The Mehta Boys Review: A Heartfelt Family Drama

Critic’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)

Director: Boman Irani
Writers: Boman Irani, Alexander Dinelaris
Cast: Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwary, Puja Sarup, Shreya Chaudhry
Genre: Family Drama
Language: Hindi
Runtime: Approx. 2 hours

Introduction: A Family Drama Done Right

Bollywood often leans toward extravagant storytelling with high-voltage drama, grand visuals, and over-the-top emotions. However, every once in a while, a film emerges that strips away these excesses and presents a story so raw and real that it feels like a slice of life itself. The Mehta Boys, directed by the ever-reliable Boman Irani, is one such gem.

This poignant family drama revolves around a father-son duo forced to spend 48 hours together due to unforeseen circumstances. What unfolds is an intimate, emotionally charged, and deeply relatable journey that explores their fractured relationship, personal growth, and the nuances of familial bonds.

Story & Narrative: A Journey of Unspoken Emotions

Set in the picturesque town of Navsari, Gujarat, the film follows Shiv Mehta (Boman Irani), a retired widower who is about to move to the United States with his daughter, Anu (Puja Sarup). His son, Amay (Avinash Tiwary), an architect based in Mumbai, shares a rather formal and distant relationship with him. A last-minute ticketing mishap leaves Shiv stranded in Mumbai, forcing him to spend two days with Amay.

What initially starts as an awkward and tense cohabitation slowly transforms into a deep exploration of their strained bond. Over these two days, years of unresolved emotions begin to surface—disappointment, unspoken expectations, and the inherent love that exists beneath layers of misunderstandings.

The narrative, co-written by Oscar-winning writer Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman, The Revenant), is beautifully crafted with subtlety and authenticity. Rather than resorting to melodrama, the film allows emotions to unfold naturally through heartfelt conversations and silent moments that speak volumes.

Performances: A Masterclass in Subtlety

One of the biggest strengths of The Mehta Boys is its stellar cast.

Boman Irani as Shiv Mehta

Boman Irani delivers a career-defining performance, portraying a loving yet reserved father with endearing quirks. Whether it’s his habit of forbidding his son from sitting on a freshly made bed or his instinctive clutching of the emergency brake in a moving car, these small details make Shiv incredibly relatable. His restrained yet deeply emotional portrayal makes him one of the most memorable on-screen fathers in recent Bollywood history.

Avinash Tiwary as Amay Mehta

Avinash Tiwary, known for his nuanced performances, shines as Amay. He captures the essence of a man who has always lived under the shadow of his father’s expectations, struggling with his own uncertainties. His performance is understated yet impactful, making the audience empathize with his inner turmoil.

Puja Sarup as Anu Mehta

Playing the pragmatic yet affectionate daughter, Puja Sarup adds warmth to the film. Her character serves as a bridge between her father and brother, offering a refreshing contrast to their complex relationship.

Shreya Chaudhry as Zara

Despite limited screen time, Shreya Chaudhry (as Amay’s colleague and girlfriend) leaves an impression. Her natural screen presence and chemistry with Avinash Tiwary add another layer to the story.

Direction & Writing: A Delicate Touch

Boman Irani, making his directorial debut, proves that he is not just an exceptional actor but also a filmmaker with a keen understanding of human emotions. His direction is subtle yet powerful, allowing the story to breathe. He chooses to focus on moments rather than dramatized confrontations—silent glances, an awkward dinner, a hesitant hug—all of which feel incredibly real.

Co-writer Alexander Dinelaris’s contribution is evident in the film’s depth and emotional intelligence. His experience in crafting character-driven narratives (as seen in Birdman) enhances The Mehta Boys, making it more than just a family drama—it becomes a universal story of love, loss, and reconciliation.

Cinematography & Music: Enhancing the Emotional Core

The film’s cinematography captures the intimacy of home life beautifully. The warm, earthy tones of the Mehta household contrast with the cold, modern aesthetic of Amay’s Mumbai apartment, subtly reinforcing the generational and emotional divide between father and son.

The background score by Sachin-Jigar is minimal yet effective. The use of soft piano melodies and soulful compositions amplifies the emotional impact of the film without overpowering the narrative.

Strengths & Weaknesses

✅ Strengths:
✔ Authentic and relatable storytelling
✔ Outstanding performances, especially by Boman Irani
✔ Subtle and effective direction
✔ Emotionally resonant without being melodramatic
✔ Strong screenplay with natural dialogues

❌ Weaknesses:
✖ The film never fully explains the root cause of the coldness between Shiv and Amay, leaving some ambiguity
✖ A slightly slow pace in the first half may test the patience of some viewers

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Lovers of Meaningful Cinema

The Mehta Boys is a refreshing departure from the usual Bollywood fare, offering a deeply personal and introspective take on family relationships. It reminds us of the beauty of simplicity in storytelling and the power of well-written characters brought to life by exceptional actors.

If you are someone who enjoys character-driven narratives like Kapoor & Sons or Piku, this film will resonate deeply with you. It’s not just about a father and son—it’s about love, reconciliation, and understanding the people closest to us before it’s too late.

🎬 Final Rating: 4.0/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
👉 Verdict: A must-watch for those who appreciate heartfelt and meaningful storytelling.

Would you watch The Mehta Boys? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 🍿✨