Mrs. director Arati Kadav on the leaking pipeline scene, “It’s a metaphor for patriarchy. That it is an old problem, the whole pipeline needs to be changed” : Bollywood News

Filmmaker Arati Kadav has taken on the challenging task of remaking Jeo Baby’s critically acclaimed Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen with her Hindi adaptation, Mrs. The film, starring Sanya Malhotra as Richa, delves into the suffocating reality of traditional gender roles and domestic labor.

Mrs. director Arati Kadav on the leaking pipeline scene, “It’s a metaphor for patriarchy. That it is an old problem, the whole pipeline needs to be changed”

A story rooted in women’s experiences
Mrs follows Richa, an aspiring dancer trapped in an unending cycle of household chores after her arranged marriage. Kadav, known for her work in the sci-fi genre with Cargo, infuses the film with personal experiences and nuanced storytelling, ensuring that it remains relevant to contemporary audiences while staying true to its feminist core.

Keeping the essence while adding a personal touch
In an interview with PTI (Press Trust of India), Kadav acknowledges the responsibility of remaking such a powerful story. She likens adapting the original film to treating it as a book—preserving its core message while incorporating her own insights. “People love The Great Indian Kitchen for its treatment, but as a director, you have to bring your own voice. It’s a risk, but I felt it had to be done,” she said in an interview with PTI.

Symbolism and subtext: The power of the leaking pipeline
One of the most striking symbols retained in Mrs is the leaking kitchen pipeline, a metaphor for patriarchy. She said, “This film is not about text but subtexts... The leaking kitchen pipeline in the film is a metaphor for patriarchy. That it is an old problem, the whole pipeline needs to be changed. I added many silences in the film because it's a very lonely journey for many women. They are experts in not speaking up their mind. I wanted to show and not tell about the emotions she goes through.”

Personal memories weaved into fiction
The filmmaker drew from her own experiences and those of other women to craft authentic moments in Mrs. One such scene, where Richa faces criticism for tasting food while cooking, is based on Kadav’s personal memory. These small yet powerful details bring layers of realism and relatability to the film.

Also Read: Mrs. producer Harman Baweja reacts to SIFF claims about boycotting Sanya Malhotra as they say, “What stress does a woman feel, while chopping vegetables and cooking food on a gas stove or doing dishes wearing gloves?”