Director: Aarti Kadav
Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Nishant Dahiya, Kanwaljit, Varun Badola, Loveleen Mishra
 
Mrs, directed by Aarti Kadav, is a poignant exploration of the often-unseen sacrifices made by women, wrapped in a narrative that quietly pulls at your heartstrings. Starring Sanya Malhotra, Nishant Dahiya, Kanwaljit, and Loveleen Mishra, the film tells the story of Richa (Malhotra), a woman whose dreams and ambitions are constantly crushed by the weight of societal expectations and her traditional household.
 
The film, a near-faithful remake of Jeo Baby’s Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, showcases the frustration of a wife who is reduced to nothing more than a kitchen-bound entity. Richa’s life revolves around preparing meals, serving her overworked husband Diwakar (Dahiya) and her demanding in-laws. While Richa yearns for the chance to pursue her true passion—dance—she finds herself suffocated by the invisible chains of patriarchal norms. The film’s brilliance lies in how it paints her growing disillusionment through small, often subtle moments: the constant critique of her cooking, her unacknowledged efforts, and the monotony of her life that has no place for self-expression.
 
Malhotra's portrayal of Richa is one of quiet resilience, capturing the internal turmoil of a woman caught between duty and desire. She delivers a nuanced performance, making the audience feel every ounce of Richa’s frustration, while Nishant Dahiya as Diwakar provides a perfect counterpoint with his obliviousness to her struggle. Kanwaljit’s role as the domineering father-in-law adds another layer to the suffocating environment that Richa inhabits. Yet, despite these strong performances, Mrs struggles to carry the emotional weight of its original.
 
One of the film’s shortcomings is its sanitized approach to the rawness that made the Malayalam version so impactful. While the film tries to capture the messy realities of domestic life, it often comes across as too polished, missing the visceral intensity of its predecessor. There are moments where the dialogues, though meaningful, feel a bit forced, making the film occasionally fall into the trap of delivering a message rather than letting the story unfold naturally. The absence of certain cultural elements, like the ostracism women face during their periods, dilutes the film’s critique of patriarchy, making the narrative feel more generalized rather than deeply rooted in specific social issues.
 
Still, Mrs holds enough merit to make it a worthwhile watch. It’s a film that highlights the quiet struggles of women, their unvoiced resentment, and their powerful journey towards reclaiming their identities. While it may not match the rawness of its source material, it still serves as an important conversation starter. This film isn’t just for married couples—it’s a reminder that the personal cost of societal expectations can run deep, and women’s aspirations shouldn’t be tied solely to their domestic roles.
 
Ultimately, Mrs is a thoughtful, though occasionally tame, exploration of self-expression, family dynamics, and the quiet rebellion that takes place within the confines of everyday life.