Sanya Malhotra’s ‘Mrs’ to Conclude the 2024 New York Indian Film Festival

Ziya Khan May 30, 2024Last Updated: May 30, 2024

Sanya Malhotra’s highly anticipated film, “Mrs,” is creating a buzz on the festival circuit, earning praise for its exploration of domesticity and gender roles. Serving as the Hindi remake of the critically acclaimed Malayalam movie, “The Great Indian Kitchen” (2021), “Mrs” is directed by Arati Kadav and has been selected as the closing film at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) 2024. Arati Kadav expressed her excitement at having her film showcased at the festival. In an interview with Mid-day, she shared, “I eagerly look forward to the films screened at the NYIFF every year. So, I feel privileged that we’ve been chosen as the closing film. With this film, our aim is to connect with Indian audiences living not just in India, but also abroad, and this platform helps us reach the diaspora.” Described as “exotically delicious,” “Mrs” cleverly utilizes the backdrop of Indian cuisine to delve deeper into the societal pressures imposed on women.

The synopsis paints a vivid picture of Richa, a young dance teacher who falls in love with Diwakar, a wealthy doctor. However, their initial happiness quickly fades as Richa finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage, burdened with expectations to cook, clean, and cater to her husband’s whims. Through culinary metaphors, the synopsis portrays the suffocating nature of Richa’s situation, describing her life as “an overcooked and tasteless happily ever after, tainted with misogyny, arrogance, and stubbornness.” Despite the challenges, Richa refuses to give up easily. The synopsis highlights her defiance, stating, “The kitchen holds the key to all problems. So, Richa cooks splendid dishes with love and dedication, resolutely refusing to succumb to male dominance.” The cast of “Mrs” showcases promising talent.

Sanya Malhotra takes on the lead role of Richa, delivering a captivating performance. Nishant Dahiya portrays Diwakar, the doctor who reveals himself to be a domineering husband. Completing the ensemble is Kanwaljit Singh, whose role remains undisclosed, adding an intriguing element to the film. Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Pammi Baweja, and Harman Baweja, “Mrs” promises to be a thought-provoking and empowering cinematic experience. With its exploration of domesticity, gender roles, and the indomitable spirit of its protagonist, the film is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences.