Since its release on ZEE5, Mrs., starring Sanya Malhotra, has captivated audiences and ignited conversations on the ingrained patriarchy within domestic spaces. This powerful Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam hit The Great Indian Kitchen follows the journey of Richa, an aspiring dancer whose ambitions are crushed under the weight of traditional expectations after marriage. Caught in an exhausting cycle of household chores, she struggles to hold on to her identity while being confined to a role dictated by rigid societal norms.
The film’s portrayal of these oppressive dynamics has left a deep impression on both viewers and its own cast. Veteran actor Kanwaljit Singh, who plays Richa’s father-in-law, admitted that he was profoundly disturbed after watching the final cut. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “All I remembered from the shoot was eating a lot of food. After that, I worked on nearly four other projects and forgot about my character. But when I saw the film, I was so disgusted by my character’s behavior that I immediately went to Sanya and apologized.”
Kanwaljit further revealed that his reaction surprised Malhotra. “Sanya Malhotra was taken aback and asked why I was saying sorry. I told her I had forgotten how much I troubled her character in the film, and it left me feeling awful. She has absolutely nailed the part, and watching her struggle on screen was heartbreaking for all of us.”
The impact of Mrs. has been nothing short of extraordinary. Within days of its release, the film shattered records on ZEE5, securing the platform’s biggest opening and becoming the most searched film on Google. Its success is a testament to its compelling narrative and Malhotra’s stellar performance, proving that stories highlighting the harsh realities of domestic life continue to resonate deeply with audiences.
