The audience always craves fresh content and an engaging plot in a movie. Since there is enough of it in the OTT world, the competition is quite a tough one. Especially, in the genre of a thriller film. Many films that fall under this category fail to engage the audience with a lost plot or weak characters, however, Mrs Undercover has impressed us in both categories. The film stars Radhika Apte in the lead role and is directed by Anushree Mehta. Now, even though the film opens by introducing to you the antagonist, a serial killer played by Sumeet Vyas, Mrs Undercover has many elements throughout that make it worth watching.
Radhika Apte plays Durga, a housewife, and is also a Special Force undercover agent. Mrs Undercover is set in the beautiful city of Kolkata, West Bengal. Sumeet Vyas plays a serial killer who has some serious problems with progressive and independent ladies. The film opens by showing a brutal murder by the antagonist and gradually moves forward to show how the Special Force is desperate to find him. Since he is just a common man, the task is not an easy one! And it is then that the Special Force discovers Durga who has been their undercover agent for 10 long years, but alas, was never given a chance to showcase her expertise!
Durga was given the cover of a housewife and for ten years, she was assigned no mission and so naturally, her skills as a housewife had sharpened more than that of an agent. This constant struggle of Durga becomes the best element in the film. It also gives rise to many funny moments and hilarious punch lines by Radhika Apte’s character. Mrs Undercover further progresses to show how Durga first needs a lot of convincing to take up the mission of finding the “Common Man” but when agrees to it, her duties as a housewife always become the priority. Aadat hai, kaise jaegi jaldi! Also, Rajesh Sharma plays the Chief of the Special force.
Before the interval, there is a drastic change in Durga’s life which makes the second half of the film even more engaging. Radhika Apte plays more of her character as an undercover. The second half of the film is fast-paced and has comparatively more thrilling moments too. This was also because Durga comes into action! The film also showcases the misogynistic mentality that still persists in society and gives quite a cliche but impactful ending, but is it ending, really? Btw, the ending also reminds you of movies like Kahaani and Mardaani because of a faint resemblance.
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Good Aspects!
Radhika Apte as Durga is brilliant, and effortless and shines throughout the film. The switch between her characters as a housewife and an undercover agent is smooth and convincing. There is not a single moment in the movie where the audience might feel bored or deviated and that is also because of the perfect duration of the film. It does not feel stretched at any point. The action sequences by Radhika Apte make for some whistle-blowing scenes. Sumeet Vyas, as the misogynistic serial killer has done a good job. His character will actually make you furious. The regressive mindset that still exists in some men against independent women has been perfectly shown through his character.
Another supporting character that I liked was Durga’s mother-in-law played by Laboni Sarkar. She represents all those progressive women of Bengal. She is a delight to watch on screen and makes a strong impact with her brief role. Mrs Undercover also strives to make the point that a woman is not “Just A Housewife” and is more than what she is credited for. This message comes across well in the film. The fact that a woman who adapts to the role of a housewife finds herself struggling when it comes to realising her own potential is shown in the form of some comic scenes and dialogues, but, leaves you with a hard-hitting thought!
Weak Point!
The ending of Mrs Undercover was a little underwhelming. It feels nothing new actually, and as I mentioned earlier, it will remind you of other women-centric films too!
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Well, there is a surprise at the end of Mrs Undercover, not just for Durga but also for the audience. I recommend you to watch this film because Radhika Apte is one fine actor and she has proved it again! Mrs Undercover releases on April 14, on Zee 5.