The recently launched film Mrs, featuring Sanya Malhotra, has set the debate going on gender roles, family dynamics, and social expectations. The film is about a budding dancer who is married into a patriarchal household where she is relegated to doing ceaseless household work. She, however, ultimately resists this oppression and brings to the forefront the issues of women who find themselves in such situations. While the movie has been widely appreciated by audiences, it has come under severe criticism from the men’s rights group Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF), which has charged it with propagating “toxic feminism.”
SIFF Criticizes Mrs for Its Narrative
SIFF went on X (Twitter) to say how much they disapproved of the film and questioned how they could portray domestic work as a kind of oppression. They raised the point that men do menial jobs like construction, security, and driving, which entail long hours and physical work. SIFF complained that it was not fair to depict men as not wanting to do household work when their effort to the family is usually of a different kind.
In a series of tweets, SIFF also argued that women often underestimate the physical and mental tolls of such work. They wonder why domestic work is considered suppressive, this means that this discourse takes away from the works that men make men outside the house.
Fans Defend Mrs and Its Message
The movie’s fans were quick to defend the film’s message, responding to SIFF’s accusations. According to many, Mrs is not solely about domestic duty but about keeping women from exercising their desire for personal ambition. The movie shows how society tends to constrain women into prioritizing family responsibilities over individual aspirations.
A fan said, “It’s not working! It’s not allowing her to do what she wants! They can’t buy their own shoes and are convinced about silbattey ki chatni. Not allowing her to use mixie or washing machine. Not assisting her, putting obstacles in the way, etc.” Someone else wrote, “Why so threatened by a film? Art is art, and anyone can make it. What’s the issue here?”
A Broader Discussion on Equality
The controversy over MRS has re-exposed the debate on equality and mutual responsibilities in contemporary relations. Supporters believe that the film defies traditional criteria and demands equity in marriage. The film emphasizes the need for support and sympathy in relationships by portraying a woman’s ordinance.
A Strong Retelling of The Great Indian Kitchen
Directed by Arati Kadav, Mrs is based on the Malayalam blockbuster The Great Indian Kitchen. The original film was widely praised for its unflinching depiction of gender disparity, and Mrs continues this tradition with a new take.
Though SIFF goes on to criticize the film, its proponents are of the opinion that Mrs effectively poses questions regarding patriarchy and inspires viewers to re-examine societal norms. The film is available on ZEE5 and has been a subject of fiery debate, leading to a much-needed discussion regarding equality in households as well as workplaces.
