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The Mehta Boys Review: Boman Irani’s Directorial Debut Worth The Praise
Updated on: 07 February, 2025 04:02 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Still from The Mehta Boys
Boman Irani, a celebrated actor known for his versatile performances, steps into the director’s chair at the age of 65 with The Mehta Boys. This heartfelt family drama showcases his storytelling passion, which he has nurtured for years. Co-written with Oscar-winning writer Alex Dinelaris (Birdman), the film offers an emotional yet practical exploration of father-son dynamics. While it doesn`t chase commercial success, The Mehta Boys leaves a lasting impression with its simplicity, depth, and memorable characters.
Amay’s life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a call about his mother’s passing. He rushes home, where his sister Anu (Puja Sarup) suggests taking their father, Shiv Mehta (Boman Irani), to America, believing he shouldn`t be left alone. This sets the stage for the complex, often unspoken tensions between father and son.
Amay and Shiv have a strained relationship, marked by years of emotional distance and misunderstandings. Circumstances force them to live together for a few days, leading to a gradual thawing of their cold, awkward dynamic. Despite heated arguments and clashing viewpoints, they find solace in shared moments—watching movies, eating noodles, and navigating each other’s emotions. The film delicately explores these "pushes and pulls," making their evolving bond feel authentic and relatable.
Also Read: From Virus to Lucky, 5 Comic Characters Played to Perfection by Boman Irani
Skipping a theatrical release, The Mehta Boys premiered directly on OTT. It gained recognition at the Chicago Film Festival and IFFI Goa, receiving widespread praise. The film’s artistic simplicity and emotional depth make it a fine watch—classic yet fresh, touching but never overindulgent.
In the end, The Mehta Boys may not aim for greatness, but its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced performances ensure it remains a memorable experience.
A Story Rooted in Realism
Set in Mumbai, the film follows Amay (Avinash Tiwari), a cartographer struggling to establish himself as an architect. He works under the sharp yet kind guidance of his boss (Siddharth Basu) and is supported by his girlfriend, Zara (Shreya Chaudhary). However, self-doubt prevents him from fully realizing his potential.Amay’s life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a call about his mother’s passing. He rushes home, where his sister Anu (Puja Sarup) suggests taking their father, Shiv Mehta (Boman Irani), to America, believing he shouldn`t be left alone. This sets the stage for the complex, often unspoken tensions between father and son.
Amay and Shiv have a strained relationship, marked by years of emotional distance and misunderstandings. Circumstances force them to live together for a few days, leading to a gradual thawing of their cold, awkward dynamic. Despite heated arguments and clashing viewpoints, they find solace in shared moments—watching movies, eating noodles, and navigating each other’s emotions. The film delicately explores these "pushes and pulls," making their evolving bond feel authentic and relatable.
Also Read: From Virus to Lucky, 5 Comic Characters Played to Perfection by Boman Irani
Strong Writing, With Minor Hiccups
The writing in The Mehta Boys is sharp and insightful, portraying father-son relationships with rare empathy and realism. The film avoids melodrama, choosing instead a restrained, thoughtful approach to "daddy issues." While the storytelling is engaging, a few moments feel slightly constricted, affecting the film’s fluidity. However, these minor flaws don’t take away from its impact.Skipping a theatrical release, The Mehta Boys premiered directly on OTT. It gained recognition at the Chicago Film Festival and IFFI Goa, receiving widespread praise. The film’s artistic simplicity and emotional depth make it a fine watch—classic yet fresh, touching but never overindulgent.
In the end, The Mehta Boys may not aim for greatness, but its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced performances ensure it remains a memorable experience.
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