‘Mrs.’ is a hard-hitting tale of patriarchy & resistance

I finally watched Mrs., the much-talked-about film starring Sanya Malhotra in the lead role.

Directed by Arati Kadav, this movie is a remake of the critically acclaimed Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen (2021). It delves deep into issues that many storytellers shy away from, shedding light on the invisible yet crushing burden carried by countless homemakers, who are expected to cater to their husbands and in-laws while receiving little or no appreciation.

The film follows Richa Sharma (played by Sanya Malhotra), a newlywed woman who navigates the rigid and regressive traditions of a patriarchal household. What stands out is the way the director portrays the daily monotony of cooking, cleaning and serving, all of which fall solely on the wife’s shoulders. The men of the house do nothing but issue commands, oblivious to her struggles. The storytelling is unflinching, forcing the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about gender roles in many households.

I found certain scenes particularly unsettling because of how painfully real they felt. It reminded me of watching Baghban with my parents years ago when they’d shot us that pointed look as if to ask, “Are you going to treat us like this when we grow old?”

This time, however, the injustice was directed at a wife rather than ageing parents, and the frustration it evoked was palpable.

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Malhotra’s phenomenal performance in the film is laudable. She brings depth and vulnerability to her role, making the audience feel every ounce of Richa’s frustration, helplessness, and eventual resolve. The supporting cast also delivers compelling performances, adding weight to the narrative.

At a time when Bollywood has been struggling to produce meaningful, impactful films, Mrs. stands out—even as a remake of a South Indian classic. The storytelling grips you, the performances are stellar, and by the end, you can’t help but feel the protagonist’s anger and despair. Without revealing too much, I urge everyone to watch it. Streaming now on Zee5, the film has a crisp runtime of 111 minutes—enough to leave you shaken, but for all the right reasons.

The editing, the sound and the screenplay were seamless.

Hats off to Arati Kadav, Malhotra, and the entire team for crafting a film that deserves every bit of praise it’s receiving!