Mrs Stirs Debate: Fans Defend Sanya Malhotra’s Film After Men’s Rights Group Calls It ‘Toxic Feminism'

While many viewers have praised Sanya Malhotra's starter Mrs' narrative on patriarchal oppression, a men’s rights organisation, SIFF, has strongly criticised the film, calling it “toxic.”

Sanya Malhotra’s latest film, 'Mrs', has found itself at the center of a heated online debate.

Source : Instagram/@sanyamalhotra_

Sanya Malhotra’s latest film, 'Mrs', has found itself at the center of a heated online debate. While many viewers have praised its narrative on patriarchal oppression, a men’s rights organisation, Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF), has strongly criticised the film, calling it “toxic.” Their remarks have ignited a fierce discussion, with supporters of the film countering the claims. 

SIFF’s criticism of Mrs 

SIFF took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice its disapproval, arguing that the movie unfairly portrays household chores as a form of oppression. The group highlighted that men toil for hours in various physically demanding jobs—construction sites, railway stations, factories, and even at the country’s borders. “A happy young woman cooking food, doing dishes, and pressing clothes for her father-in-law is considered oppression for her,” SIFF wrote. 

The organisation further alleged that many women assume workplaces are limited to air-conditioned office spaces and overlook female laborers working under harsh conditions. They also questioned the idea that domestic work is a source of undue stress for women, stating that men should not be expected to share household responsibilities when, in their words, “70-80% of material, clothes, furniture, and gadgets are desired and enjoyed by women.” 

Fans rally in defense of the film 

SIFF’s statements sparked an immediate backlash from fans, who accused the group of misrepresenting the film’s message. One user on X challenged SIFF’s stance, writing, “That’s such a badly written post with little to no research women do work at construction sites and stations and airports and factories and courts and police stations and restaurants and in the army while being “permitted” only if they can manage the household too. So household chores are an added responsibility apart from the work. Coz men in same roles will come home and demand round hot rotis.” 

Another questioned why the film’s portrayal of gender roles was being met with such resistance. “Why are you so threatened by a movie?? They don't impact anything in real life right??That's what we're told when we talk about movies like Arjun Reddy....art is art ; everybody is free to make art . So what's the problem guys ? also what is problematic/violent/provocative here?” 

Another user wrote, “Truth is bitter and men on social media do not have the gall to digest it.” 

“Please go to household construction sites. Women work as labourers just as much as men. I have seen their kids sleeping peacefully over the rubbles. And the one who believes that housework is easy, to cater to everyone’s needs, build a home, keeping own emotions aside, has truly never observed their parents or have been blessed to have a perfect home. But, the reality is different. And it’s not even about men vs. women. It’s about same respect to a man and a woman which apparently is too hard for some people to digest,” another comment read. 

Many defended the film’s critique of patriarchy, explaining that Mrs is not just about doing chores but about the lack of choice women face in traditional households. “It’s not about work! It’s about not letting her do what she wants to do. These men won’t get their own shoes or undergarments, and they refuse to use modern appliances because they insist on silbatta-made chutney. It’s not about household work—it’s about control,” wrote one user. 

Despite the backlash, SIFF doubled down on its criticism, labeling the film a product of “toxic feminism.” However, supporters of Mrs weren’t convinced. One fan summed up the debate, tweeting, “Why is this even an argument? Share outside work, share household work—that’s it.” Another remarked, “Men on social media can’t handle the truth because it’s uncomfortable.” 

About Mrs 

Directed by Arati Kadav, Mrs is an adaptation of the acclaimed Malayalam film ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’ (2021), originally helmed by Jeo Baby. Starring Sanya Malhotra alongside Kanwaljit Singh, the movie is currently streaming on ZEE5.