“Mrs.” is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Arati Kadav, featuring Sanya Malhotra in the lead role. The film is a faithful remake of the acclaimed Malayalam movie “The Great Indian Kitchen” (2021) and delves into the life of a newlywed woman confronting entrenched patriarchal norms within her marital home.
Plot Overview
The narrative centers on Richa Sharma (Sanya Malhotra), an educated dancer who enters an arranged marriage with Dr. Diwakar Kumar (Nishant Dahiya). Upon moving into her husband’s traditional household, Richa is swiftly burdened with exhaustive domestic chores, from cooking to cleaning, while the male family members remain indifferent to her struggles. Her attempts to voice discomfort, especially regarding intimate matters, are met with insensitivity. The situation escalates when Richa faces regressive attitudes towards menstruation, leading her to a breaking point where she chooses to reclaim her autonomy.
Cast
- Sanya Malhotra as Richa Sharma
- Nishant Dahiya as Diwakar Kumar
- Kanwaljit Singh as Ashwin Kumar (Diwakar’s father)
- Aparna Ghoshal as Meena Kumar (Diwakar’s mother)
- Varun Badola as Tunnu Bhaiya
- Loveleen Mishra as Nirjala (Diwakar’s aunt)
Release and Reception
“Mrs.” premiered at the 2024 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and was subsequently showcased at the New York Indian Film Festival, where Sanya Malhotra received the Best Actress award for her compelling performance. The film became available for streaming on ZEE5 on February 7, 2025, and garnered positive reviews for its authentic portrayal of societal issues and Malhotra’s standout acting.
Critical Acclaim
Critics have lauded “Mrs.” for its unflinching depiction of gender dynamics within traditional households. Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV noted, “Sanya Malhotra lives the role, and director Arati Kadav orchestrates her resources with striking efficiency.” Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com emphasized that the film “succeeds in riling you up for all the right reasons, and without resorting to high-pitched drama.” Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express highlighted its importance, stating it’s “essential viewing for couples.”
Conclusion
“Mrs.” is a poignant exploration of a woman’s journey to assert her identity amidst societal constraints. With powerful performances and a narrative that challenges deep-rooted patriarchal values, the film resonates with audiences, prompting reflection on the roles and expectations imposed on women in domestic settings.
For a visual glimpse into this compelling story, watch the official trailer below:
