Actor Sanya Malhotra has addressed the backlash against her film Mrs, which has been slammed by men’s rights groups like Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF) for allegedly pushing a “toxic feminist” narrative. Speaking at CNN-News18’s SheShakti 2025, Sanya said the criticism only proves that the film has touched a nerve by portraying uncomfortable truths.

Sanya’s take on the controversy

Sanya explained that the film doesn’t villainise household duties but highlights the lack of appreciation and freedom women often face. “Problem yeh nahi hai ke khana nahin bana chahti hai. Woh khana bana rahi thi. Woh to saja ke bhi de rahi hai, with zero appreciation from the family. The problem arose when she wanted to do something, and she showed that family that I am capable of doing ghar ka kaam, and I want to go out and do something that I love to do. Aur woh usko karne nahin diya jaa raha, woh freedom nahin diya jaa rahi,” she said.

The Dangal star added that the message had reached the right audience. “Jinke paas story pahunchni thi wahan pahunch chuki hai.”

Men’s rights groups vs Mrs

Following its release in February, SIFF had accused the film of spreading “toxic feminism.” In posts on X (formerly Twitter), the organisation argued that men toil for long hours in construction sites, factories, railway stations, airports, and borders, but a woman cooking and doing household chores is branded as “oppression.”

The group also claimed that women see only comfortable, air-conditioned offices as “real work,” dismissing manual labour as a workplace. It further stated men should not split housework equally, alleging most household goods are bought and enjoyed by women. The remarks drew mixed reactions, with several social media users defending the film’s premise.

About Mrs

Directed by Arati Kadav, Mrs is the Hindi adaptation of the acclaimed Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen. The story follows a talented dancer (played by Sanya Malhotra) whose life changes after marriage into a conservative household, shedding light on gender inequality inside homes.

The film, also starring Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljit Singh, premiered on Zee5 on February 7. It has been praised for its strong narrative, emotional depth, and Sanya’s performance.