Opening Doorz
“Celebrating Life”
By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | February 08, 2025 Rating: 3/5 The Essence: Some moments will bring a lump to your throat as you relate to the relationship […]
By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | February 08, 2025
Rating: 3/5
The Essence: Some moments will bring a lump to your throat as you relate to the relationship unfolding on screen. The bickering between the father and son is brilliantly handled. ‘The Mehta Boys’ (on Amazon Prime) is a bittersweet ride and a good directorial debut by Boman Irani, one that is worth a watch.
The beginning, though it starts beautifully, is a bit abrupt. A little time spent polishing the part after Amay (Avinash Tiwary) rushes home to Navsari (from Mumbai) for his mother’s funeral would have enhanced the beauty of the film. There was something needed to glue the parts together.
Immediately, following the loss of his wife, we see Shiv Mehta (Boman Irani) playing cricket with the neighborhood kids. I assume this scene takes place the next day or shortly thereafter. There is no time for mourning or for reflecting on the life they shared with her as a husband and mother, which struck me as odd. I find it hard to believe that Boman Irani, the director, overlooked this detail.
There’s no interplay to develop the loss, which is the basis of the relationship between father and son. Here is where The Mehta Boys could have kick-started their journey with a bang. I initially thought the story had gone back in time after Amay returns home for his mother’s funeral. It’s only later I realised there was no flashback; the movie had moved forward in time. Assuming I had overlooked something, I revisited the first 30 minutes, only to confirm my earlier confusion.
However, the story that unfolds and the performances that follow are top-notch. The father-son bond is something that every Dad and Son will relate to.
The dilemma of who the parents will stay with when old age creeps in is another gnawing question for children. It always is. At most times, there’s a football match played with parents.
Thankfully, Shiv Mehta has agreed to move to the USA to stay with his daughter, Anu (Puja Sarup). But since his ticket was purchased on points and the flight was full, passengers who generate revenue (meaning who paid for their tickets) are given first preference.
This puts Anu in a dilemma. She has to return to her children. Her father has to find a place for two days and when Amay suggests a hotel, all hell breaks loose for Anu. “Why can’t you two stay together for two days,” she implores. Shiv agrees, and Amay takes him to his home.
Here is where Boman Irani the director and Boman Irani the actor shine bright. He also ensures that those around him shine bright as he pushes their character to deliver a slice-of-life performance. The director in him resolutely scoops out dollops of refined performances from the actors around him. The Mehta Boys is something everyone can relate to. The tension in the father-son relationship is so palpable that you could cut it with a knife.
Amay, an architect, good at his work is portrayed as someone who lacks confidence. Part of the problem, we realise, could be because of the emotional turmoil with his father.
However, he shares an exceptional bond with his girlfriend Zara (Shreya Chaudry). This could be because of the warmth he shares with his sister and perhaps, his late mother.
So there you have it. Amay is like a yo-yo with his emotions. A difficult role to portray but Avinash injects ingenuity in his performance that one’s heart reaches out to him as he struggles to make things right with his father. A subtle body language loaded with verbal attacks which, at the bottom of it, is burdened with a yearning to be understood.
Boman Irani for his part is a genius. As the headstrong dad, he is obstinate with a hint of a soft heart. As a man in love for 33 years, he is at that age where his life centers around his wife and his emotional baggage. How he speaks about his deceased wife and the joy and pain that washes over his face in fleeting moments of expression tells you their love story.
“There’s a Boman in every character I play,” he told me almost 20 years ago when I spoke to him after the success of Darna Mana Hai, Munna Bhai MBBS, and Main Hoon Na. In Shiv, there is no A Boman, there is the Boman!
Puja Sarup, in her role as Anu, makes a significant impact despite her brief appearance. She skillfully incorporates elements of angst, joy, and love into her performance.
Shreya Chaudry is truly remarkable. As a supportive friend, she encourages Amay to have confidence in his work. When things go drastically wrong between him and his father, she isn’t afraid to remind him that he is still a child.
Shreya serves as the perfect foil for Amay, helping to stabilize him and gracefully managing her interactions with Shiv. She is a tough corporate colleague and a grounded friend who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. With her delicate flair and mature demeanour, she adds a touch of elegance to every situation.
Some moments will bring a lump to your throat as you relate to the relationship unfolding on screen. The bickering between the father and son is brilliantly handled.
The Mehta Boys is a bittersweet ride and a good directorial debut by Boman Irani, one that is worth a watch.
CREDITS
Movie: The Mehta Boys
Producers: Boman Irani, Danesh Irani, Vikesh Bhutani, Vipin Agnihotri
Director: Boman Irani
Star Cast: Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwaty, Puja Sarup, Shreya Shaudry
Also Read: Shiv Jyoti: From Corporate Hustle to Captivating Performances
