ZEE5 celebrates the outstanding success of its latest film, Mrs., which has achieved the platform's biggest opening weekend ever, racking up 150 million streaming minutes. Starring Sanya Malhotra, this Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen explores the nuances of marriage, societal expectations, and the persistent gender disparities faced by women.
Premiering on February 7, 2025, Mrs. has struck a chord with audiences across India since its debut. Its compelling narrative has translated seamlessly to exceptional viewership figures, with the film quickly becoming the most searched-for movie on ZEE5. Notably, it has garnered high marks from viewers, boasting impressive ratings of 4.6 out of 5 on Google and 7.3 on IMDb.
The film, directed by Arati Kadav and produced by Jio Studios and Baweja Studios, features Malhotra as the lead character, conveying the story of an Indian housewife whose life dramatically shifts after marrying someone from a traditional household. Supporting cast members include Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljeet Singh, all of whom deliver poignant performances amid the backdrop of cultural expectations.
The underlying themes of Mrs. resonate deeply with many, evident from the discussions sparked among women across social media platforms. One Reddit user expressed their opinion: “Why did no one tell me this movie was horror? Shit sent me to spiral halfway down, had to close my laptop.” Another shared, “I'm scared to even watch the trailer. I was married to a family like this. Bas pura din khane ke baare mein socho (They thought of food all day).” This speaks volumes about the reality depicted on screen, as so many relate to the struggles portrayed.
Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly passionate, with comments highlighting raw emotions tied to the film's depiction of marriage dynamics. “I was so angry the whole time at them like, 'I am gonna slap some shit out of these men and the women who just agree and accept,'” one viewer remarked, showcasing how deeply the film struck home for many.
The jury from the industry has also praised Mrs., as seen from notable filmmakers such as Gajraj Rao, Vikramaditya Motwane, and celebrated actors like Ali Fazal and Radhika Madan. They laud the film's refreshing narrative and powerful execution, reinforcing the notion of culturally rich storytelling.
Shresth Gupta, Vice President of Marketing for ZEE5, remarked, “The phenomenal response to Mrs. reaffirms ZEE5’s commitment to storytelling...offering a fresh, empowering perspective.” Arati Kadav echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the extraordinary collaborative effort: “Working on Mrs. has been an extraordinary feat...I am grateful to my producer Harman Baweja.”
Sanya Malhotra shared her own excitement, saying, “It’s incredibly heartwarming to see how audiences have embraced Mrs. This film holds a special place in my heart.” Her emotional connection reflects the broader intent of the film, which aims to challenge long-held stereotypes within Indian society.
With Mrs., ZEE5 reinforces its dedication to filmography featuring strong, female-led narratives. The film is available for streaming on the ZEE5 app, allowing global audiences to engage with the stories crafted by these talented filmmakers.
Overall, Mrs. stands as not just another film but as a heartfelt statement about resilience, identity, and the need for societal change, making it one of the most significant cinematic releases of 2025.