Boman Irani’s Directorial Debut Delivers Emotional Depth but Stumbles in the Final Act
⭐ Rating: 3/5
Starring: Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry, Puja Sarup
Director: Boman Irani
Streaming On: Prime Video
A Visual and Emotional Treat with a Powerful Father-Son Dynamic
Boman Irani makes his directorial debut with The Mehta Boys, an emotionally rich yet uneven drama that explores the fragile relationship between a father and son. Featuring breathtaking visuals and heartfelt performances, the film sets up a strong narrative but falters in its final act.
Set against the backdrop of Mumbai, The Mehta Boys is filled with poetic and picturesque moments. Whether it’s a father and son bonding over drinks in a dimly lit balcony during a power cut or an intense confrontation under a surprise April downpour, the film thrives on its striking cinematography. Krish Makhija’s camera work captures the emotional weight of these scenes, making even the most mundane moments feel profound.
A Simple Yet Deeply Layered Story
The film follows Amay (Avinash Tiwary), a self-doubting architect, who is forced to stay with his estranged, grumpy father (Boman Irani) after his flight to America gets canceled. What starts as a reluctant stay soon turns into an emotional rediscovery of their complicated relationship.
Amay struggles with both his personal and professional life. His girlfriend and co-worker Zara (Shreya Chaudhry) encourages him to break free from his comfort zone, both in his career and in mending his fractured relationship with his father. The screenplay, co-written by Birdman (2014) Oscar-winner Alexander Dinelaris, attempts to weave Amay’s personal and professional struggles into one cohesive narrative. While this dual conflict is compelling, the transitions between them often feel disjointed.
A Strong First Half That Fades in the End
One of the most captivating aspects of The Mehta Boys is its exploration of familial tension. Scenes like Amay secretly paying half of a restaurant bill to avoid hurting his father’s pride, only to be caught later, add layers of authenticity to their strained bond. The simmering resentment between them builds up beautifully, leading to a powerful confrontation in the rain—one of the film’s standout moments.
However, the film stumbles in its final act. Amay’s sudden realization about his self-worth feels rushed and oversimplified. A long-winded monologue at his workplace attempts to tie up his journey, but it lacks the emotional punch the rest of the film establishes so well. Moreover, the father’s role in shaping Amay’s insecurities is hinted at but never fully explored, making the resolution feel incomplete.
Performances That Leave a Lasting Impact
Boman Irani, known for his effortless ability to balance humor and emotion, brings a familiar yet fresh take to his character. His portrayal of a tough yet vulnerable father is convincing, adding warmth to the film.
Avinash Tiwary delivers a restrained yet deeply moving performance, ensuring Amay’s struggles feel real. Shreya Chaudhry is effortlessly charming, while Puja Sarup plays the peacemaker sister with natural ease. Together, the cast elevates the film, making even its weaker moments feel watchable.
Final Verdict: A Beautiful but Incomplete Story
The Mehta Boys succeeds in crafting a deeply touching father-son story with stunning visuals and sincere performances. However, its scattered third act weakens the impact, leaving the audience wanting more. While it doesn’t reach the emotional heights of Piku (2015) or Udaan (2010), it still offers a fresh take on family dynamics. If you enjoy slow-burning relationship dramas with artistic flair, this one is worth a watch—just don’t expect a completely satisfying conclusion.
🎬 Watch it for: Boman Irani’s impressive directorial debut, Avinash Tiwary’s heartfelt performance, and stunning cinematography.
❌ Skip it if: You prefer tightly structured narratives with strong payoffs.
👉 Have you watched The Mehta Boys? Share your thoughts in the comments!
