
The 2021 Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen was widely acclaimed for its powerful storytelling. This week, its official Hindi remake, Mrs, starring Sanya Malhotra, premiered directly on OTT. Previously, the film was also remade in Tamil. Directed by Aarti Kadav, Mrs has already garnered appreciation at various international film festivals ahead of its Indian release. However, much like its Tamil counterpart, this adaptation struggles to replicate the original’s impact.
Story of ‘Mrs’
Mrs follows the journey of Richa (Sanya Malhotra), a young woman who enters marriage with big dreams. She ties the knot with Diwakar (Nishant Dahiya), a dedicated doctor, and soon realizes that her life is taking an unexpected turn. Diwakar, occupied with his demanding job, spends his free time unwinding with friends. Meanwhile, Richa finds herself assisting her mother-in-law in managing household chores, particularly the kitchen. Her father-in-law, a man of traditional values, disapproves of outside food, adding to her growing list of responsibilities.
When Richa’s mother-in-law has to leave home for a while, the burden of running the household falls entirely on her shoulders. As a modern, independent-minded woman, she struggles to balance her aspirations with the expectations placed upon her. How Richa navigates this new reality forms the crux of the film.
‘Mrs’ Movie Review
Director Aarti Kadav delivers a compelling take on a deeply ingrained issue in Indian society. While staying true to the essence of the original, she adapts the script to reflect cultural nuances, making it relatable to a wider audience. At just over two hours, the film maintains its grip without losing momentum.
From the very first scene, Mrs draws viewers into Richa’s world, taking them along on her emotional journey. The screenplay effectively highlights societal challenges, culminating in a powerful climax that resonates with both men and women.
The film’s cinematography is well-executed, complementing the narrative, while the background score, though decent, does not particularly stand out. However, the true strength of Mrs lies in its performances. Sanya Malhotra, who has already won a Best Actress award for this role, delivers yet another outstanding performance. As she nears a decade in the industry, Mrs stands as a testament to her ability to take on complex roles with ease.
Final Verdict
Despite the challenges of remaking an acclaimed film, Mrs succeeds in telling an important story with sincerity. While it may not completely match the emotional depth of The Great Indian Kitchen, it remains a well-crafted film worth watching.
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