Boman Irani’s Directorial Debut: The Mehta Boys Falls Short of Impact

Experienced actor Boman Irani, known for his versatility, makes his directing debut in The Mehta Boys. This movie, which was co-written with Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), examines the complexities of a strained father-son relationship. The concept is genuine, but it isn’t presented in a way that is complicated or unique enough to leave an impact.

The Transition of Boman Irani from Actor to Director

In his forties, Irani’s acting career took off, and he soon rose to fame. He stands out for his ability to blend in with his characters, whether he is playing the quirky Dr. Asthana in Munnabhai M.B.B.S. or a humorous outlaw like Khurana in Khosla Ka Ghosla. With The Mehta Boys, he takes on a dual role as lead actor and director, delivering a strong personal performance but a film that feels too safe.

A Well-Known Tale of Generational Disagreement

Amay (Avinash Tiwary), a driven architect in Mumbai, is at the centre of the story after learning of his mother’s death. He returns to his Gujarati birthplace and meets up with his father Shiv (Boman Irani), who lives far away, and his sister Anu (Puja Sarup). A chilly handshake instead of a warm embrace characterises their uneasy interactions. Shiv and Amay are forced to face their strained relationship when he is suddenly unable to travel to Florida with Anu.

Little Bonding Moments Among the Drama

The father and son have brief moments of bonding despite their differences in the the mehta boys. Watching Laurel & Hardy together briefly bridges their gap, but their harmony is short-lived. A conversation about technology turns into a heated debate when Amay compares typewriters to outdated technology, inadvertently offending Shiv, who once ran a typing school. Irani’s use of extreme close-ups in such moments feels like a prelude to a dramatic climax, but the scene fizzles out rather than explodes.

Father-Son Tension Takes Center Stage

The Mehta Boys, What follows is a series of conflicts between Shiv and Amay, often about trivial matters—leaving the lights on, carrying suitcases, sleeping arrangements, and even word choices. Their arguments are fuelled by an underlying generational divide, but there isn’t any underlying pain or revelation that might provide emotional weight. The movie makes passing references to unresolved sadness but never delves further into it.

A Disjointed Subplot in the Workplace

Amay faces challenges not only in his family but also at work. His firm is vying for a big architectural contract, but his ideas are being overshadow by more experience colleagues. His partner and coworker, Shreya Chaudhry, urges him to submit his drawings, but he is reluctant because he worries about not succeeding. Despite being crucial to Amay’s personal development, this subplot seems conventional and predictable. The last boardroom altercation isn’t intense enough to stick in your memory.

The Visual Approach: A Theatrical Influence

As a first-time director, Irani experiments with close-up shots, likely drawing from his experience in theater. This approach often feels out of place, even though it works in some crucial situations, such as a heated automobile brawl or a confrontation in the rain. The film’s overall straightforward photography reflects its straightforward plot.

A Modest Indie Film That Falls Short

The Mehta Boys is a film with moments of warmth, humor, and introspection, but it doesn’t break new ground. Its strongest aspect is Boman Irani‘s performance, which gives an otherwise weak plot depth and empathy. Unfortunately, his performance overpowers the film’s impact, making it less of an interesting cinematic experience and more of a demonstration of his talent.

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Conclusion

You should see The Mehta Boys if you like Boman Irani because of his nuanced portrayal of a father who is both weak and uncompromising. However, if you’re looking for a fresh take on family relationships, this film can feel too familiar and reassuring. It does a good job of conveying its own story on its own, but it lacks the guts to make an impression.