Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway explained

Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway
Director:Ashima Chibber
Producer:Monisha Advani
Madhu Bhojwani
Nikkhil Advani
Starring:Rani Mukerji
Anirban Bhattacharya
Neena Gupta
Jim Sarbh
Music:Songs:
Amit Trivedi
Background Score:
Hitesh Sonik
Cinematography:Alvar Kõue
Editing:Namrata Rao
Studio:Emmay Entertainment
Zee Studios
Distributor:Zee Studios
Runtime:144 minutes[1]
Country:India
Language:Hindi
Budget:29 crore[2]
Gross:36.53 crore[3]

Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language legal drama film written and directed by Ashima Chibber starring Rani Mukerji, Anirban Bhattacharya, Neena Gupta, and Jim Sarbh.[4] The film is inspired by the real-life story of Anurup Bhattacharya and Sagarika Chakraborty, an Indian couple whose children were taken away by Norwegian authorities in 2011.[5] [6]

The film was theatrically released worldwide on 17 March 2023.[7] Mukerji's performance won her the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress.[8]

Plot

The film follows Debika, who lives in Stavanger with her husband Aniruddha, son Shubh and five month old daughter Suchi. Two Norwegian Child Welfare Services employees visit them regularly before taking Shubh and Suchi during the last visit. The Chatterjees are told that they are unfit to hold custody of their children, so Debika decides to win back custody of her children.Some of the charges levied against her are that the children co-sleep with the parents, they are hand-fed and the mother is mentally unstable and unfit to parent the children. Soon Debika learns that the child welfare service is a scam to extort immigrants. She learns of the children's foster location and takes them away to Sweden but is soon caught at the border. How she overcomes legal hurdles and reunites with her children while dealing with her pathetic husband, forms the rest of the story.

Production

Development

Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway is the first Indian film to be shot in Estonia. The film was announced by Rani Mukerji in March 2021.[9]

The film also marks the Hindi film debut of the Bengali actor Anirban Bhattacharya.

The movie is inspired by the real story of Sagarika Chakraborty and her husband, an Indian couple living in Norway whose children were taken away by the Norwegian Child Welfare Services, who had objections against parenting habits that are considered typical in Indian culture.[10] [11]

Filming

Principal photography began in August 2021.[12] The first production schedule took place in Estonia and was completed by 21 September 2021.[13] The film was wrapped up on 18 October 2021.[14] [15]

Release

Theatrical

The film was theatrically released on 17 March 2023.[16]

Music

Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway
Type:soundtrack
Artist:Amit Trivedi
Released:2 March 2023[17]
Genre:Feature film soundtrack
Length:10:50
Language:Hindi
Label:Zee Music Company
Prev Title:Uunchai
Prev Year:2022
Year:2023
Next Title:Ghoomer
Next Year:2023

The music of the film is composed by Amit Trivedi. Lyrics are written by Kausar Munir.[17]

Reception

Critical reception

Zinia Bandyopadhyay of India Today gave the film 3.5 stars out of five and said, "The best thing about the film is, undoubtedly, Rani Mukerji’s performance. It is not a light watch, but something that is compelling and emotional. However, by the end, the film feels a bit stretched."[18] Bollywood Hungama gave the film 3 stars out of five and said, "It is a hard-hitting drama and is laced with the career-best performance of Rani Mukerji."[19] Monika Rawal of Hindustan Times said, "It remains a true-to-heart account of a gut-wreching story of a mother, but there are so many layers you wish the director dug deeper and explored with the main character."[20]

Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com said, "Instead of feeling her desperation, despair or extreme acts stemming from a mother's primal need to protect her brood, what comes through is hollow theatrics."[21] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave the film 1.5 stars out of five and said, "It is an overheated affair that sucks the air out of an intrinsically moving story that deserved infinitely better."[22] Udita Jhunjhunwala from Mint Lounge said, "It was hard to root for the Chatterjees in a film that has greater recall as a tear-soaked Bollywood drama than a recreation of a real life human-interest story."[23]

Box office

The film collected crore on its opening day with releasing on 500 screens.[24] The collections saw a 77.95% jump on the second day with the film collecting . On the third day it earned taking its first weekend collection to . As of 20 April 2023, the film has grossed ₹36.53 crore worldwide with grossing 745K Norwegian Krones over the weekend, the film has become the highest grossing Bollywood film in Norway.[25] It later became the most-watched South Asian film in Norway with 8356 admits.[26]

Response from Norwegian authorities

The Norwegian Embassy in India issued a statement before the release of film:

They further wrote that they ″sympathize with the affected families, particularly the children. For those involved, there is no denying that the such experiences are difficult.″[27]

Following the release of the film, Norwegian Ambassador Hans Jacob Frydenlund criticized the film, stating that "it incorrectly depicts Norway’s belief in family life and our respect for different cultures."[28] This was countered by Sagarika Chakraborty who condemned the statements made by him adding, "When the whole world can see the bond between me and my kids, the Norwegian Government continues to spread lies about her without even knowing her story". She also said that she's getting a lot of love from all over the world and people want to come and meet her after the film. Sagarika said that the Indian Government has helped her immensely.[29] In an op-ed piece in the Indian Express, she specifically referred to the issues surrounding children sharing the bed and being fed.[30]

Jone Skjelbred, Municipal Manager for children, young people and families in Stavanger municipality said that ″they do not want to comment on the case because none of the people who have worked on this case work for them anymore. As a result, they do not have enough knowledge of the matter.″ Gunnar Toresen, who was head of child protection in Stavanger municipality in 2011, said, ″This is not the story as it happened, but the film probably reflects the violent feelings that the case triggered in the family and in India.″[31]

Accolades

!Award!Ceremony date!Category!Recipients!Result!Ref.
Filmfare Awards28 January 2024Best ActressRani Mukerji[32]
Best Actress (Critics)
Zee Cine Awards10 March 2024Zee Cine Award for Best Actor – Female
Zee Cine Critics Award for Best Actor – Female

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. 12 March 2022. British Board of Film Classification. 12 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312055632/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdexnzaw. live.
  2. Web site: Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway - Movie - Box Office India. boxofficeindia.com. 21 July 2023. 21 July 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230721221502/https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=6223. live.
  3. Web site: Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway Box Office. 21 March 2023. Bollywood Hungama. 17 March 2023. 20 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230320175856/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway/box-office/. live.
  4. Web site: Birthday Girl Rani Mukerji on her next Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway and not being typecast. Nirali. Kanabar. March 21, 2022. India Today. 30 April 2022. 30 April 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220430054126/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/birthday-girl-rani-mukerji-on-her-next-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-and-not-being-typecast-1927453-2022-03-21. live.
  5. Web site: December 24, 2011 . Indian couple's children taken away by Norway authorities . NDTV . 23 October 2022 . 23 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221023005438/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-couples-children-taken-away-by-norway-authorities-567345 . live .
  6. Web site: Rani Mukherjee's 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway' Is Based On This Indian Couple's Story . 2023-02-26 . NDTV.com . 26 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230226034252/https://www.ndtv.com/feature/rani-mukherjees-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-is-based-on-this-indian-couples-story-3807233 . live .
  7. Web site: Rani Mukerji's 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway' to make debut in theaters on March 17. 26 January 2023. The Times of India. 26 January 2023.
  8. Web site: 29 January 2024. Filmfare Critics Awards 2024: Vikrant Massey Wins Best Actor, Rani Mukerji, Shefali Shah Tied for Best Actress. 29 January 2024. Times Now.
  9. Web site: Rani Mukerji opens up on her next Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. 21 March 2022. 30 April 2022. 30 April 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220430052004/https://www.easterneye.biz/rani-mukerji-opens-up-on-her-next-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway/. live.
  10. Web site: 2023-02-25 . Rani Mukerji's Starrer Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway Is Inspired By THIS Indian Couple's Story . 2023-02-26 . News18 . en . 26 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230226034248/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/rani-mukerjis-starrer-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-is-inspired-by-this-indian-couples-story-7162921.html . live .
  11. Web site: 2023-02-25 . The true story behind Rani Mukherjee's latest film 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway' . 2023-02-26 . The Indian Express . en . 26 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230226034249/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/rani-mukherjees-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-8466549/ . live .
  12. Web site: Rani Mukerji heads to an international destination for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway shoot. 6 August 2021. 30 April 2022. 30 April 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220430054349/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rani-mukerji-heads-to-an-international-destination-for-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-shoot-7441577/. live.
  13. Web site: Rani wraps her Estonia schedule. Ahmedabad Mirror. 30 April 2022. 7 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230307011228/https://ahmedabadmirror.com/rani-wraps-her-estonia-schedule/81807363.html. live.
  14. Web site: Rani Mukerji finishes shooting for Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway: 'I went through a rollercoaster of emotions'. 20 October 2021. Hindustan Times. 30 April 2022. 30 April 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220430053613/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rani-mukerji-finishes-shooting-for-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-i-went-through-a-rollercoaster-of-emotions-101634726420615.html. live.
  15. Web site: It's a wrap for Rani Mukerji's Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway. 20 October 2021. 30 April 2022. 3 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211203194602/https://www.easterneye.biz/its-a-wrap-for-rani-mukerjis-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway/. live.
  16. News: 2023-02-25 . In 'Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway', Rani Mukerji essays role of Sagarika Chakraborty whose heart-breaking fight for kids' custody shook the world . The Economic Times . 2023-02-26 . 0013-0389 . 26 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230226034252/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/truth-behind-rani-mukerjis-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-meet-sagarika-chakraborty-whose-thrilling-fight-for-kids-custody-shook-the-world/articleshow/98200835.cms?from=mdr . live .
  17. Web site: Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. 2 March 2023. Jiosaavn. 2 March 2023. 2 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230302174020/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/mrs.-chatterjee-vs-norway/5UDg6GCsG1c_. live.
  18. Web site: Zinia Bandyopadhyay . Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway Movie Review: Rani Mukerji delivers one of her career-best performances . India Today . 14 March 2023 . 18 March 2023 . 18 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230318133952/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/reviews/story/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-movie-review-rani-mukerji-delivers-a-deeply-moving-performance-2346359-2023-03-14 . live .
  19. Web site: Bollywood Hungama Review . Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway Movie Review . Bollywood Hungama . 17 March 2023 . 18 March 2023 . 17 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230317113311/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/amp/movie/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway/critic-review/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-movie-review/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-is-a-hard-hitting-drama/ . live .
  20. Web site: Monika Rawal . Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway review: Rani Mukerji's heartbreaking legal drama suffers a flawed execution . Hindustan Times . 14 March 2023 . 18 March 2023 . 18 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230318072233/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-review-rani-mukerji-s-heartbreaking-legal-drama-suffers-a-flaw-101678797774705-amp.html . live .
  21. Web site: Sukanya Verma . Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway Review: Rani's Screechy Ode To Motherhood! . Rediff.com . 17 March 2023 . 16 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205048/https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-review-ranis-screechy-ode-to-motherhood/20230315.htm . live .
  22. Web site: Saibal Chatterjee . Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway Review: Rani Mukerji Lets It Rip And The Film Trips On Its Excesses . NDTV . 17 March 2023 . 18 March 2023 . 17 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230317113311/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/amp/movie/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway/critic-review/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-movie-review/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-is-a-hard-hitting-drama/ . live .
  23. Web site: Udita Jhunjhunwala . Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway review: A loud, tear-soaked drama . Mint Lounge . 16 March 2023 . 17 March 2023 . 18 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230318133955/https://lifestyle.livemint.com/amp/how-to-lounge/movies-tv/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-review-a-loud-tear-soaked-drama-111678961451643.html . live .
  24. Web site: 2023-03-18 . Rani Mukerji's Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway outperforms Kapil Sharma's Zwigato on opening day, earns Rs 1.5 crore in comparison to Zwigato's Rs 40 lakh. The business has grown with 100 per cent in the second day, bringing in 3 crores. The movie is expected to do 5 crores on Sunday, considering positive word of mouth. . 2023-03-18 . The Indian Express . en . 18 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230318063946/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-zwigato-box-office-collection-day-1-rani-mukerji-film-better-than-zwigato-8504338/ . live .
  25. Web site: Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway Office. 21 March 2023. Bollywood Hungama. 17 March 2023. 20 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230320175856/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway/box-office/. live.
  26. Web site: 2023-04-19 . Rani Mukerji's Mrs. Chatterjee VS Norway' becomes the most watched South Asian film in Norway . 2023-04-22 . Firstpost . en . 22 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230422103601/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/rani-mukerjis-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-becomes-the-most-watched-south-asian-film-in-norway-12479172.html . live .
  27. Web site: Statement on Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Norgesportalen. Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi. 17 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230326123541/https://www.norway.no/en/india/norway-india/news-and-events/newsnde/statement-on-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway/. 26 March 2023.
  28. Web site: My Op-Ed in Indian Express today about the film. Hans Jacob. Frydenlund. March 17, 2023. Twitter. My Op-Ed in Indian Express today about the film Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway. It incorrectly depicts Norway’s belief in family life and our respect for different cultures. Child welfare is a matter of great responsibility, never motivated by payments or profit.. 17 March 2023. 17 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230317105659/https://twitter.com/NorwayAmbIndia/status/1636553588758413313. live.
  29. News: Nikkhil Advani and Sagarika Chakraborty slam Norwegian Ambassador on allegations against Rani Mukerji's 'Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway'. The Times of India. 17 March 2023. 17 March 2023. 17 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230317213515/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/nikkhil-advani-and-sagarika-chakraborty-slam-norwegian-ambassador-on-allegations-against-rani-mukerjis-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-watch-video/articleshow/98732722.cms. live.
  30. Web site: 2023-03-21 . Sagarika Chakraborty, the real-life Mrs Chatterjee of 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway', writes: Don't dismiss it as fiction, I lived this story . 2023-05-15 . The Indian Express . en . 15 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230515220230/https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/sagarika-chakraborty-mrs-chatterjee-vs-norway-8510332/ . live .
  31. Web site: Tidligere barnevernsleder om Bollywood-film: – Dette er ikke historien slik den skjedde. Hina. Aslam/Dagsavisen. 27 February 2023. fontene.no. no. Former child welfare manager on Bollywood film: - This is not the story as it happened. https://web.archive.org/web/20230328160725/https://fontene.no/nyheter/tidligere-barnevernsleder-om-bollywoodfilm--dette-er-ikke-historien-slik-den-skjedde-6.47.940828.d6011902c8. 28 March 2023.
  32. Web site: Nominations for the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism: Full list out . 2024-01-21 . filmfare.com . en.

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