Mr & Mrs Movie Review: A Bold but Messy Take on Marriage and Midlife Choices
Mr & Mrs, a Tamil romantic comedy-drama released on July 11, 2025, marks the directorial debut of Vanitha Vijayakumar, who also stars as the lead alongside choreographer-turned-actor Robert Raj and cult favorite Shakeela. Produced by Vanitha’s daughter, Jovika Vijaykumar, under an independent banner, this 141-minute film attempts to blend adult humor, romance, and social commentary on marriage, motherhood, and personal freedom. With a screenplay penned by Vanitha herself, Mr & Mrs tackles bold themes but falters due to sloppy execution, an uneven tone, and a lack of narrative cohesion. Despite its ambitious intent and moments of heartfelt drama, the film struggles to rise above its flaws, making it a polarizing watch. Here’s an in-depth look at this daring yet uneven cinematic effort.
The plot centers on Vidhya Arun (Vanitha Vijayakumar), a woman in her 40s grappling with societal expectations and personal desires. After a failed marriage, Vidhya is at a crossroads, torn between remarrying and starting a family or pursuing her independence. She meets Anand (Robert Raj), a charming but commitment-averse divorcee, and their unconventional romance unfolds against the backdrop of familial pressures and personal insecurities. Shakeela plays Vidhya’s confidante, a bold, unapologetic woman who encourages her to defy norms. The narrative explores Vidhya’s emotional conflicts, societal judgment, and her quest for self-discovery, with subplots involving her overbearing family and Anand’s past. The film aims to subvert traditional Tamil cinema tropes by addressing midlife romance and women’s autonomy but often stumbles into melodrama and cliché.
Vanitha Vijayakumar delivers a sincere performance as Vidhya, bringing emotional depth to a character navigating vulnerability and defiance. Her portrayal shines in quieter moments, particularly in scenes depicting Vidhya’s frustration with societal double standards. However, her performance is occasionally undermined by the film’s inconsistent tone, which swings between slapstick comedy and heavy drama. Robert Raj, as Anand, brings charisma but struggles with the script’s lack of depth, making his character feel one-dimensional. Shakeela’s return to the screen is a nostalgic highlight, her bold and brassy persona injecting energy into otherwise lackluster scenes. Supporting actors like Arthi Ganesh and Sriman Reddy add moments of humor, but their roles are underdeveloped, leaving little impact. The ensemble’s chemistry feels forced at times, reflecting the film’s struggle to balance its ambitious ensemble.
Director Vanitha Vijayakumar shows courage in tackling unconventional themes, a rarity in Tamil cinema’s often conservative romantic genre. The film’s attempt to explore midlife crises, societal pressures on women, and the stigma of divorce is commendable, particularly in its portrayal of Vidhya as a woman reclaiming her agency. Rajapandi T’s cinematography captures Chennai’s urban vibrancy with warm, inviting visuals, and Srikanth Deva’s music, including a catchy romantic track, adds emotional texture to key scenes. However, the screenplay is a significant weak point, criticized by outlets like Times of India for its “sloppy filmmaking” and inability to salvage bold choices. The narrative feels disjointed, with subplots—such as Vidhya’s family dynamics and Anand’s ex-wife—introduced but never fully explored, leading to a cluttered story that loses focus.
Thematically, Mr & Mrs aims to challenge patriarchal norms, particularly around women’s roles in marriage and motherhood. Vidhya’s journey questions societal expectations that women prioritize family over personal aspirations, and her interactions with Shakeela’s character highlight the importance of female solidarity. However, these themes are undercut by heavy-handed dialogue and predictable plot devices, such as a contrived misunderstanding that separates the leads. The film’s attempt at adult comedy, a bold departure for Tamil cinema, often feels misguided, with crude humor that clashes with its serious undertones. Reviews, including one from Indian Community, praise its ambition but note its failure to maintain emotional depth, with the second half devolving into melodramatic tropes that dilute its feminist message.
The film’s pacing is another hurdle, with a runtime of 2 hours and 21 minutes feeling overstretched due to repetitive scenes and a sluggish second half. The editing fails to maintain momentum, particularly after the interval, where the narrative meanders through unnecessary comedic detours. Critics note that the film’s attempt to blend genres—romance, comedy, and drama—results in tonal whiplash, with heartfelt moments interrupted by jarring humor. For instance, a scene addressing Vidhya’s fertility struggles is followed by an awkward comedic sequence, undermining its emotional weight. The climax, while aiming for catharsis, feels rushed and overly sentimental, resolving conflicts without earning the payoff.
Box office reports indicate a modest opening, with Mr & Mrs earning limited traction against bigger releases like Superman. Polarized opinions: some viewers appreciate Vanitha’s bold vision and Shakeela’s nostalgic appeal, rating it as high as 3/5 for its intent, while others call it a “messy misfire,” giving it 1.5/5 for its lack of coherence. The consensus is that the film’s heart is in the right place, but its execution falls flat, making it a frustrating watch for audiences expecting a polished rom-com.
Despite its shortcomings, Mr & Mrs has moments of charm. Vanitha’s earnest performance and the film’s vibrant visuals create pockets of engagement, and its willingness to tackle taboo topics like midlife romance and women’s autonomy is refreshing. However, its sloppy screenplay, tonal inconsistencies, and reliance on outdated tropes prevent it from resonating deeply. For fans of Vanitha Vijayakumar or those curious about unconventional Tamil dramas, it’s a one-time watch, best enjoyed for its bold ideas and nostalgic cameos. General audiences, however, may find it a patience-tester due to its narrative flaws.
Rating: 2/5
Mr & Mrs, a Tamil romantic comedy-drama released on July 11, 2025, marks the directorial debut of Vanitha Vijayakumar, who also stars as the lead alongside choreographer-turned-actor Robert Raj and cult favorite Shakeela. Produced by Vanitha’s daughter, Jovika Vijaykumar, under an independent banner, this 141-minute film attempts to blend adult humor, romance, and social commentary on marriage, motherhood, and personal freedom. With a screenplay penned by Vanitha herself, Mr & Mrs tackles bold themes but falters due to sloppy execution, an uneven tone, and a lack of narrative cohesion. Despite its ambitious intent and moments of heartfelt drama, the film struggles to rise above its flaws, making it a polarizing watch. Here’s an in-depth look at this daring yet uneven cinematic effort.
The plot centers on Vidhya Arun (Vanitha Vijayakumar), a woman in her 40s grappling with societal expectations and personal desires. After a failed marriage, Vidhya is at a crossroads, torn between remarrying and starting a family or pursuing her independence. She meets Anand (Robert Raj), a charming but commitment-averse divorcee, and their unconventional romance unfolds against the backdrop of familial pressures and personal insecurities. Shakeela plays Vidhya’s confidante, a bold, unapologetic woman who encourages her to defy norms. The narrative explores Vidhya’s emotional conflicts, societal judgment, and her quest for self-discovery, with subplots involving her overbearing family and Anand’s past. The film aims to subvert traditional Tamil cinema tropes by addressing midlife romance and women’s autonomy but often stumbles into melodrama and cliché.
Vanitha Vijayakumar delivers a sincere performance as Vidhya, bringing emotional depth to a character navigating vulnerability and defiance. Her portrayal shines in quieter moments, particularly in scenes depicting Vidhya’s frustration with societal double standards. However, her performance is occasionally undermined by the film’s inconsistent tone, which swings between slapstick comedy and heavy drama. Robert Raj, as Anand, brings charisma but struggles with the script’s lack of depth, making his character feel one-dimensional. Shakeela’s return to the screen is a nostalgic highlight, her bold and brassy persona injecting energy into otherwise lackluster scenes. Supporting actors like Arthi Ganesh and Sriman Reddy add moments of humor, but their roles are underdeveloped, leaving little impact. The ensemble’s chemistry feels forced at times, reflecting the film’s struggle to balance its ambitious ensemble.
Director Vanitha Vijayakumar shows courage in tackling unconventional themes, a rarity in Tamil cinema’s often conservative romantic genre. The film’s attempt to explore midlife crises, societal pressures on women, and the stigma of divorce is commendable, particularly in its portrayal of Vidhya as a woman reclaiming her agency. Rajapandi T’s cinematography captures Chennai’s urban vibrancy with warm, inviting visuals, and Srikanth Deva’s music, including a catchy romantic track, adds emotional texture to key scenes. However, the screenplay is a significant weak point, criticized by outlets like Times of India for its “sloppy filmmaking” and inability to salvage bold choices. The narrative feels disjointed, with subplots—such as Vidhya’s family dynamics and Anand’s ex-wife—introduced but never fully explored, leading to a cluttered story that loses focus.
Thematically, Mr & Mrs aims to challenge patriarchal norms, particularly around women’s roles in marriage and motherhood. Vidhya’s journey questions societal expectations that women prioritize family over personal aspirations, and her interactions with Shakeela’s character highlight the importance of female solidarity. However, these themes are undercut by heavy-handed dialogue and predictable plot devices, such as a contrived misunderstanding that separates the leads. The film’s attempt at adult comedy, a bold departure for Tamil cinema, often feels misguided, with crude humor that clashes with its serious undertones. Reviews, including one from Indian Community, praise its ambition but note its failure to maintain emotional depth, with the second half devolving into melodramatic tropes that dilute its feminist message.
The film’s pacing is another hurdle, with a runtime of 2 hours and 21 minutes feeling overstretched due to repetitive scenes and a sluggish second half. The editing fails to maintain momentum, particularly after the interval, where the narrative meanders through unnecessary comedic detours. Critics note that the film’s attempt to blend genres—romance, comedy, and drama—results in tonal whiplash, with heartfelt moments interrupted by jarring humor. For instance, a scene addressing Vidhya’s fertility struggles is followed by an awkward comedic sequence, undermining its emotional weight. The climax, while aiming for catharsis, feels rushed and overly sentimental, resolving conflicts without earning the payoff.
Box office reports indicate a modest opening, with Mr & Mrs earning limited traction against bigger releases like Superman. Polarized opinions: some viewers appreciate Vanitha’s bold vision and Shakeela’s nostalgic appeal, rating it as high as 3/5 for its intent, while others call it a “messy misfire,” giving it 1.5/5 for its lack of coherence. The consensus is that the film’s heart is in the right place, but its execution falls flat, making it a frustrating watch for audiences expecting a polished rom-com.
Despite its shortcomings, Mr & Mrs has moments of charm. Vanitha’s earnest performance and the film’s vibrant visuals create pockets of engagement, and its willingness to tackle taboo topics like midlife romance and women’s autonomy is refreshing. However, its sloppy screenplay, tonal inconsistencies, and reliance on outdated tropes prevent it from resonating deeply. For fans of Vanitha Vijayakumar or those curious about unconventional Tamil dramas, it’s a one-time watch, best enjoyed for its bold ideas and nostalgic cameos. General audiences, however, may find it a patience-tester due to its narrative flaws.
Rating: 2/5