Seeing so many reviews about Zee5’s Mrs., I decided to spend my Saturday afternoon watching it—to see for myself whether the reviews truly reflected the film. It has been several hours since I watched it, yet it lingers in my mind, much like The Great Indian Kitchen, the film it is adapted from.
For someone married in the eighties, several scenes in Mrs. feel as though they’ve been lifted straight from a woman’s life in that era. Take, for instance, the moment when Richa must ask her elderly father-in-law for permission to work. Back then, in joint families, the eldest male often made all major decisions. Or the scene where the mother-in-law insists that chutneys taste better and are healthier when ground on a stone—something commonly believed in many homes during the 80s.
Then there’s that subtle, demeaning chuckle the husband gives when Richa expresses her desire to work—the look on his face, as if to say, Who would give you a job? So is the concern over “family reputation” when a daughter-in-law steps out to work—a direct reflection of attitudes from past decades.
Serving men hot food is something wives have done for generations and continue to do. But what strikes hard is the cold indifference—the complete lack of appreciation for anything Richa does. She tries so hard. Always smiling, always agreeable, up at dawn, tirelessly handling the endless household chores. Yet, there isn’t a single word of acknowledgment.
The truth is, a woman is more than capable of multitasking—managing both a household and a career. She will go to great lengths to give nothing but the best to her family. If only the family can show a little appreciation and utter a few kind words —something as simple as, Hey, you’ve worked so hard all week. Why don’t we close the kitchen this Sunday? Let’s all go out. You deserve this. Small gestures, but ones that make a world of difference.
It’s unsettling that what was considered normal in the 40s, 60s, and 80s is still a topic of discussion in 2025. The overwhelming praise for this film by women on social media only reinforces how many still experience this reality—either fully or in parts. So, where has society gone wrong?
Every young mother raising a son today must watch Mrs.—to understand how not to treat a bride, how household responsibilities are not just a woman’s burden, and how simple words like thank you and please can bring out the best in a person. This film serves as a reminder that times have changed, and forcing a woman into a predefined role—whether or not she fits it—is no longer acceptable. It underscores the importance of empathy—of putting oneself in another’s shoes. And above all, it highlights that men must look beyond their careers and interests to truly see their partners.
About five years ago, I was invited to speak on the pros and cons of social media. During a pre-event discussion with fellow speakers, I was shocked to hear someone mention that even today, boys are treated differently at home. The bigger share of the pizza or the better piece of chicken still goes to the boy. And when questioned, the mother simply says, They get first preference.
Mrs. is not a feel-good film—it’s a reality check. And perhaps, that’s exactly why it needs to be seen.
Asusual well articulated.society needs more of these type of movies to bring change in the mindset of the ppl who still exist like this.Even today not only treatment to a boy and girl is different,i doublestandard treatment when it comes to daughter and daughter in law..
Thank you for sharing your review on this movie, Megha. I agree with your perspective that mothers have to raise their sons responsibly to treat women right and empower their daughters to stand in their power. Women still have to fight for their place in society and it’s no different in first world countries.
I am glad such movies are being made; it’s a welcome change.
I watched The Great Indian Kitchen, and it left a deep impact on me. From that very day, I made it a point to wash the dishes at least once a day, till today. I also ensured that both my sons watched it, as it carries an important message.
Thank you for sharing this! I will definitely watch Mrs. with my family.
Haven’t watched this movie.
Having read the review you have written, would like to watch it Megu !
Youngsters do not want to marry , and the reasons lie with enslavened lives of the preceding generations .
Thought provoking article !
^ woman is more than capable of multitasking^
Can’t agree more we men can just about do single work at time (most of us and definitely i cant do more than one)…For this skill atleast we need to bow down if not for all other capabilities and many things that women
(mother grand mother sisters aunts and spouse) in our lives have done and are doing
^The bigger share of the pizza or the better piece of chicken still goes to the boy^
Was always having a embrassed feel when I used to get this treatment in my childhood 😪 I realize why it was so being the only son..but irony is this is also mostly the women who treat their sons and grandsons..
^Mrs. is not a feel-good film—it’s a reality check^
Shall watch it for sure …
Great summary of the show and emotions of our home makers akka…
Thanks for reminding us ..on what we should be doing and what we should not
Well reviewed Megha. Eventhough the situations have changed today, there are many households where these practices still continue. It’s high time the family members change their outlook towards daughters-in-law and treat them with dignity. Movies with such messages should be made.
Though I haven’t watched this fil, the review gave good narration of reality in most of the homes worldwide. I am fully with the thoughts expressed in the review, must be a heart touching film. I realised early in school days how my mother made the magic of filling eight stomachs (hers remaining mostly empty with the remainder crumbs) and invaded the kitchen very early in life, which I continue.
Also to be appreciated is the other two realities that women make kitchen their monopoly (sense of identity) and suffer lonely feeling guilty of having ‘wasted/invested their lives’ for others (particularly men) who remain numb/cut off from their feelings as they operate from heads not hearts. Another issue is not entrusting household responsibilities to boys and girls equally.
Must be a good film. Will wait it with family.
Excellent Megha. What you say is true. I sometimes fear whether the mothers of 80’s have failed to train their children to be sensitive to these values. I feel that is one of the reasons why the chain continues. Excellent exposition Megha!
The crux of the movie has been beautifully cut short. Am yet to watch this movie, but now would definitely watch this one. Keep doing this 👌👌👌
Omg Excellent review of this movie! I saw this movie discussed by people so passionately on Social Media and decided to watch it myself! Thank you for writing this wonderful review!!! It is a MUST watch for every ‘Indian Husband’ also! It is a MANDATORY for every male to watch before they decide to get married! It is more charming, well directed than the Malayalam movie! Please watch this Hindi version! Brilliant performance by Sania Malhotra.
I completely agree with every word 💯 .
I hope I’ve taught my son well.
Normally I don’t watch movies but after reading your review I feel like watching this movie