The Mehta Boys turns a father-son rift into a powerful story about love, loss, and the weight of unspoken words

The bond between a father and son is rarely straightforward—often defined by unspoken words, misunderstood intentions, and generational gaps. The Mehta Boys, directed by Boman Irani, unpacks this intricate dynamic with nuance and emotional depth. Through the journey of Shiv and Amay Mehta, the film poignantly captures how years of silence and unexpressed emotions can build an invisible wall between loved ones.

 

At the heart of the film is Amay (Avinash Tiwary), a young architect in Mumbai who is still finding his footing in both his career and personal life. When his mother suddenly passes away, Amay returns home to be with his grieving father, Shiv (Boman Irani). Despite their shared loss, their relationship remains distant and strained—offering the audience its first glimpse of this divide. Shiv, a 71-year-old man set in his ways, does not lean on his son for support, and Amay does not readily offer it.

When circumstances force the two to spend a few days together, old wounds, misunderstandings, and deep-seated expectations resurface, setting the stage for an intriguing exploration of family dynamics.

The clash of egos

 

One of the most striking aspects of The Mehta Boys is how it portrays the stark contrast between Shiv and Amay’s personalities. Shiv is a man who believes in discipline, structure, and traditional values, while Amay, despite being intelligent and talented, struggles with self-doubt and a desire for validation. Shiv’s approach to parenting is critical and overbearing; he still sees Amay as a boy who needs guidance, often undermining his son’s confidence without realising it. Amay, in turn, resents his father’s constant scrutiny and inability to express affection. This generational gap leads to a communication breakdown that neither of them knows how to fix.

A picture does the talking

A powerful metaphor for their fractured relationship is a framed photograph in Amay’s Mumbai apartment. The picture, which sits on his bedside table, features him smiling alongside his mother and sister, but Shiv is absent. It is a small but significant detail that speaks volumes about their emotional disconnect. The absence is not just physical but symbolic—Shiv was never a part of Amay’s cherished memories, or at least, that is how Amay sees it. When Shiv notices the missing piece in the photograph, he does not react overtly, but the weight of that moment lingers in the air.

The common thread between the two

 

Another deeply moving scene takes place on the terrace, where a tattered cloth floats above them, resembling their late mother’s saree. The fabric drifts between father and son, almost as if it is a reminder of the woman who once held their fragile bond together. It is a poetic and visual representation of their shared grief—one that neither of them knows how to articulate. The saree, worn and fragile, mirrors their own relationship, which has frayed over time but still holds an unspoken connection.

The reason for the rift isn’t explained, and that’s a good thing

What makes The Mehta Boys stand out is its refusal to provide a concrete explanation for the father-son rift. The film never delves into a singular event or moment that caused their estrangement. Instead, it suggests that the distance between them was built gradually—through small misunderstandings, suppressed feelings, and unvoiced expectations. This decision by the filmmakers adds authenticity to the story, as real-life relationships are rarely defined by one dramatic turning point. Sometimes, the reasons for emotional disconnects remain unclear, and not everything in life comes with a resolution or closure.

Ultimately, The Mehta Boys is a tender and beautifully crafted film that resonates with the audiences deeply. It reminds us that healing does not always come from grand reconciliations or emotional outbursts. Instead, it can stem from small gestures, quiet moments, and the simple act of acknowledging each other’s emotions. Through its layered storytelling and compelling performances, the film makes us reflect on our own familial bonds and perhaps even reach out to our loved ones and ask, “Hey, what went wrong between us?”

All images: Amazon Prime Video

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