The Mehta Boys revolves around the complex father-son relationship between Shiv Mehta (Boman Irani) and his son Amey (Avinash Tiwary). Shiv, a well-meaning but overbearing father, has always believed in the “I know best” approach, constantly making decisions for his son. Amey, on the other hand, is a young man struggling to find his independence—both personally and professionally—under the shadow of his father’s control. The story explores their strained relationship, punctuated by grief following the sudden death of Shiv’s wife, and Amey’s attempts to carve out his own identity. Amidst this, the film also delves into the lives of other characters, including Amey’s supportive partner Zara (who plays an essential role in bridging gaps) and his sister Anu (Puja Sarup), with whom he shares a nuanced sibling bond.
Analysis:
Boman Irani’s directorial debut brings a refreshing touch to the father-son genre, which is often fraught with exaggerated dramatics and idealized portrayals. Instead, The Mehta Boys steers toward a grounded, relatable depiction of familial struggles. At its core, it examines the weight of grief, the pursuit of validation, and the emotional toll of unspoken expectations. While many films romanticize parental authority, this film offers a nuanced perspective on how such authority can sometimes be stifling. It avoids melodrama and instead allows the characters’ emotional complexities to unfold gradually, offering an intimate portrayal of everyday lives. Though it touches on the universal desire for independence, the film subtly critiques the pressure placed on younger generations to always defer to older wisdom.
Highlights:
One of the standout aspects of The Mehta Boys is its portrayal of the father-son relationship, which feels grounded and authentic, reflecting the complexities and tensions that come with it. Boman Irani’s direction captures the nuanced dynamics between the characters, making Shiv Mehta’s overbearing yet loving nature relatable and real. The film also skillfully delves into universal emotions, like grief and the search for independence, through well-developed secondary characters such as Amey’s supportive partner, Zara, and his sister, Anu. These characters add depth and authenticity to the story, avoiding clichés and instead opting for mature, real-life conversations. The film shines in its subtle storytelling, where small moments—like Shiv’s gesture of cooking for Amey or Amey’s quiet self-doubt—carry significant emotional weight. Boman Irani’s directorial debut proves his keen understanding of complex emotions and relationships, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers on a deeply human level.
Drawbacks:
While The Mehta Boys offers a nuanced portrayal of familial relationships, it falls short in fully exploring the root causes of the father-son rift, leaving viewers yearning for more insight into why their bond deteriorated so deeply. The film’s resolution, where Amey ultimately returns to his father, feels overly conventional and reinforces the glorification of parental authority without addressing its potential flaws. Additionally, the pre-climactic monologue where Amey asserts his self-respect feels formulaic, following a familiar narrative pattern that detracts from the story’s authenticity. On a technical level, the soundtrack is notably forgettable, failing to enhance the emotional impact of the narrative or leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Performances:
The performances in The Mehta Boys are one of the film’s strong suits, with each actor bringing depth to their role. Boman Irani, as Shiv Mehta, delivers a compelling portrayal of a proud yet struggling father, embodying the weariness of a man grappling with both aging and the recent loss of his wife. His performance anchors the emotional core of the film. Puja Sarup, though her role as Anu is brief, leaves a lasting impact with her heart-wrenching scene at the airport, where she sobs in the midst of her family’s tension, setting the stage for the drama to unfold. Shreya Chaudhry as Zara brings a nuanced balance to her role, gracefully transitioning from a supportive partner to someone who plays a key role in maintaining the fragile peace between father and son. Her portrayal feels effortlessly natural, especially in the awkward scene where she unexpectedly finds herself in her boyfriend’s apartment with his father. Avinash Tiwary, as Amey, effectively captures the petulance and frustration of a son caught in the throes of self-doubt and the need for approval. While at times his performance feels a bit contrived, his emotional struggles with his father ring true, adding authenticity to the familial conflict.
Technical Aspects:
Boman Irani’s direction is understated yet effective. His ability to steer clear of melodrama and instead focus on the small, intimate moments of everyday life sets the tone for the film. Cinematography complements the grounded approach, with a focus on naturalistic lighting and spaces that reflect the inner world of the characters. However, the soundtrack fails to make much of an impact, which is a missed opportunity given the film’s emotional depth. The pacing is steady, allowing the narrative to breathe and develop at a natural rhythm.
Verdict:
The Mehta Boys is a refreshing take on the father-son narrative, offering a realistic portrayal of family dynamics that feels deeply personal and relatable. While it falters in fully exploring its central conflict and has some predictable resolutions, the film’s strength lies in its authenticity and character-driven storytelling. Boman Irani proves himself to be a director with a keen eye for nuance and depth. His exploration of grief, independence, and familial ties makes The Mehta Boys an honest, heartfelt watch that resonates with the everyday struggles of life. With this debut, Irani shows promise for future projects, and we hope to see more of his directorial work soon.
DIRECTED BY: Boman Irani
PRODUCED BY: Boman Irani, Danesh Irani, Shujaat Saudagar and Vipin Agnihotri
WRITTEN BY: Boman Irani and Alexander Dinelaris
CAST: Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry and
Puja Sarup
STREAMING ON: Prime Video
RATING: 4/5
