Avinash Tiwary interview: The actor speaks on The Mehta Boys and synergy with Boman Irani

On a quiet afternoon call, Avinash Tiwary exudes the same intensity and thoughtfulness that define his on-screen presence. Fresh off The Mehta Boys, his latest outing on Prime Video, Tiwary reflects on playing Amay, navigating the film’s emotionally charged father-son dynamic, and embracing the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema.

Born in Bihar and later relocating to Mumbai, Tiwary has built a diverse body of work in both films and web series. His performances in Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022), Sikandar Ka Muqaddar (2024), Bambai Meri Jaan, and Laila Majnu(2018) have garnered praise for their depth and authenticity.

Exploring father-son dynamics in The Mehta Boys

At its core, The Mehta Boys is a poignant exploration of the unspoken complexities that often define father-son relationships. Tiwary’s character, Amay, embodies the restrained emotions, unresolved conflicts, and deep-seated love that many sons in Indian households experience with their fathers.

“I feel that, more or less, almost every son in an Indian household shares a complex relationship with his father,” Tiwary says. “Multiple bonds have restrained feelings that are waiting to be poured out and to be understood—and Amay is just that.”

The film unfolds over 48 hours in a single location, intensifying the emotional tension between Amay and his father, played by Boman Irani. This constraint, Tiwary explains, heightened the film’s emotional weight. “The story and characters of The Mehta Boys rely heavily on emotions. It’s more about the relationship dynamics between the father and son. I feel the emotions added life to the setting.”

A creative synergy with Boman Irani

Sharing screen space with Irani—who also directed the film—allowed Tiwary to tap into a deeply authentic performance. “Amay’s presence couldn’t have been possible without Boman Irani,” he reflects. “I believe it is his vision that birthed Amay, and his way of bringing that character to life with all those unsaid feelings in a fraught relationship.”

The film’s moody, dimly lit frames capture the weight of these emotions, and Tiwary credits the cinematography for amplifying the unspoken layers of the father-son bond. “If you see multiple frames of me and Boman Irani in a dimly lit setting, it expresses a certain kind of deep emotion—something that’s unsaid between the two. It is reflected in the setting.”

The film’s success lies in its ability to transcend generational divides, offering a narrative that feels intimate yet universally relatable. The father-son bond, often depicted in cinema with broad strokes of conflict and reconciliation, is instead dissected here with precision, tenderness, and humour. The performances, particularly from Irani and Tiwary, have been widely praised for their raw and restrained intensity, elevating the film beyond a mere domestic drama into a deeply personal experience for viewers.

From engineering to acting

Tiwary’s foray into acting was unconventional. Originally on an engineering trajectory, he pivoted towards cinema—an uncertain but deeply fulfilling choice.

Determined to refine his craft, Tiwary trained under the renowned Barry John before further sharpening his skills at the New York Film Academy. This foundation set the stage for a career that would see him navigate the highs and lows of the Indian film industry with unwavering conviction.

His breakout moment arrived in 2018 with Laila Majnu, a modern retelling of the legendary love story. Portraying Qais Bhatt, Tiwary brought an intoxicating intensity to the role, his raw, unbridled performance earning comparisons to Bollywood’s most impassioned lovers. While the film struggled commercially upon release, it found a dedicated following over the years, evolving into a cult favourite. So much so that in August 2024, it was re-released in Indian theatres, surpassing its original box office earnings—a rare phenomenon in the industry.

His perspective on success has also evolved with time. Initially, box office numbers and critical reception seemed to define achievement, but now, his focus has shifted. “Till the time stories are authentic and carry substance, they will continue to resonate with the audience, irrespective of the medium.”

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The rise of OTT platforms has unlocked new avenues for storytelling, and Tiwary is keenly aware of their impact. “It’s an open space, and I strongly feel that we should tap into every niche, every story, and every character to define the dynamics of Indian storytelling.”

The horizon gleams with promise for Tiwary. He is set to collaborate with cinematic stalwarts Arjun Rampal and Aditi Rao Hydari in an upcoming romantic series helmed by the visionary Imtiaz Ali. This venture promises to further solidify his reputation as an actor who consistently chooses depth over convention, performance over formula, and artistry over fleeting fame