The Bollywood film Mrs, starring Sanya Malhotra, delves into the reality of Indian housewives, shedding light on patriarchy—a topic that has sparked heated debates, particularly among some men.
A Film That Highlights Unseen Struggles
Mrs realistically portrays the countless domestic responsibilities that women undertake daily, often without recognition. The film has been widely appreciated for its authentic depiction of the silent battles women fight within their homes. However, not everyone is pleased with its message.
Men Label the Film as “Propaganda” and “Toxic Feminism”
Many men have taken to social media platform X to voice their discontent, claiming that the movie undermines the traditional family structure. Some argue that if their mothers and grandmothers had shared the same sentiments as the film’s protagonist, families would have collapsed long ago. They believe Mrs poses a societal threat by emphasizing women’s exhaustion and the disproportionate burden of household responsibilities.
The Flawed Comparison: Men’s Jobs vs. Housewives’ Work
Several critics have attempted to equate their professional work with that of a housewife, arguing that they, too, work long hours without complaint. However, this comparison overlooks a crucial reality—while their jobs have fixed hours, a housewife’s duties never truly end. Managing a household demands immense emotional resilience and physical endurance, which often go unacknowledged.
Why Are Men the Most Offended?
Following the movie’s release, many women have shared personal stories online, recalling how their mothers and grandmothers worked tirelessly without appreciation. Despite this, some men have dismissed the film as “toxic feminism,” reacting defensively instead of engaging with its core message.
Films like Mrs and The Great Indian Kitchen are essential in highlighting societal issues that have been normalized to the point where people refuse to see them as problems. The strong reactions from some men indicate that the movie has struck a nerve, challenging deep-seated beliefs about gender roles.
How the Internet Reacted
Many users took to X to express their opinions, both for and against the film:
- “The movie Mrs feels like pure propaganda. Can anyone name a real-life couple like the one in the film? Watch it with your mom, and you’ll understand what I mean.”
- “Men calling Mrs propaganda should try being househusbands—cooking, cleaning, managing everything—without help, gratitude, or respect. Let’s see if they still think it’s ‘easy.’”
- “Men work long hours in factories, police stations, and borders, and yet, a happy woman doing household chores is now considered ‘oppression.’”
The Larger Debate
The backlash against Mrs highlights how uncomfortable some people are with questioning traditional gender roles. The film’s message isn’t about tearing down families but about acknowledging the invisible labor that women perform daily. The defensive reactions only reinforce the need for more conversations around equality in household responsibilities.
What’s your take on the film? Have you watched it yet? Let us know in the comments.
