In The Mehta Boys, there is a poignant scene where Boman Irani's character is seen hurriedly drafting his will just days after the passing of his wife, as he prepares to leave the home he has cherished throughout his life. His daughter implores him to wait until they reach 'home,' to which he vehemently responds, 'This is home!' The emotional weight in his voice and the tears in his eyes reveal the depth of his character, highlighting how his talent has often been underappreciated by directors. It took Boman Irani himself to fully harness his capabilities as an actor. However, The Mehta Boys transcends this singular performance; it is a beautifully crafted and relatable film that excels in many aspects, showcasing some of the most subtle yet powerful performances in recent cinema. It embodies the essence of a slice-of-life narrative that would earn the admiration of the pioneers of Hindi parallel cinema.

What is The Mehta Boys about?  

The Mehta Boys narrates the journey of a young architect in Mumbai, portrayed by Avinash Tiwary, as he navigates his aspirations alongside a significant relationship, played by Shreya Chaudhry in a charming role. Following the death of his mother, he is compelled to confront his estranged father, with whom he shares a contentious relationship. The son humorously remarks, "If I tell him to breathe, he will hold his breath till he dies." However, a series of events, along with the presence of a spirited sister (Puja Sarup, a standout in the film), force the two men to spend several days together before Mehta senior can reunite with his daughter in the United States. The transformation of both characters during this time is the central theme of The Mehta Boys.

What works for the film

Boman Irani serves as the cornerstone of the film. His unique mannerisms, accent, body language, and expressive eyes allow the audience to forget that he is an actor with over two decades of experience. He immerses himself in the character with remarkable ease. There are moments when his eyes convey a range of emotions, from joy to pain and anger. Irani maintains a measured performance, avoiding any tendency to overact. His ability to portray relatability, even in scenes where his character exhibits eccentricity, is truly commendable. Credit is due to both Irani and Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris for this achievement, as well as to Irani's own talent.

Avinash Tiwary complements Irani perfectly. He reminds viewers of his captivating performance in Laila Majnu. In The Mehta Boys, Tiwary infuses his character with a depth of humanity that is often lacking in the portrayal of 'leading men' in Hindi cinema. Mehta Junior is depicted as flawed, vulnerable, angry, and at times callous. However, he is neither wholly good nor bad; he is simply a person striving to navigate life.

The female characters also play a significant role in the narrative. Puja Sarup and Shreya Chaudhry act as the film's moral compass, embodying two women who comprehend the complexities of these men's stubbornness. They do not intervene to resolve the men's issues but instead ,allow them to find their own way. Puja excels in her scenes, delivering a physical performance that enhances her authenticity. Her emotional outburst at the airport has made her my favourite character of the year thus far. Shreya demonstrates that her talent in Bandish Bandits was no mere coincidence; she skillfully combines confidence, flair, and sensitivity in her performance.

The unique selling proposition of The Mehta Boys lies in its understated approach. It presents a straightforward narrative that does not aspire to be more than it is. Through the use of metaphors—such as a handbrake, a career conversation, and a presentation—the film illustrates our tendency to avoid conflicts and the unfair treatment we sometimes extend to those we care about. Scenes featuring light switches and restaurant bills subtly highlight the generational differences between father and son, rendering this film a captivating experience.

The cinematography and musical score serve as exquisite enhancements to the narrative. The portrayal of Mumbai is infused with a depth that is rarely achieved in cinema. Furthermore, the film breathes life into the profession of architecture.

In conclusion, The Mehta Boys exemplifies how a compelling story can suffice to create an engaging film. When combined with outstanding performances and other technical elements, it results in a remarkable viewing experience. This film is particularly appealing to those who feel that 'Bollywood' has strayed from producing authentic and relatable stories. The Mehta Boys is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

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