Film Review- The Mehta Boys A Heartwarming Tale of Relationships

By Shantishwarup Tripathi

• Rating: 3.5 stars
• Producers: Boman Irani, Danish Irani, Shujat Saudagar, Vipin Agnihotri
• Writers: Boman Irani, Alex Dinalaris
• Director: Boman Irani
• Cast: Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwari, Shreya Chaudhary, Pooja Sarup, and others
• Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes
• Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video, available from February 7th

Boman Irani, who transitioned from photography to acting and made his mark in the film industry, is now making his directorial debut with the film "The Mehta Boys" at the age of 65. Having co-written the script with Alex Dinalaris, an Oscar winner for his work on Birdman, Boman Irani brings a unique blend of Indian sensibilities to the narrative. Despite collaborating with a foreign writer, Irani successfully infuses the screenplay with the essence of Indian relationships, particularly the father-son bond, distinguishing it from conventional commercial films.

Story:

The story is set in Navsari, Gujarat, where Shiv Mehta (played by Boman Irani) teaches typing. He manages to shape his son Amay Mehta (Avinash Tiwari) into a successful architect. After completing his studies, Amay moves to Mumbai, where he has established a significant name in the architecture industry. However, Amay starts losing confidence in his own skills. His friend Zara Gonsalves (Shreya Chaudhary) encourages him to believe in his talent and prove his worth to everyone.

While Amay struggles with self-doubt, tragedy strikes when his mother passes away, and he returns to Navsari for the funeral. His sister Anu Mehta Patel (Pooja Sarup) has already arrived from the United States, and it becomes evident that the father-son relationship is strained. Despite their mutual love for each other, both father and son find it difficult to express their feelings. When Amay leaves to return to Mumbai, he and Shiv have a subtle yet emotional moment where Shiv tries but fails to hug his son.

Anu has plans to take Shiv to the United States, but due to a delay in Shiv’s flight, Amay is tasked with taking his father to his home in Mumbai and ensuring he catches his flight two days later. The time spent together opens a window to a heartwarming transformation, as father and son share a laugh for the first time while watching a Charlie Chaplin movie. From here, the film explores the evolving relationship between father and son, with emotional moments of growth, love, and understanding.

Review:

Boman Irani delivers a brilliant film that explores the complexities of the father-son relationship, perhaps one of the most intricate bonds in the world. Fathers often want to mold their sons in their own image, while sons, in turn, struggle with living up to their fathers' expectations. Over time, misunderstandings arise, creating a rift in the relationship. In "The Mehta Boys," Boman Irani presents this dynamic with subtlety, skillfully portraying the delicate balance between love and conflict. The film doesn't preach but rather shows the evolution of relationships with a quiet sense of honesty.

Not only does the film focus on the father-son relationship, but it also delves into the sibling bond between Amay and Anu, a relationship that will resonate with many viewers, especially in Indian households. Additionally, the film offers a reflection on the relationship between husband and wife.

There is no melodrama or forced emotional moments in the film, which makes it even more effective. The director avoids unnecessary tears or over-the-top emotional scenes, instead allowing the film’s heart to speak for itself. However, some moments may leave the audience with questions, such as why certain scenes (like the handbrake or the ceiling collapsing) were included, leaving some elements unexplained.

Despite these small questions, the film beautifully showcases how Amay finds the confidence to shine through his work, encouraged by his father’s unspoken support. "The Mehta Boys" touches on the idea that even amidst strained relationships, there is always room for reconciliation and growth.

While the film's climax may feel somewhat weak, the storytelling and direction are commendable. Boman Irani, who wore multiple hats as the producer, director, writer, and actor, masterfully navigates through the complexities of the film. It’s unfortunate that Bollywood's market-driven approach has forced the film to release on an OTT platform instead of theaters.

Irani’s film includes several standout moments, particularly the scene where Amay searches for his father in the rain-soaked streets. The cinematography, however, could have been sharper, as certain technical aspects, like the editing and the work of cinematographer Krish Makhija, didn’t quite meet expectations.

Acting:

Boman Irani steals the show with his portrayal of Shiv Mehta. Whether it's his attempt to become independent after his wife’s death or his subtle expressions of concern for his son, Irani brings an unmatched depth to the character. His performance proves once again that he can juggle multiple responsibilities without compromising his acting skills.

Avinash Tiwari, as Amay, gives a commendable performance but falters in some scenes where his emotions don’t feel as intense. Shreya Chaudhary, playing Zara, does a decent job but doesn't have much room to showcase her talents. Pooja Sarup shines in the role of Anu, leaving a lasting impact despite her smaller role.

Read also:

• Ghajini sequel: Allu Aravind clarifies collaboration with Aamir Khan
• Before Chhaava release, Vicky Kaushal performs Aarti at Grishneshwar Temple
• Will a documentary be made on Hrithik Roshan? Director Shashi Ranjan reveals
• Janhvi Kapoor pens emotional note for Khushi Kapoor ahead of Loveyapa release.