Review: 'The Mehta Boys' is raw, real and reflective

Some films entertain, some leave an impact, and then there are those rare gems that crawl into your soul, making you reflect long after the credits roll. The Mehta Boys, directed by the ever-versatile Boman Irani, is one such cinematic experience. A deeply moving drama that peels back the layers of human emotions, relationships, and unresolved grief, this film is not just about a father and son—it’s about all of us and the silences we carry.

The Simplicity That Hits Hard

The beauty of The Mehta Boys lies in its sheer simplicity. No grand dramatic confrontations, no over-the-top monologues, just pure, raw emotions laid out in the most organic way possible. It tells the story of Amay (Avinash Tiwary), an underconfident architect battling self-doubt, and his father, Shiv (Boman Irani), a grieving widower struggling with his emotions. Over the course of 48 hours, these two men are forced to confront their differences, their misunderstandings, and most importantly, the words left unsaid.

What makes this film truly special is that it doesn’t try to ‘fix’ relationships. It simply shows how, sometimes, just acknowledging emotions is enough. The father and son duo are often at war—not out of hatred but out of unresolved pain, egos clashing, and an inability to communicate. The film doesn’t serve solutions on a platter; it lets emotions unfold naturally, leaving the audience to introspect their own relationships.

A Mirror to Our Own Lives

Boman Irani, as both director and actor, crafts a story that feels uncomfortably real. The dialogues are not filmy, they are how we speak in real life. The silences between conversations say more than words. There are no exaggerated attempts at reconciliation, no dramatic realizations—just two flawed individuals trying to find common ground. And isn’t that how life works?

Anu (Puja Sarup) and Zara (Shreya Chaudhry) are the silent forces that keep this fractured relationship from breaking beyond repair. While the men struggle with their emotions, these women act as their emotional compass. Zara, as Amay’s supportive yet strong-headed girlfriend, is not just a love interest—she is his mirror, his anchor, pushing him to realize his worth. Meanwhile, Anu has to literally beg the father and son to maintain peace, knowing fully well how difficult that is for them. These women are the glue holding the fragile dynamics together, and their strength is portrayed with remarkable subtlety.

Performances That Leave a Mark

Boman Irani, as always, delivers an effortless yet soul-stirring performance. As Shiv, he is not just a father grappling with loss but a man torn between pride and love. His grief, his guilt, and his stubbornness are all etched so deeply into his character that you don’t just see him—you feel him. His moments of vulnerability will leave a lump in your throat.

Avinash Tiwary as Amay is outstanding. He embodies the angst of a son who wants to be seen, acknowledged, and understood. His hesitance, his internal battles, and the weight of his unspoken pain make his performance heartbreakingly relatable. The chemistry between him and Boman Irani is electric—not in a grand cinematic way, but in the raw, uncomfortable tension that feels all too real. You don’t just watch their relationship; you live it with them.

Shreya Chaudhry as Zara is a revelation. In a film centered around a father and son, she carves her own space with a performance that is quiet yet powerful. Zara is not just a supportive girlfriend—she is a force of change, nudging Amay toward growth without being preachy. Similarly, Puja Sarup as Anu brings a much-needed balance, acting as the voice of reason in an emotionally charged environment.

Layers, Subtleties, and the Beauty of the Unspoken

One of the most striking elements of The Mehta Boys is its use of symbolism and cinematography. Every frame is packed with meaning. A leaking roof, a piece of cloth drifting in the wind, a quiet drizzle outside the window—each of these elements speaks volumes about the characters' inner turmoil. The most touching moment comes when a tattered cloth floats over Shiv and Amay’s heads, resembling their late mother’s saree—a reminder that she is still there, holding them together in spirit.

The screenplay, co-written by Irani and Alexander Dinelaris, doesn’t waste a single moment. Every line, every pause, every glance carries weight. There’s a natural flow to the storytelling that doesn’t feel forced or fabricated. Even the smallest moments—a reluctant smile, a glance held too long—add depth to the narrative.

The Message That Stays With You

At its core, The Mehta Boys is not about fixing relationships; it’s about understanding them. It’s about realizing that sometimes, words don’t come easy, but that doesn’t mean the love isn’t there. It’s about knowing that people express emotions differently, and healing doesn’t always come with a dramatic resolution—it comes in small, unspoken gestures.

This film is a reflection of our own families, our own egos, and our own regrets. It leaves you pondering about the things you left unsaid, the conversations you avoided, and the people you might have drifted away from simply because the right words never came out.

The Verdict

The Mehta Boys is not just a film—it’s an experience. It’s a mirror, a lesson, and a story that stays with you long after the screen fades to black. With powerful performances, masterful direction, and a deeply emotional narrative, this film is a must-watch for anyone who has ever struggled with expressing their emotions. Bring tissues, bring an open heart, and be prepared to walk out with a lump in your throat and a newfound appreciation for the relationships in your life.

Rating

4/5 stars