The responsibility associated with adapting a critically acclaimed film is substantial. Nevertheless, an alternative perspective exists. Filmmaker Arati Kadav suggests that this endeavour presents an opportunity to incorporate additional real-life experiences into the narrative, thereby enhancing its relatability for a broader audience. This was the approach she took with Mrs, the official remake of the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen (2021).

Arati Kadav's perspective on storytelling

In a discussion with Mid Day, Kadav expressed her belief that storytelling fundamentally revolves around an individual's authentic and unfiltered experiences. The filmmaker moved her film, featuring Sanya Malhotra, to the outskirts of Delhi, contrasting with the original version that was set in Kerala and starred Nimisha Sajayan. This change in location also led to a transformation in the character of events. To enrich the film's narrative, the filmmaker engaged with working women, young girls, and stay-at-home mothers, drawing inspiration from their stories. Rather than meticulously rewriting the script, she infused new nuances into the narrative.

Kadav disclosed to the tabloid that she engaged in discussions with women who were redefining their identities while balancing professional and familial obligations. By moving beyond mere narration, she was able to explore the cultural nuances and hidden challenges of this area more deeply. According to her, Mrs. provides a distinctive and personal insight into the lives of individuals that are often neglected, a perspective she has cultivated through her previous work on Cargo (2019).

Universal themes explored through cultural specificity

Although women encounter unique experiences, Kadav discovers in the ZEE5 film, which also stars Kanwaljit Singh and Nishant Dahiya, that there are shared challenges. She emphasized that the unrecognized labor, silent resilience, and the need to maintain balance connect women from all backgrounds. The filmmaker wove these common themes throughout the narrative. This culturally distinctive cinema aims to portray these universal realities.

ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) is yet to announce the premiere date of Mrs. On the other hand, The Great Indian Kitchen is available to stream on Prime Video.

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