Film Review: Mrs.

Introduction

Jio Studios and Baweja Studios’ Mrs. (UA), released on Zee5 on 7 February 2025, is a domestic drama based on Jeo Baby’s acclaimed novel The Great Indian Kitchen. Adapted by Anu Singh Choudhary, Harman Baweja, and Arati Kadav, the film sets out to explore the struggles of a young bride adjusting to her new home and the suffocating weight of patriarchal expectations. While the premise is socially relevant, the execution suffers from monotony, repetitiveness, and weak dramatic momentum.

Story & Screenplay

At its core, Mrs. narrates the story of Richa (Sanya Malhotra), a trained dancer who marries into a conservative household. She attempts to balance her individuality with her in-laws’ rigid expectations but is constantly met with criticism and disapproval.

While the foundation is strong, the storytelling falters:

• The story is routine and offers no surprises.

• The screenplay falls into a repetitive cycle of household chores, endless kitchen scenes, and constant criticism of Richa. What initially feels immersive quickly turns tedious, frustrating not only the protagonist but also the audience.

• The climax may strike a chord with class audiences familiar with socially conscious dramas, but it is unlikely to resonate with the broader mass base.

Dialogues by Anu Singh Choudhary are serviceable but could have been sharper to highlight the simmering conflicts more effectively.

Direction

Arati Kadav’s direction is ordinary. Despite having an emotionally charged subject, she does not succeed in creating a gripping or layered narrative. The film lacks urgency, subtlety, and freshness in its presentation, making it feel more like a stretched-out short film than a compelling feature.

Performances

• Sanya Malhotra (Richa): The biggest strength of the film. She plays Richa with effortless naturalism, conveying vulnerability, frustration, and quiet resilience. Her dance sequence in the opening is a highlight.

• Nishant Dahiya (Diwakar Kumar): Adequate as the husband who mirrors societal expectations but doesn’t bring much depth.

• Kanwaljit Singh (Ashwin Kumar): Okay as the patriarchal father-in-law.

• Aparna Ghoshal (Meena Kumar): So-so as the mother-in-law, offering nothing beyond the stereotype.

• Varun Badola (Tunnu Bhaiya): Impactful in a brief but memorable role.

• Supporting cast: Mrinal Kulkarni, Girish Dhamija, Harshika Kewalramani, Nitya Moyal, Gulista, Siya Mahajan, Raunak Chandel, Nilofer Ghesawat, Lavleen Misra, Suraj Kakkar, Ravi Jha, Bhavya Gurnani, and others lend routine support without standing out.

Overall, the performances are competent, but only Sanya Malhotra truly elevates the material.

Music & Choreography

• Songs (Sagar Desai & Faizan Hussain): Average, with lyrics by Neeraj Pandey and Arun Kumar failing to leave an impression.

• Choreography (Brinda Parameswar): Just about fair, except for the opening sequence where Sanya’s dance shines.

• Background Score (Sagar Desai): Underwhelming and fails to heighten emotions.

Technical Aspects

• Cinematography (Pratham Mehta): Functional, with no standout visual identity.

• Production Design (Nida Khalid Shaikh): Routine, faithfully recreating a middle-class household but lacking flair.

• Editing (Prerna Saigal): Loose, adding to the film’s monotony; a crisper cut could have salvaged the pacing.

Final Verdict

Mrs. aims to present a socially conscious, feminist narrative about women’s invisible labour and the crushing expectations of marriage. Unfortunately, the film drowns in its own repetitiveness, leaving viewers disengaged long before the climax. Apart from Sanya Malhotra’s commendable performance, there is little to recommend.

On the Plus Side:

• Sanya Malhotra’s effortless performance

• Relatable premise

• Opening dance sequence

On the Minus Side:

• Routine, predictable story

• Repetitive and monotonous screenplay

• Ordinary direction

• Weak music and background score

• Loose editing