Mrs. breaks viewership records on ZEE5 while breaking patriarchal stereotypes

Directed by Arati Kadav, Mrs. stars Sanya Malhotra, Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljeet Singh.

February 28, 2025 - 1:01 PM IST

Filmmaker Arati Kadav’s Mrs. started streaming on February 7 on ZEE5. An adaptation of the iconic Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, the film stars Sanya Malhotra, Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljeet Singh. The film is not only lauded for its message but has also achieved new benchmarks on the platform.

Mrs. breaks viewership records on ZEE5 while breaking patriarchal stereotypes

Viewership records:

Mrs. achieved ZEE5’s highest opening ever. It has clocked a cumulative of 400 million+ streaming minutes ever since its premiere. It is the best performing and highest grossing film on the platform, with sustained engagement even weeks after its release. The film has also been the most searched movie during its release window and continues to trend across social platforms. Also, with a Google user rating of 4.6/5, the film’s positive reception underscores its strong emotional and social impact.

Endorsements from known names:

Mrs. has been applauded by a number of film celebrities, including Tahira Kashyap, Saqib Saleem, Radhika Madan, Ali Fazal, Gajraj Rao, Vikramaditya Motwane, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Mallika Dua, Shweta Tripathi. Its special screening was attended by the likes of director Siddharth Anand, actors Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Sunny Kaushal, Radhika Madan, Shweta Tripathi, Sikandar Kher, Vihaan Samat, Shibani Bedi, Abhimanyu Dassani and Amol Parashar.

Challenging patriarchy:

Mrs. challenges deep-seated societal norms by shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles of women within marriages. The film has sparked debates around marital expectations, unpaid domestic labor, and agency in relationships, with audiences relating to its raw and honest portrayal. Critics have praised Sanya Malhotra’s performance and Arati Kadav’s direction, calling it a refreshing and much needed take on contemporary gender dynamics.

What the success of Mrs. mean for OTT:

The success of Mrs. reaffirms the audience’s appetite for meaningful, socially relevant cinema on streaming platforms. The film’s impact highlights the evolving landscape of OTT storytelling, where authentic, issue-driven content is resonating more than ever. ZEE5 remains committed to championing thought-provoking narratives that challenge the status quo and drive important conversations.

What ZEE5 says:

Speaking on the success of Mrs., the spokesperson from ZEE5 said, “At ZEE5, we believe in the power of storytelling to spark meaningful conversations. The overwhelming response to Mrs. is a testament to how beautifully the film tackles complex themes like societal gender norms and the real-life struggles of women, striking a chord with audiences. This film is not just entertainment—it’s a conversation starter, a reflection of evolving perspectives, and an important step towards content that empowers and inspires.”

Also Read: Mrs. director Arati Kadav on Sanya Malhotra, “If I could, I would work with her in every film”