While The Mehta Boys has its moments of emotional intensity, it stays true to its narrative arc, writes ABHI SINGHAL
A father and son share a bond that evolves with time, from playful childhood moments to deep and unsaid conversations in adulthood. While love remains constant, misunderstandings and generational gaps often test their relationship.
Exploring a similar dynamic, Boman Irani’s directorial debut streaming on Amazon Prime Video, The Mehta Boys, is a heart-touching emotional drama that digs in into the complex relationship between a father and son as they navigate expectations, personal ambitions, and past wounds. The film beautifully captures the nuances of immigrant life, generational differences, and the struggle for acceptance within a traditional Indian family.
The performances are a standout, with the lead actors delivering emotionally charged portrayals that can be deeply felt by the viewers. I couldn’t decide between Boman Irani as a director or Boman Irani as an actor, as both roles have been executed flawlessly. Irani, as always, embodies the aged father role with soft and childlike emotions. Avinash Tiwary, as Amay Mehta, lives up to the acting expectations, perfectly complementing his father’s role. Amay’s scenes, longing to hug his father, express love, and not wanting him to leave are emotions explained at its finest.
Shreya Chaudhry and Puja Sarup serve as a stabilising force between the two men, who struggle to behave like mature adults, ultimately giving their relationship a chance. Despite their limited screen time, they make every scene, every dialogue, and every frame they appear in truly impactful, also highlighting the maturity that women bring into a person’s life.
All the emotions in the film are perfectly captured through body language. What stands out the most are the silent acting scenes, where the protagonists have no dialogue yet convey more than words ever could. A particularly poignant example is the scene where Amay tries to wish his father on his birthday but fails to say even the two simple words, "Happy Birthday."
The screenplay is both intimate and universal, though a bit slow-paced, requiring immersive engagement to truly feel the emotion.
The Mehta Boys, scripted by Boman Irani and Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), doesn’t rely on usual high drama or unexpected twists.
With its touching narrative and a perfect balance of humour and emotion, The Mehta Boys is a must-watch and will touch the emotional quotient of your heart.
Rating - 4/5
