The Hindi remake of The Great Indian Kitchen, titled Mrs., is now streaming on ZEE5. Directed by Arati Kadav and starring Sanya Malhotra, the film explores the life of a newly married woman who struggles to fit into societal expectations. While the story is strong and relevant, does the movie do justice to its message? Let’s find out.
A Strong Opening That Sets the Tone
The film begins with a beautifully shot sequence featuring a photo studio, a kitchen, a park, and a group of people dancing. Richa (Sanya Malhotra) leads the group, moving to the beats of a dhol and the sounds around her. This lively start quickly transitions into her arranged marriage, where she initially enjoys her new life. However, reality soon sets in as she is expected to conform to the traditional role of a wife and daughter-in-law.
Faithful to the Original but Not Without Flaws
The film stays true to the essence of the Malayalam original. Arati Kadav ensures that Mrs. captures the small, everyday details that shape a woman’s experience—chipped nail polish from constant kitchen work, a clogged sink, and an oil bottle coated in dust. These elements make the film feel grounded in reality.
However, some aspects feel exaggerated. The film portrays a doctor’s family as highly conservative, preferring a stone grinder over a modern mixer. While outdated traditions still exist, the depiction of an entire metro city family following such extreme practices feels unrealistic. This weakens the impact of the film’s message.
Slow-Burn Narrative That May Not Appeal to Everyone
The movie takes its time to build tension, showing how Richa slowly loses her identity under the weight of expectations. Some scenes, like her mother-in-law leaving her alone to manage the household, effectively highlight her growing burden. The frustration and suffocation she feels are well-portrayed.
However, the film’s slow pace might test viewers’ patience. If you prefer fast-paced narratives, you might find yourself skipping parts. The climax, though visually powerful, resolves the conflict too quickly. After building up the struggles so well, the film doesn’t fully explore how Richa fights back, which leaves the ending feeling rushed.
Sanya Malhotra’s Performance Carries the Film
Sanya Malhotra delivers a remarkable performance. She brings out Richa’s gradual transformation from a free-spirited dancer to a woman trapped in tradition. Her body language and expressions change subtly, making her journey believable.
The supporting cast, especially Nishant and Kamaljit Singh as Richa’s husband and father-in-law, also do well. They are not portrayed as outright villains but as individuals upholding a system that benefits them. This nuanced portrayal adds depth to the film.
Final Thoughts
Mrs. is a well-intentioned film with a strong message about gender roles and societal expectations. While it effectively highlights these issues, its exaggerated elements and slow pacing reduce its impact. The film presents the problem well but doesn’t offer a convincing resolution.
If you enjoy thought-provoking, slow-burn dramas, Mrs. is worth a watch. However, if you’re looking for a gripping, well-balanced story with a strong resolution, you might find it lacking.
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