son relationship. While the core theme—family conflicts and eventual resolutions—is familiar, what sets this film apart is its unpredictability and the nuanced performances that breathe life into the narrative. Starring Boman Irani as Shiv Mehta and Avinash Tiwary as his son Amay, the film carefully treads the thin line between emotional drama and subtle humor, making it a compelling watch.
The Mehta Boys Plot Overview
At its heart, The Mehta Boys is the story of a troubled father-son relationship. Shiv Mehta, played masterfully by Boman Irani, is a man weighed down by the loss of his wife and the changing world around him. His slightly hunched posture and weary expressions paint the picture of a man who has seen better days. Meanwhile, Amay (Avinash Tiwary) is an ambitious yet struggling architect in Mumbai, still trying to find his footing in both his career and personal life.
Amay’s life revolves around his work at an architectural firm under the mentorship of a strict but supportive boss (Siddharth Basu). His romantic relationship with Zara (Shreya Chaudhry), a co-worker, is filled with the classic tension of ambition versus stagnation—she wants him to take the leap he is hesitant to make. Amidst these personal battles, Amay is forced to host his father, leading to a series of conflicts, revelations, and ultimately, growth.
Their interactions are punctuated by unspoken resentment, sarcasm, and a deep-seated longing for connection. Shiv’s daughter, Anu (Puja Sarup), makes a brief appearance but quickly exits, leaving father and son alone to navigate their unresolved issues. As the film progresses, their confrontations lead to a deeper understanding of each other, creating a slow but meaningful transformation.
Performances That Elevate the Film
The biggest strength of The Mehta Boys lies in its performances.
- Boman Irani as Shiv Mehta: It’s no surprise that Irani delivers an impeccable performance. He has played irascible yet endearing characters before, but here, he brings a unique vulnerability to Shiv. His frustration, grief, and eventual acceptance of his son’s struggles are portrayed with such authenticity that one cannot help but be moved. His character feels lived-in, making the emotional beats hit harder.
- Avinash Tiwary as Amay Mehta: Tiwary perfectly embodies the role of a young man burdened by expectations—both his own and his father’s. His portrayal of Amay’s internal conflicts and slow journey toward self-assurance is nuanced and heartfelt. He doesn’t just play the role; he inhabits it, making the father-son dynamic incredibly believable.
- Shreya Chaudhry as Zara: While the film primarily focuses on the father-son relationship, Chaudhry’s Zara adds a layer of realism to Amay’s life. She is affectionate yet exasperated with him, representing the push-and-pull of a relationship where one partner is hesitant to take the next step.
- Siddharth Basu as Amay’s boss: A surprise package in the film, Basu’s presence adds credibility to Amay’s professional struggles. His character subtly reflects the expectations that weigh on young professionals, especially in a competitive city like Mumbai.
- Puja Sarup as Anu Mehta: Despite limited screen time, Sarup’s character is crucial in setting the stage for the film’s central conflict. She is the mediator between father and son, aware of their differences but unwilling to play referee for long.
Writing and Direction: A Balance of Predictability and Surprise
Boman Irani co-wrote The Mehta Boys with Alexander Dinelaris, and their collaboration results in a well-crafted script that blends humor, emotion, and introspection. While the film’s central theme is something we have seen before—the evolution of a strained parent-child relationship—it is the execution that makes it stand out.
The script allows for small, unpredictable moments that add freshness to the storytelling. There are moments where you think you know what will happen next, only for the film to take a slight detour, making the journey feel more organic.
One of the best examples of this unpredictability is the recurring motif of “glass and steel.” When Shiv scoffs at the modern architecture surrounding his son’s apartment, it feels like a passing remark. But as the film progresses, this phrase returns at crucial moments, symbolizing both Shiv’s resistance to change and Amay’s struggle to find his place in a rapidly evolving world.
However, there are moments where the film feels slightly constricted. Some scenes, especially emotional confrontations, could have benefitted from more breathing room. At times, the pacing feels a little rushed, as if certain key moments deserved a few extra seconds to fully sink in.
The Mehta Boys Cinematography and Music: Enhancing the Mood
The cinematography in The Mehta Boys is understated yet effective. The visual contrast between Shiv’s old-fashioned world and Amay’s fast-paced city life is subtly emphasized through lighting and framing. Wide shots of the Mumbai skyline juxtapose against the intimate, cluttered apartment where most of the film unfolds, reinforcing the themes of distance and reconciliation.
The music is another highlight. The background score does not overpower the emotions but rather complements them. There are no over-the-top dramatic cues; instead, the film relies on soft, evocative melodies that enhance the emotional depth of each scene.
A Refreshing Change from Bollywood’s Usual Offerings
In an era where Bollywood frequently churns out over-the-top masala entertainers or mindless action flicks, The Mehta Boys comes as a breath of fresh air. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks, loud drama, or forced humor to make an impact. Instead, it tells a simple yet deeply moving story with sincerity.
It also steers clear of melodramatic reconciliations. The resolution between Shiv and Amay is not grand or overly sentimental but feels earned and genuine. The film acknowledges that relationships—especially familial ones—don’t change overnight, but small steps toward understanding can make all the difference.
Final Verdict: Worth Your Time
Despite minor flaws in pacing and scene transitions, The Mehta Boys succeeds in delivering an emotionally satisfying experience. With stellar performances, thoughtful writing, and an earnest directorial debut by Boman Irani, the film is well worth a watch.
If you enjoy slice-of-life dramas that focus on character development and emotional depth, The Mehta Boys will not disappoint. It is a poignant reminder of the complexities of parent-child relationships and the power of small moments in bridging seemingly insurmountable gaps.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
