Posting a series of Irani family pictures, the veteran actor-turned-filmmaker opened up about the absence that shaped him—the father he never got to meet, the void he carried for years, and how fatherhood itself helped him heal.

“Life has a way of shaping us through the relationships we have—or the ones we longed for but never got to experience,” he wrote. “I never had the chance to meet or see my father, and for the longest time, I carried the weight of an absence I could never fill. I never got the chance to know him, to learn from him, or to simply be his son. But life came full circle when I became a father myself.”

Irani’s post is as much a reflection on his personal journey as it is an introduction to The Mehta Boys, a film that digs deep into the fragile, often tumultuous bond between a father and son. Starring Boman Irani as the father and Avinash Tiwary as the son, alongside Puja Swarup and Shreya Chaudhry in pivotal roles, the film is themed on the unspoken words that can fracture even the strongest bonds.

A deeply personal project for Irani, The Mehta Boys has already garnered widespread acclaim across international film festivals, with critics hailing its ability to transcend culture and geography, making the father-son dynamic feel universal.

The film explores a crucial phase in a father-and-son relationship—the moment where a once-beautiful bond begins to sour. As the boy enters manhood, he starts to believe he no longer needs his father. The shift is subtle at first, but soon, egos and insecurities clash, and what was once a loving connection is drowned in an unspoken resentment.

“My sons gave me the love I once yearned for, and now, with my beautiful grandkids, I see the power of family in its purest form,” he continued in his post. “ #TheMehtaBoys is a story that’s deeply personal to me. It explores the father-son bond—the love, the turmoil, and the unspoken emotions that pass through generations.Sometimes, the way we love is shaped by how we were loved, or how we weren’t. Parents aren’t perfect, but they carry their own histories, their own wounds, and their own silent struggles.”

It took Irani over a decade to bring The Mehta Boys to life, a journey that began with writing, stretched through years of production, and finally culminated in his role as a director. And now, as the film finds its audience, he hopes it sparks a conversation between fathers and sons who, like the characters in the film, struggle to say what they really mean.

In his post, he concluded, “This film took me over a decade to bring to life—from writing to producing to directing. It holds a piece of my soul, and today, I finally get to share it with you all. #TheMehtaBoys releases today on @primevideoin I hope you watch it, I hope it moves you, and most of all, I hope it reminds you to cherish the bonds you have. Family is everything. Love is everything. ”

The Mehta Boys is now streaming on Prime Video.

Released nationwide on July 21, 2023, “Minus 31” made its mark in theaters, earning accolades for its unique narrative. Now, following its theatrical success, the film has made its way onto Amazon Prime Video, captivating audiences with its enthralling tale.

Starring a talented ensemble cast including Rucha Inamdar, Raghubir Yadav, Rajesh Sharma, Kaam Bhaari, Jaya Bhattacharya, Santosh Juvekar, Nisha Dhar, Shivankit Parihar, Ruturaj Wankhede, and Debashish Naha, “Minus 31” delves into a gripping murder mystery set against the backdrop of the underground music world during the pandemic.

Critics have lauded the film for its slow-burn thriller approach, coupled with an unconventional use of hip-hop music throughout. Directed by Pratik Moitro and written by Charulata Maitra, the film is produced by OrangePixel Studios, co-produced by Nisheeta Keni and Karan Konde with Anubhav KR and Kartik Pangare serving as associate producers. Distribution is handled by Dragon Water Films.

Shot by Sulabh Bangale, the film’s music is crafted by Udayan Dharmadhikari, while editing is helmed by Abhishek Sharma.

“Minus 31” made its Prime Video debut on December 16, 2023, captivating audiences with its unique storyline and standout performances. The film’s exploration of the underground music scene amidst the pandemic promises an engaging and suspenseful viewing experience for audiences worldwide.