MRS. (2025) - MOVIE REVIEW

 

Mrs. (2025) - Movie Review

Plot:
Mrs. is a remake of the critically acclaimed Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen (2021). The film revolves around Richa (played by Sanya Malhotra), a newly married woman who is expected to conform to the traditional roles and expectations of her patriarchal household. As Richa navigates her new life, she is forced to undertake the overwhelming and monotonous tasks of housework, cooking, and serving her husband and in-laws, which reflects the rigid gender roles still prevalent in many households.

As soon as Richa steps into her new home, she is quickly thrust into the rigid domestic duties expected of a wife.

1. Traditional Gender Roles:
   Richa’s role is clearly defined as that of a caretaker—cooking, cleaning, and serving her husband and in-laws. These tasks are repetitive and often go unacknowledged, as they are viewed as the woman’s responsibility in a traditional Indian household. The focus is on maintaining the household’s well-being, and her contributions are largely taken for granted.
2. Monotony and Isolation:
   Over time, Richa feels the weight of her daily routine, which involves constant cooking, cleaning, and the emotional labor of taking care of everyone around her. The film depicts how this lifestyle, while seemingly simple, is incredibly draining. She feels isolated, as her existence becomes confined to the home, and her individual aspirations or desires are disregarded. It’s a life where her needs and wants are secondary to those of her husband and in-laws.
3. Subjugation and Dissonance:
   As the film progresses, Richa begins to feel the emotional and psychological toll that this way of life is taking on her. She’s not just physically drained, but mentally and emotionally defeated. The more she conforms, the more she feels disconnected from herself. The roles she’s expected to play as a wife and daughter-in-law don’t resonate with her sense of individuality, and the frustration starts to build.

The Journey of Self-Discovery and Defiance

1. Awakening to the Reality:
   Richa’s dissatisfaction doesn’t happen overnight. It builds over time, starting with small signs of frustration as she sees her husband and in-laws taking her work for granted. She starts realizing that her identity is being defined by others—by society’s norms, her husband’s expectations, and her in-laws’ demands. At first, she tries to comply, as most women in her situation would, but slowly, her dissatisfaction grows.
2. Questioning Patriarchy:
   A pivotal moment in the film comes when Richa begins to actively question the system of patriarchy that has been imposed upon her. She realizes that the household structure is inherently unequal, and it’s not just about chores—it’s about power dynamics, expectations, and the lack of recognition for women’s work. She starts to see the deep-rooted societal structures that place women in these roles, subjugating them to a lifetime of service without appreciation.
3. Defiance and Resistance:
   At this point, Richa’s journey shifts from frustration to defiance. She starts challenging the norms that have dictated her existence. This is not just about refusing to cook or clean; it’s about standing up for her individuality and reclaiming her voice. It’s about choosing what she wants, and realizing that her life and purpose are not defined solely by her relationship to others.
4. Liberation:
   As the film moves toward its climax, Richa’s journey is one of liberation. This is not an immediate, grand gesture but a quiet, personal transformation. It’s in her decision to no longer accept being relegated to the background of the family’s life. Her personal liberation comes in many small ways—making decisions for herself, rejecting oppressive behaviors, and ultimately choosing a path that respects her own identity and needs.

The Central Themes

1. Patriarchy and Gender Roles:
   One of the film’s most prominent themes is the deep-seated patriarchy that continues to govern the lives of many women, especially in traditional households. Richa’s role is shaped entirely by expectations around her gender—she’s expected to serve and maintain the household, without receiving any acknowledgment for her work. The film critically examines this system of unequal gender roles, where women’s labor is invisible, and their autonomy is restricted.
2. Domesticity and Emotional Labor:
   The repetitive nature of Richa’s work—cooking, cleaning, serving—highlights the emotional labor often expected from women in households. These tasks, though physically demanding, are emotionally exhausting as well. Richa’s struggles are not only about the physical exhaustion but the emotional toll of feeling unappreciated and invisible.
3. Individuality vs. Sacrifice:
   The film also explores the theme of individuality vs. societal expectations. Richa’s role as a wife and daughter-in-law forces her to suppress her personal desires, dreams, and identity. Her fight for self-discovery is a journey of reconciling her individual needs with the demands of society, which often forces women to sacrifice their sense of self for family duties.
4. Rebellion and Personal Empowerment:
   The central emotional arc of the film is Richa’s rebellion against her subjugated role. While her rebellion might not be dramatic or outwardly aggressive, it is a deeply personal and courageous act. By defying the patriarchal structure that has controlled her, she is not only asserting her personal rights but also setting an example for others to follow. Her journey of self-discovery is a quiet but powerful act of empowerment.

Performances:
Sanya Malhotra gives a standout performance as Richa. She perfectly embodies the character's gradual shift from meek compliance to empowered rebellion. Her portrayal captures the emotional turmoil of a woman caught between societal expectations and her desire for freedom, making the audience root for her every step of the way.

The supporting cast, while not as prominently featured, effectively contributes to the portrayal of the oppressive environment Richa faces. The performances of her in-laws and husband (played by a talented supporting actor) underline the traditional, sometimes suffocating roles that women are expected to accept in a conservative setting.

Direction and Storytelling:
Arati Kadav’s direction succeeds in creating a stark, oppressive atmosphere that complements the film’s themes of subjugation and empowerment. The pacing is deliberate, emphasizing the repetitive and draining nature of Richa's daily life. The film doesn’t rush her journey, allowing viewers to feel the frustration and exhaustion she endures.

The screenplay is layered with poignant moments that highlight the emotional weight of Richa’s situation, while also giving space for her gradual shift toward defiance. There’s an inherent strength in the simplicity of the narrative, which adds to the film's realism and relatability.

Cinematography and Music:
The cinematography by Prashant Gupta captures the stark contrast between Richa's inner world and the exterior, using muted colors and close-up shots to highlight her isolation and emotional distress. The visuals reflect the monotonous, claustrophobic environment she is trapped in, contributing to the overall theme of entrapment.

The music in Mrs. is subtle but effective. It doesn’t overpower the storytelling but enhances the emotional beats, especially during key moments when Richa decides to take control of her life. The film's background score complements the atmosphere, making the viewers feel the weight of the situation.

Themes:
The film is a potent commentary on gender roles, patriarchy, and the oppressive nature of traditional expectations placed on women, especially in Indian households. It explores the theme of self-liberation, with Richa’s personal transformation reflecting a broader societal struggle against the restrictions imposed on women.

The narrative raises important questions about the expectation that women should solely be responsible for domestic work and sacrifice their individuality in the process. By focusing on these issues, Mrs. touches a nerve in today’s society, resonating with audiences who may relate to the protagonist’s journey.

Verdict:
Mrs. is an emotionally charged film that highlights the painful realities many women face within traditional family structures. Sanya Malhotra’s performance anchors the story, and Arati Kadav’s direction ensures that the audience is drawn into Richa's emotional struggle. While the film may seem slow-paced at times, it’s a necessary watch for its bold portrayal of the fight for personal freedom within an oppressive system.

If you appreciate films that deal with women’s issues, personal empowerment, and social change, Mrs. offers a powerful, relatable narrative. It may not have the same edge or twist as some other contemporary films in this genre, but its sincerity and depth make it an impactful viewing experience.

Rating: 3.5/5

It’s a strong character-driven film that speaks volumes about the journey of self-liberation, and Sanya Malhotra's performance is sure to leave a lasting impression.