Boman Irani has long been known as one of the most versatile and talented actors in Bollywood, but in his directorial debut The Mehta Boys, he proves he is just as remarkable behind the camera as well. Released on 7th February 2025, the film is a heartfelt exploration of the complex bond between a father and son. Irani not only directs but also stars as Shiv Mehta, a 71-year-old father, with Avinash Tiwary playing his son, Amay Mehta. The film also features Shreya Chaudhry as Zara, Amay’s colleague and love interest, with other actors such as Puja Sarup, and Harssh Singh in supporting roles. Released on Amazon Prime Video on February 7, 2025, this film delves deep into family ties, personal growth, and cultural reflection.
It’s truly disheartening to see such cinematic gems often go unnoticed. While movies that are below average receive extensive promotions, films like The Mehta Boys get buried under a plethora of OTT releases. Despite its compelling story and stellar performances, the film hasn’t garnered the attention it rightfully deserves. As we discussed, this shows a significant problem in the industry, where meaningful cinema is overshadowed by heavily marketed, yet less meaningful and cringeworthy content.
*Minor Spoilers Ahead*
The film begins showing us the strained relationship between Amay, an architect living in Mumbai and his father Shiv, who lives in his hometown. After the sudden passing of Shiv’s wife, circumstances force the father and son to spend 48 hours together in Mumbai before Shiv’s planned move to the United States with his daughter, Anu. Yes, initially the movie seems like a typical family drama focusing on the attempts of a father and son to reconnect. However, as the story unfolds, you will see even deeper themes emerging.
Throughout their time together, the film subtly critiques modern society’s overreliance on technology and the diminishing value of traditional wisdom. Shiv, representing the older generation, emphasizes the importance of foundational knowledge and hands-on experience. In contrast, Amay, an architect, relies heavily on digital tools, sometimes at the expense of genuine creativity and understanding. The film subtly serves as a commentary on how modern education and technological dependence can inadvertently lead to a decline in critical thinking and self-reliance.
The film can be interpreted as a satire on modern architecture, and it shows how Amay, despite being an architect who is planning a project for one of India’s richest men, faces problems with the leaking roof of his house, which eventually collapses. As the story progresses, the film begins to delve into a theme of embracing our Indian cultural identity. By the last 30 minutes of the movie, Amay presents a project that critiques India’s shift towards Western architectural styles, arguing that in the pursuit of modernization, the nation has strayed from its rich cultural heritage, and has blindly adapted to Western methods.
Western architecture, especially in colder regions, often uses glass and steel to trap heat and maintain warmth inside buildings. These materials and designs work well in places with harsh winters, but they are not suited for India’s predominantly hot and humid climate. Traditional Indian architecture was however designed to keep interiors cool. Yet we blindly copy Western designs without considering our own climate. Despite gaining political independence, India continues to grapple with a colonial mindset even today, and how this applies even in the world of architecture. The film explores this theme very well, which is quite commendable.
The Mehta Boys is a masterclass in storytelling, and the way it weaves personal tales with broader societal critiques is really commendable. The performances are compelling, with Boman Irani delivering a perfect portrayal of a father torn between love and disappointment, and Avinash Tiwary capturing the complexities of a son striving for validation while seeking his own path.
Mehta Boys isn’t a fast-paced thriller or a mainstream blockbuster. It takes its time, lets the themes sink in, and rewards those who stay with it. The father-son drama is definitely interesting, but the real genius of the film lies in its satirical take on architecture and cultural identity. This is one of those rare gems that should not be ignored.
Rating – 9 out of 10 stars
