"Mrs." has captured the attention of many due to its stark portrayal of toxic patriarchy and the oppressive forces that suppress women's liberation. It’s a film that undeniably critiques the rigid structures of patriarchy that have always hindered women from flourishing. However, there’s a deeper layer to the movie that deserves our focus. In one particular scene, we see a seemingly simple moment that speaks volumes about the dynamics of womanhood, internalized patriarchy, and the unspoken bonds between women.
The scene occurs when Diwakar’s aunt, Nirjala (played by Loveleen Mishra), visits Richa at her new home. Nirjala is fasting, and Richa, noticing that her aunt isn’t feeling well due to blood pressure, attempts to offer help. Instead of accepting Richa’s gesture, Nirjala not only refuses but also taunts her in several ways. While this may seem like a simple exchange, it represents something far more profound when one zoom out and look at it in the context of the broader narrative.
Earlier in the film, we’re introduced to Richa, a newly married woman, who enters a household governed by its own set of rules and expectations. In a particularly understated scene, Richa is seen talking with her neighbour's daughter, Saavi (A teen school girl), and casually snacking on nuts. It’s in this domestic setting where the true complexity of the relationships within the house begins to unfold. The most unsettling character in this environment is Richa’s mother-in-law, who remains a passive figure throughout the movie.
Yet, it is during Nirjala’s visit that one can witness a poignant moment of betrayal. Nirjala, in an attempt to belittle Richa, recounts a conversation she had with Richa’s mother-in-law: "Tmhari saas bata rhi thi ki tumhe chugne ki aadat hai." (Your mother-in-law was saying that you like to nibble food.) The casual cruelty of this statement is something many Indian women will recognize—it’s a direct blow to Richa’s dignity, and more importantly, it underscores the way women, rather than supporting one another, often turn against each other.
The film subtly critiques the complex role of womanhood: how women, even though they suffer the same injustices, sometimes become complicit in perpetuating them. It’s a harsh commentary on how, instead of uplifting one another, many women—whether consciously or unconsciously—fall into the trap of passing on their own traumas to the next generation.
Aparna Ghoshal, who portrays Meena Kumar (Diwakar’s mother), brings to life a woman who, despite being a PhD scholar—a degree that speaks to her dedication and intellect—fails to show respect for her own values, dignity, and, most heartbreakingly, the values of her daughter-in-law. This dissonance reflects a painful truth: that many women, who have endured trauma themselves, pass that burden onto the next generation. It’s almost as if there’s a deeply ingrained sense of self-contentment that comes with sharing the suffering. It's like a monologue- If I had to endure this, why wouldn’t they?
This begs the question: Is one woman another woman's enemy?
The reason so many Indian women have resonated with this film is because it mirrors their own lives, where they too carry the weight of trauma passed down through generations of women. It’s a cycle that seems unbreakable, a pattern of emotional pain and suffering that feels inevitable.
However, Mrs. offers a ray of hope through Richa’s character. By the end of the film, she defies the cycle and shatters the chains of patriarchy. In a powerful moment, she shares a deeply symbolic conversation with Saavi, where she imparts the underlying message about luck—the difference between good and bad luck is not in fate, but in the choices we make and the beliefs we hold.
In this final act, Richa embodies the breaking of the cycle. She chooses to empower herself, not just by rejecting the oppressive structures around her, but also by challenging the toxic mindset passed on by those closest to her. It’s a powerful statement of liberation that, though subtle, speaks volumes about breaking free from the generational trauma and patriarchy that so many women continue to face. This moment serves as a testament to the transformative power of female solidarity and the importance of dismantling the toxic dynamics that have held women back for generations.
By shedding light on these complex issues, "Mrs." sparks a necessary conversation and controversion about the role of women in perpetuating and dismantling patriarchal norms.