Ever felt like life’s expectations have caught you into a role you didn’t choose? Well, Mrs.—the latest ZEE5 release starring Sanya Malhotra—might just hit home. Released on February 7, 2025, directed by Arati Kadav isn’t just another marital drama film. We have watched multiple masterpieces earlier like Tumhari Sulu and English Vinglish which had a “…..regular but irregular” plot. It can be called the same. It’s a raw, relatable exploration of what happens when a woman decides to reclaim her identity after years of silencing her own dreams. Let’s shed a light on why this movie is connecting people so deeply—and why your next movie night should include it.
The Story: When Duty Drowns Dreams
At its core, Mrs. follows Richa Sharma (ofcourse, Sanya Malhotra), a trained classical dancer whose passion fades into the background after marrying Diwakar Kumar (Nishant Dahiya). Nishant is playing a well-meaning but kind of traditional gynecologist. Post-wedding, Richa’s days blur into a cycle of cooking, cleaning, and catering to her in-laws’ demands. Does that ring a bell?
It’s actually a reality countless women face. But must say, it is hardly showcased this honestly on screen.
What makes Richa’s journey catchy isn’t her quiet dissatisfaction, it’s the steady burn of her awakening. The film avoids melodrama, opting instead for subtle moments that speak volumes. Speaking of which, a sidelong glance at her forgotten dance shoes can be thought of or a hesitation before serving tea, or probably, the way she softens her voice while mentioning her past. As The Times of India noted, “Malhotra’s performance isn’t loud; it’s layered—a masterclass in showing, not telling.” It is something one would go on the journey where the entire team including the actor wants to take them, willingly!
Why Arati Kadav’s Direction Feels Like a Mirror Held Up to Society
Arati Kadav, known for her offbeat sci-fi film Cargo (2019), shifts gears here to tackle grounded, everyday’s feminism. Her lens lingers on the mundane—peeling vegetables, folding laundry—to highlight how these “small” tasks add up to end up erasing a woman’s individuality or identity. In an interview with ADgully, Kadav shared, “I wanted the audience to feel the weight of Richa’s routine, to almost taste the monotony.”
The film doesn’t villainize Diwakar or the in-laws, though. Instead, it exposes how systemic patriarchy thrives on “good intentions.” Diwakar loves Richa, but he never questions why she must handle every household chore. His mother, played by a stellar supporting cast, genuinely believes she’s guiding Richa into becoming a “good wife.” It’s this lack of overt malice that makes the story so unsettling—and somehow real.
Sanya Malhotra: Breathing Life into Silent Struggles
The Dangal Girl is wonderful here. From her absolutely on-point body language in the first act to the fiery determination later, she makes Richa’s evolution feel earned. Watch how her posture changes—slumped shoulders gradually straightening, hesitant steps turning purposeful. It’s no wonder The Statesman called her performance “a career-best,” praising her ability to “make silence scream.”
But the real magic lies in her dance sequences. When Richa finally revisits her passion, the choreography. Simply Wow! A blend of Kathak and contemporary, becomes a metaphor for rebellion. Here, we are damn sure many of them will connect themselves as we all have witnessed at least one dancer in our life who left a similar hobby of hers to handle married life.
The music, initially soft and melancholic, shifts to rhythms that mirror her rising defiance. As the ZEE5 blog points out, “The soundtrack isn’t just background noise; it’s a character in Richa’s story.”
It’s Making Noise at Film Festivals and being “Recognized”
Before its ZEE5 debut, Mrs. turned heads at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in November 2024. While it didn’t catch the top prize, its selection alone speaks volumes—IFFI isn’t exactly known for championing small-screen releases. Critics have appreciated it as “a quiet revolution” (Film Companion) and “2025’s first must-watch” (Scroll.in).
Though awards season is still yet to arrive, Malhotra’s performance is already generating Oscar buzz in India’s social media circles. Meanwhile, Kadav’s nuanced storytelling has sparked debates about whether streaming platforms are becoming the new home for bold, female-led narratives.
Below are a few questions, best left answered:
Where can you watch it?
Straight answer – ZEE5. No theatrical release yet, but hey, pajama-friendly viewing has its own perks!
Is it based on a true story?
Not directly, but you’ll swear you’ve met “Richa” somewhere. The screenplay, penned by first-time writer Ritu Bhatia, draws from interviews with over 50 women across India.
How does it compare to films like Thappad or English Vinglish?
Think of Mrs. as their introspective cousin. It’s less about dramatic confrontations and more about the internal battles a woman fights daily.
How does Mrs. portray gender roles and societal expectations?
The film sheds light on traditional gender roles and their impact on individual aspirations. It encourages conversations about equality, self-worth, and personal freedom. Through an engaging narrative, Mrs. prompts viewers to reflect on societal norms and how they shape people’s choices in life.
Overall, Mrs. is celebrated for its honest storytelling and themes, making it a must-watch for those interested in narratives about personal growth and societal norms.
