Arati Kadav, the filmmaker behind Mrs, revealed that the Karwa Chauth scene in her latest film was a late addition, incorporated just 20 days before shooting began. The decision, she said, came from her contemplation of how Hindi cinema has historically depicted domestic life and marital traditions.
“I kept thinking, ‘How can we make a Hindi film about domestic life without addressing Karwa Chauth?’ Especially considering how Bollywood has glorified the ritual, turning it into something celebratory and even gender-neutral. That portrayal has always bothered me. Our films have normalized it to such an extent that it has shaped the perceptions of entire generations, making them view it as a grand romantic gesture rather than questioning its implications,” she told The Indian Express.
The pivotal scene in the film features Richa (Sanya Malhotra), a newlywed bride of Diwakar (Nishant Dahiya), experiencing her first Karwa Chauth. However, unlike the dreamy portrayals in most Bollywood films, Richa's experience is fraught with quiet resistance and discomfort. With her mother-in-law, Meena Kumar (Aparna Ghoshal), away, the responsibility of guiding Richa through the rituals falls on Diwakar’s aunt (Loveleen Mishra). While she meticulously ensures that the customs are followed to the letter, Richa’s hesitance is evident, hinting at the internal conflict between tradition and personal belief.
Kadav further elaborated on why Karwa Chauth was chosen as a symbolic representation of patriarchal expectations within the film. “First of all, in today’s climate, making overt religious statements isn’t as easy. The original film that inspired this adaptation was deeply tied to the socio-cultural realities of South India, where the narrative had its own specific context. With our adaptation, I wanted to reflect the world I grew up in—North India—where Karwa Chauth is a dominant cultural touchpoint. It is an event where expectations, obligations, and personal convictions collide in a way that felt natural and compelling for our story.”
She also addressed how the scene subverts Bollywood’s long-standing romanticization of the festival, explaining that while many mainstream films have showcased Karwa Chauth as a moment of love and devotion, Mrs presents it in a more layered and introspective manner. Instead of being a moment of dreamy longing and mutual sacrifice, it becomes a moment of quiet defiance, reflection, and personal reckoning for the protagonist.
The film, which premiered on Zee5 on February 7, features Sanya Malhotra, Nishant Dahiya, and Kanwaljit Singh in key roles. With its nuanced exploration of gender dynamics, societal expectations, and personal agency, Mrs has been widely praised for its bold storytelling and realistic depiction of Indian domestic life.
