Two First-Time Directors, One Family Name: The Iranis Take Their Shot

Some things just feel meant to be. In 2025, Boman Irani and his son Kayoze Irani are both stepping into new territory—not in front of the camera, but behind it. And just like that, this year becomes a special chapter for a family that’s long been part of Bollywood’s story.

Boman Irani, best known for his unforgettable performances in films like 3 Idiots and Munna Bhai MBBS, made his directorial debut with The Mehta Boys. It’s a small, personal film—about a father and son, no less—and it carries all the emotional weight you’d expect from someone who’s spent decades making audiences laugh, cry, and reflect. Co-written with Alexander Jr., the film doesn’t shout for attention, but it stays with you long after the credits roll.

While Boman’s already made his move, Kayoze Irani is just about to make his. His directorial debut, Sarzameen, hits on Jio Hotstar July 25. It’s a very different kind of film—bigger in scope, set against the backdrop of Kashmir, and dealing with themes like patriotism, sacrifice, and the lasting effects of conflict. The cast—Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol, and Ibrahim Ali Khan—adds even more intrigue, as does the fact that it’s produced by Dharma Productions.

What’s cool is how different their choices are. One film is intimate and emotionally layered, the other bold and political. But both reflect something personal—two storytellers taking very different routes, but clearly driven by the same passion.

It’s not every day you see a father and son make their directorial debuts in the same year. And in a film industry where things move fast, this moment feels worth pausing for. Not because it’s flashy, but because it’s rare—and real. For the Iranis, 2025 isn’t just about trying something new. It’s about creating something that matters, in their own distinct voices.