‘Richa’s story is the story of so many women—often unseen, yet deeply felt,’ says Arati Kadav

Director Arati Kadav has always been drawn to stories that explore deep, thought-provoking themes. With her latest film Mrs., she delves into the nuances of a patriarchal family and the quiet struggles of women who often sacrifice their dreams for societal expectations. Starring Sanya Malhotra in the lead role, Mrs. presents a poignant coming-of-age journey of a young woman realizing the limitations imposed on her by the world around her.
For Kadav, this film is deeply personal. She reveals that the inspiration stemmed from her own observations of the women in her life—her mother, aunts, friends, and cousins—who all, in some way, had to suppress their ambitions in the face of household responsibilities. “This was the first time I was truly noticing the lives of the women around me,” she explains. “I wanted to bring those lived-in, unique, and meaningful moments to the film, making it as real and accessible as possible.”
At the heart of Mrs. is Richa, played by Sanya Malhotra, a young woman full of enthusiasm and hope for the future, only to realize that there is little room for her own identity and dreams in the new world she steps into after marriage. Kadav describes the film as Richa’s coming-of-age story, capturing her transition from youthful optimism to a deeper understanding of the structures that confine her.
When it came to casting the lead role, Kadav found the perfect match in Sanya Malhotra. She recalls how producer Harman Baweja had first spoken to Malhotra about the film, and from their very first meeting, the actor’s simplicity, energy, and deep empathy left a lasting impression. “The film really spoke to her, and that showed in the way she committed herself to the character,” Kadav shares. “Her passion for dance even found its way into the screenplay, and she helped me understand how urgent and important this story was for girls younger than me.”
Malhotra’s dedication to the role was evident in her approach—she kept detailed notes for every scene, almost like a diary entry, and brought a diligence that inspired the entire team. “She was a dream actress to work with, and her presence elevated the game for everyone involved,” Kadav adds.
One of the most striking aspects of Mrs. is how authentically it portrays the intricacies of family relationships within a patriarchal setup. Kadav was deeply invested in ensuring that these dynamics were depicted with honesty and respect. She wanted to highlight the invisible labor of women—the countless small responsibilities they manage daily, often without acknowledgment.
“Women in families have seen generations grow up; they have a wisdom that the world doesn’t always credit them for,” Kadav reflects. She drew from her own experiences in a large joint family, where she spent summers observing the interpersonal relationships, eccentricities, and unspoken rules that governed household life.
She also paid close attention to the subtle, often unspoken ways women navigate their realities. For instance, a seemingly small detail—Richa tasting food while cooking—was intentionally included to make her character feel real and imperfect. Another example is a line spoken by Richa’s mother: “Adjust for now, and then gradually ask for a cook.” Kadav explains that this reflects how many women are conditioned to negotiate their needs gradually, rather than asking for what they want directly. “They feel compelled to first win trust and appreciation, having mastered the art of patience over time,” she says.
Ultimately, while Mrs. touches on broader societal issues, Kadav emphasizes that it is, at its core, Richa’s personal story. “For a film to emotionally connect, it has to be about this one girl, her journey, and her truth,” she says. And through Richa’s story, Mrs. hopes to give voice to the countless women who have lived similar lives—often unseen, yet deeply felt.