Sanya Malhotra's latest film Mrs., which premiered on Zee5, has received widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. The film sheds light on themes of patriarchal control and domestic struggles, sparking intense discussions on social media about the challenges faced by housewives in arranged marriages.

As the debate continues, actress Kangana Ranaut weighed in on the Indian marriage system, cautioning against generalizing the concept of joint families. While she did not explicitly reference Mrs., she shared her perspective through a note on her Instagram Stories.

Kangana’s Perspective on Marriage and Family

Reflecting on her upbringing, Kangana stated, “I have never seen a woman who didn’t command her household. She decided when everyone ate, slept, and went out. She even monitored how her husband spent his money, and he complied. The only conflicts were about his boys’ outings and social drinking habits.”

She further emphasized how women took pride in cooking for their families, using it as a way to ensure hygiene and nutrition. “Whenever my father wanted us to eat outside, my mother would scold us because cooking for us brought her joy and control,” she wrote. She also highlighted how elderly family members played a crucial role as caregivers and emotional support within joint families.

Marriages and Their Purpose

Kangana asserted that marriages exist primarily to support the vulnerable—particularly children and the elderly—rather than as a means to seek attention or validation. Citing ancient scriptures, she noted that earlier generations fulfilled their responsibilities toward elders without questioning them.

She also criticized Bollywood’s portrayal of marriage, stating, “Too many Bollywood love stories have distorted the essence of marriage. In our culture, marriage always had a purpose—Dharma, which means duty. That’s all. Fulfill your duty and move on. Life is too fast and short. If you keep seeking validation, you’ll end up alone with your therapist.”

About Mrs. and Its Story

Directed by Arati Kadav, Mrs. is a Hindi adaptation of the 2021 Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen. The story follows Richa (played by Sanya Malhotra), a passionate dancer who is married into a conservative household and gradually suffocated by domestic responsibilities. As she struggles against the oppressive system, she eventually takes a stand for herself. The film also stars Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljit Singh in key roles.

Kangana’s remarks have added another dimension to the ongoing debate, fueling discussions about the evolving dynamics of marriage and gender roles in India.