Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (PGDM) Mumbai (WESchool) had the privilege of being the academic Partner and hosting acclaimed actor and filmmaker Mr. Boman Irani for an insightful masterclass centred around the creative process and the journey from script to film of his directorial debut, The Mehta Boys. This session offered students and faculty a rare glimpse into Irani’s transition from a celebrated actor to a director, shedding light on the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking.
WE School auditorium brimmed with anticipation as nearly 200 students gathered—not for a typical management lecture, but for a screenwriting Masterclass led by Boman Irani. What unfolded was far more than a workshop. It was a celebration of stories, of community, and of the extraordinary journey of Spiral Bound, a one-of-a-kind screenwriting initiative that completed its 800th session right here in WeSchool campus. Spiral Bound began in April 2020, during the stillness and uncertainty of the pandemic. While the world paused, Mr. Irani chose to create and contribute.
In his welcome address, Group Director Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe pointed out that, “WeSchool has a 2-year PGDM Media & Entertainment course which prepares students to become business managers and leaders with a Media and Entertainment edge. It is also essential that the students understand the creative process that guides the Media & Entertainment sector. At WE School, we are deeply honoured to have hosted this landmark 800th session. As an institution that believes in interdisciplinary learning and the power of creativity in leadership, hosting Spiral Bound felt not just relevant—but essential.”
The Mehta Boys is a touching exploration of a father-son relationship and personal growth. Co-written by Boman Irani and Academy Award-winning writer Alexander Dinelaris Jr., the film features performances by Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry, and Puja Sarup. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 2025 and has been praised for its emotional depth and storytelling.
Irani highlighted the importance of continuous learning, mentioning his collaboration with Alexander Dinelaris Jr. and the rigorous process of writing and refining the script.
Discussing the film’s narrative, Irani elaborated on the challenges of communication across generations, and the societal expectations of masculinity. He emphasized the film’s aim to portray genuine emotions and relationships that resonate with a broad audience . When asked by a student on how he got his insights, Irani highlighted the importance of research and pointed out that he spoke with several fathers and sons to understand the complexities of father-son dynamics.
Irani also highlighted the need to engage the audience – he said, “The importance of letting the audience to imagine and keep guessing on some of the major situations within the movie makes the movie worth watching and audience remain engaged till the end. Never take the audience for granted especially in India as this a country with the plethora of content and choices available due to the multilingual options, and an intelligent audience”.
The Masterclass at WE School was unlike any other. Mr. Irani screened The Mehta Boys, and what followed was a meticulous dissection of the writing process, scene by scene, line by line. Attendees got a rare, intimate look into how a screenplay evolves. It wasn’t just a film screening; it was a storytelling clinic.
The masterclass provided attendees with valuable insights into the filmmaking process, from conceptualization to execution. Boman Irani’s candid reflections on his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learnt offered inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. His emphasis on perseverance, collaboration, and authenticity serves as a guiding principle for those looking to make their mark in the world of cinema.
