When Mrs. hit OTT screens, it wasn’t just another film about love and marriage — it was a mirror reflecting the grim reality of the lives of countless women. The movie goes deep into the complexities of marriage, identity, and self-discovery, resonating with audiences across India.
The Better India spoke to eight women from different parts of the country, and their reactions prove just how powerful this film is. From quiet struggles to moments of empowerment, these women saw their own stories unfold on screen.
‘It was like watching my own life play out’
For many women, Mrs. was a reminder of their personal experiences in marriage.
“There’s a scene where Richa (the protagonist) realises she has lost a part of herself while trying to be a ‘good wife’ — that hit me the hardest,” says Neha Sharma, 34, from Delhi. “I’ve felt that before, like I was disappearing into my role as a wife and mother.”
Anjali Menon, 29, from Mumbai, echoes this sentiment. “The expectation that women must always put their families first, even at the cost of their happiness, is something I’ve lived through. Mrs. made me realise I’m not alone in this.”
‘I saw my mother in the film’
One of the scenes in Mrs. shows Richa’s father-in-law insisting she hand-grind chutney, saying, “asli swaad to silbatte mein aata hai.” (The real taste comes only from a grinding stone.)” — reinforcing the idea that a ‘good’ daughter-in-law must obey without question.
For 29-year-old Prachi Harlalka from Pune, this was all too familiar.
“I’ve watched my mother do everything in our house — cooking, cleaning, taking care of my father and his family — all without a complaint. She never expected a thank you because she was raised to believe it was her ‘duty’. Watching that scene made me realise how deeply ingrained these expectations are. I have vowed to show this movie to my family.”
A joke that reveals the ugly truth
In another scene, Richa’s husband offers to pick up the plates at a friend’s place, but when she reacts in shock, he gets defensive. She points out how he never lifts a finger at home.
For Anjali, a 30-year-old homemaker from Guwahati, this moment was a punch to the gut.
“This scene hurt because I’ve heard similar instances in my own life. It’s funny how men will help outside the home to appear progressive but expect their wives to silently do everything at home. I really wish they would screen this movie in theatres to create more awareness.”
The men cooked, but at what cost?
In another scene that stood out for many viewers, a relative visits and the men decide to cook a meal together. But after they eat, the kitchen is left in a mess, and Richa is expected to clean it up.
Jyoti, a 41-year-old homemaker from Mumbai, found this scene painfully relatable.
“My husband and his friends love to surprise us by cooking. But it’s never really a break for me. The cleaning, the leftovers, the chaos — it’s always my problem. Although my husband helps me clean, I know many people who won’t even pick up a glass of water in their homes.”
More than just a film — it’s a conversation starter
Even younger audiences found the film eye-opening. Sanya Mehta, 25, from Mumbai, says, “The film made me realise what I want — and don’t want — in a marriage. I won’t lose myself to please someone else.”
Mrs. has sparked important conversations about love, compromise, and self-worth. It’s making women think, talk, and most importantly, reflect on their own lives.
As Aparna Iyer, 39, from Bengaluru, puts it, “For once, a film told a woman’s story without making her choices look selfish. That’s rare.”
This is why women hesitate to leave
Perhaps the most heartbreaking moment is when Richa’s parents dismiss her concerns, urging her to ‘adjust’. Shruti, a 35-year-old marketing executive from Bengaluru, has seen this happen far too often.
“My best friend was in an unhappy marriage, but when she confided in her parents, they told her to compromise. Just like in the movie, their priority was ‘log kya kahenge?’ (What will people say?).”
Directed by Arati Kadav, Mrs. is a Hindi adaptation of the 2021 Malayalam cult classic The Great Indian Kitchen. It talks about patriarchal society, societal expectations placed on a woman after an arranged marriage, abuse without physical violence, the conditioning of women, and gaslighting.
The film has laid bare the unspoken realities of marriage—the relentless labour women perform, the suffocating weight of expectations, and the quiet endurance mistaken for duty. To all the women who have watched Mrs. — if parts of it felt uncomfortably familiar, you’re not alone. And to the men — if you didn’t see a problem, maybe it’s time to look again.
Edited by Khushi Arora
