“Mrs.” is a 2025 Hindi movie by Arati Kadav that is an official remake of the critically received Malayalam film “The Great Indian Kitchen” (2021) by Jeo Baby. The movie features Sanya Malhotra as Richa, a choreographer and dancer, and Nishant Dahiya as Diwakar, a physician. The story explores the social pressures imposed upon women in traditional Indian homes, pinning down the deeply entrenched patriarchy present across cultures.
Plot Summary
Richa, played by Sanya Malhotra, is a zealous dancer and choreographer who gets married to Diwakar, a gynecologist and owner of an independent nursing home, in an arranged marriage. After marriage, Richa shifts her residence to Diwakar’s house with his family members, including his parents, Ashwin Kumar (Kanwaljit Singh) and Meena Kumar (Aparna Ghoshal). While establishing a new residence, Richa faces the massive amount of household tasks that come to be handled by her, including preparing detailed dishes and complying with traditional norms such as Karwa Chauth. The film shows her finding herself torn between meeting her personal needs and shouldering the day after day load in her family despite being part of it as part of an otherwise patriarchal and oppressive framework within marriage.
“Mrs.” has received a range of critiques from reviewers. Filmfare calls it “a stinging satire on patriarchy,” highlighting its gritty portrayal of the oppression of women in Indian homes. The Indian Express mentions that for viewers who are not exposed to the original Malayalam version, “this Sanya Malhotra-starrer has enough merit,” implying its chances as a must-watch for couples. Bollywood Hungama praises the film as “a faithful remake” aided by a standout performance by Sanya Malhotra. But some reviews, like one on Moviesr.net, call it “a vapid remake,” reflecting a critical split.
Performance Highlights
Sanya Malhotra as Richa was outstanding as most critics gave her credit for bringing out the inner conflict of the character along with her endurance. Her role adds depth to the story making Richa’s transformation relatable and effective. The supporting team Nishant Dahiya Kanwaljit Singh and Aparna Ghoshal also deliver wonderful performances carrying out the struggle of a conservative family structure wonderfully.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Arati Kadav maintains the essence of the original film while infusing it with cultural nuances pertinent to a Hindi-speaking audienceThe presence of rituals such as Karwa Chauth brings authenticity specifically appealing to North Indian audiences. The cinematography conveys the claustrophobic nature of domestic spaces to represent Richa’s sense of confinement. The conscious emphasis on routine household work helps to bring out the monotony and fatigue faced by most women.
Themes and Societal Commentary
Fundamentally Mrs. is a critique of patriarchal systems that govern women lives in marriage and family The movie highlights the invisible emotional and physical work women do subverting social norms that limit them to domestic spaces Through Richa’s story the narrative invites audiences to challenge and defy these deep-seated assumptions promoting a fairer division of household chores and respect for women’s own aspirations.
Conclusion
“Mrs.” is a thought-evoking movie that reflects the lives of many women in conventional homes. With strong performances, particularly by Sanya Malhotra, and a plot that defies societal expectations, the movie is an important contribution to modern Indian cinema. Not only is it entertaining, but it also makes one reflect on gender roles and the need for empathy within family units.
