Movie Review: Mrs. – A Hard-Hitting Tale of Misogyny and Patriarchy
Rating: 3/5
Star Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Nishant Dahiya, Kanwaljit Singh, Aparna Ghoshal, Mrinal Kulkarni, Nitya Moyal
Director: Arati Kadav
Available On: Zee 5
What’s Good: Sanya Malhotra’s performance and the film’s powerful premise.
What’s Bad: The execution, which presents marriage as a bleak and suffocating experience.
Loo Break: Feel free to take one, as the pacing may seem slow at times.
Watch or Not?: A very subjective choice – only if you can view it with an open mind and a balanced perspective.
Story Summary:
In Mrs., Sanya Malhotra plays Richa, a young woman who marries Diwakar, a doctor. However, her new life doesn’t match the expectations she had. The story quickly dives into Richa’s uncomfortable and patriarchal married life, offering viewers an unflinching portrayal of how women continue to struggle for respect and equality even within their own homes. The film opens with Richa in a carefree, joyous mood, dancing with her family, only to soon face the stark reality of her marriage to a man who imposes expectations on her from the moment they marry.
Mrs. is an official Hindi remake of the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, and while it follows a similar storyline, the message remains powerful and relevant even today. The stark reality depicted in the film reflects how the issues explored have not evolved over time.
Script and Storyline:
The film’s narrative is simple but impactful. Richa, a lively woman, marries Diwakar, whom she trusts despite knowing him for only a few hours. But her first night as his wife sets the tone for everything that follows. Her excitement is quickly crushed when she discovers the shallow expectations that come with her new role.
From the very first night, Richa’s life is reduced to mundane tasks in the kitchen, with her new family failing to acknowledge her as an individual with needs and desires. Diwakar, though outwardly kind, has a deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset that only becomes more apparent as the story unfolds. His casual remarks about the wedding gifts—a collection of kitchen utensils—highlight the underlying issues of gender inequality and misogyny that permeate their relationship.
Performance Review:
Sanya Malhotra delivers a stellar performance as Richa, a woman trapped in a suffocating environment. Her portrayal of the quiet despair and struggle of a woman whose worth is reduced to her ability to serve her husband and father-in-law is both moving and unsettling. Nishant Dahiya plays Diwakar, the patriarchal husband, whose role invokes frustration and resentment. Both actors shine in their roles, but it is the direction and writing by Arati Kadav that make Mrs. truly impactful.
The title Mrs. itself is a clever commentary on how society reduces women to their marital identity, stripping them of their individuality. The film is uncomfortable to watch, as it brings to light the harsh realities that many women continue to face in relationships and marriages, where their worth is measured by their ability to cater to others.
Film’s Themes and Execution:
The film explores themes of patriarchy, gender roles, and the struggles of women in traditional family settings. Richa’s life is dominated by expectations that she must cook, clean, and take care of her husband and father-in-law. These duties soon become her full-time job, and her personal desires and identity are left behind.
As the story progresses, Richa’s life becomes more dismal, turning into what can only be described as a horror story—where she is expected to manage everything from household chores to sexual duties, with no acknowledgment or validation in return. Her struggle for recognition within her own family becomes a poignant commentary on the limitations placed on women.
Verdict:
Mrs. is a film that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt marginalized or oppressed in a relationship. While it’s not meant for entertainment, it delivers an important message about the continuing struggles women face in modern marriages. The film offers no easy resolutions or comfort, instead forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about society’s treatment of women. Sanya Malhotra’s powerful performance, coupled with a thought-provoking script, ensures that Mrs. is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Rating: 3/5
