Mrs. director Arati Kadav criticizes Bollywood for ‘glorifying’ Karwa Chauth and making it ‘gender-neutral’: ‘That portrayal bothers me’

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Arati Kadav’s film, titled “Mrs.,” has captivated viewers with its raw portrayal of a woman’s experiences in marriage, confronting societal pressures within a fresh family dynamic. This reimagining of Jeo Baby’s Malayalam blockbuster, The Great Indian Kitchen, has garnered acclaim for its profound storyline and the intense acting skills displayed by Sanya Malhotra. Lately, the director has voiced her opinions regarding the Karwa Chauth scene in the movie, expressing worries about Bollywood’s tendency to over-romanticize this tradition and present it in a manner that obscures its inherently gendered nature. This representation, she believes, is concerning.

In a chat with Indian Express, Arati Kadav explained that the Karwa Chauth scene in Mrs. was added at the very end, only 20 days before shooting started. She believed that portraying household life in a Hindi film without mentioning this commonly observed ritual would be challenging, especially since Bollywood has often glamorized it throughout its history.

Instead of grounding its criticism in South Indian traditions as seen in the original Malayalam movie, Kadav aimed to portray the authentic experiences found in North India, where Karwa Chauth carries great cultural importance.

Additionally, she voiced her worries about how Bollywood has elevated the traditional practice into a lavish spectacle, describing it as festive and gender-inclusive. However, this representation is troubling for her. She stated that our movies have made it so commonplace that it has shaped the mindsets of multiple generations.

Arati also pointed out that movies significantly influence cultural values, and she raised concerns about Bollywood’s persistent portrayal of Karwa Chauth as a romantic tradition. She wondered about the predicament faced by women who don’t want to participate in the fast but feel pressured due to societal standards perpetuated by years of on-screen glamorization.

As a devoted admirer, I’ve always strived to reshape the tale in a quiet but impactful manner, rather than resorting to boisterous defiance. The refined scene, while less explosive compared to the initial passionate script, is crafted with the hope that its understated depth will ignite contemplation and inspire viewers to reevaluate deeply rooted customs.

In the movie, Richa (Sanya Malhotra), a recent bride, finds herself reluctantly participating in her first Karwa Chauth ceremony under the watchful eye of her husband’s aunt (Loveleen Mishra). Since her mother-in-law is absent, this is her only option. The tradition demands that she follow the rituals, which underscores some of the film’s central themes: societal pressures and personal freedom.

This movie explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the quiet battles faced by women seeking to express themselves within a patriarchal society. Originally based on the critically acclaimed Malayalam film “The Great Indian Kitchen,” it tells the story of Richa, a budding dancer who must adapt to traditional norms after marriage. The film has been streaming on ZEE5 since February 7 and features Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljit Singh in significant roles.

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2025-03-07 16:26