Boman Irani’s The Mehta Boys wins the 2024 Best Feature Film Award in Chicago

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Hindi film actor Boman Irani’s film The Mehta Boys won the Best Feature Film award at its world premier at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) September 20, 2024. CSAFF is considered the biggest South Asian cinema art event in the United States, drawing much attention from the international film industry.

Co-written by Irani with Alexander Dinelaris Jr., writer of the Oscar winning screenplay for Hollywood’s film ‘Birdman’, The Mehta Boy’s success could be seen by the thunderous applause of a packed audience at the premier.

Irani expressed his joy at this recognition on social media.

“This film is close to my heart, and seeing it receive so much love here is a moment I will cherish forever. Grateful for this journey and for everyone who made this night unforgettable!” Irani wrote.

The world premiere of The Mehta Boys in Chicago was attended by the film’s cast, including Irani who is its actor, writer, director, and producer, aong with writer Alexander Dinelaris, actors Avinash Tiwary and Shreya Chaudhry, producer Danesh Irani, and executive producer Ankita Batra, Danesh Irani, Vikesh Bhutani, and Shujaat Saudagar.

Receiving international recognition and award for his very first film he directed was like a dream come true for Irani, he wrote on social media. Irani, who attended the premier, did not forget the rest of his team.

“To everyone who poured their heart and soul into this film but couldn’t be here with us tonight—this one’s for you! Your hard work and passion made this possible, and I am so grateful. Cheers to the entire team!” he wrote.

The film, with genuine performances from the cast which includes Irani, has a theme that the audiences and the critics could identify with.

The Mehta Boys is the story of a father and son, and the conflict between them which surfaces and has to be dealt with at a crucial point in time. Its universal emotional appeal lies in the storytelling of how the father and son are forced to spend 48 hours together, confronting, exploring and accepting their close yet complex relationship.

Irani’s film will premier on Amazon Prime Video in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide.

The Mehta Boys is also the first feature production of Irani Movietone LLP, jointly produced by Chalkboard Entertainment LLP. Irani founded Irani Movietone in 2019, Today, Irani Movietone offers advertising and branding solutions in various different media formats.

A veteran of more than 100 films, Irani has received many Filmfare awards and IIFA awards.

Although his is a relatively recent entry into Hindi films, Irani is well-known for his acting. Coming from the stage where he was mentored by the legendary theater personality Aleque Padamsee, Irani is an all-rounder in the filmdom, being a producer, filmmaker, photographer and voice artist.

Besides Hindi cinema, Irani has also worked in many regional films including Telugu, Tamil and Marathi films.

The Chicago South Asian Film Festival Organized by the Chicago South Asian Arts Council, a nonprofit organization, the festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing South Asian talent and diversity in filmmaking. The festival features premiere films, panel discussions, speaker series, workshops, film awards, receptions, after parties, and networking events.