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Mrs - A subtle, yet powerful take on domesticated patriarchy

I know I am late to the party but I instantly joined the fan club. A take on the silent, and mostly unacknowledged, labour of women in a family, Mrs takes us through the journey of a modern woman as she tries to find her place in the new family after marriage. The film broadly shows daily routine of a family almost on a loop -- wherein men go to work, exercise and enjoy, while women of the house find themselves stuck in the kitchen throughout the day and year. 

At one point, the loop begins to feel repetitive, but it serves well to highlight the monotony in a woman's life -- through the protagonist, Richa (played by Sanya Malhotra), and her mother in law. The two scenes about a woman guest taking Richa's stand; and her friend's husband helping in the chores offer a refreshing contrast to the Kumars, who illustrate a typical patriarchal mindset. 

Sanya nailed as Richa, as her character's silent compliance with her husband and in-laws demands speaks volumes about her repressed helplessness and subsequent anger and frustration. However, the repetitive scenes could've been reduced a little as it drags too long. 

The movie also illustrates the struggles and dilemma of modern, independent woman who find themselves at the croosroads between career and family; self-respect and marriage. 

PHOTO: Instagram

As the audience feels for Richa, Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljit Singh's respective potrayals of Diwakar and Ashwin Kumar aptly triggers a discomfort and dislike for the way they treat her, put forth trivial demands and snub Richa, despite her best attempts. 

The climax finally offers a much-anticipated catharsis as the protagonist serves wastewater from the kitchen and finally storms off from the house. 

The ending draws a mixed response as the audience sees that another woman has already replaced Richa as the Kumars new daughter-in-law. While the husband hints that he has become more understanding, not much seems to have changed. 

On the other hand, we see Richa with her dance group and finally expressing herself through her dance performance.  

It not only entertains but draws home an important lesson in equality. If you have not watched it already, we highly recommend this film.
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