The Real Story Behind Mrs. Chatterjee Vs. Norway

The Story Behind Mrs. Chatterjee Vs. Norway

Mrs. Chatterjee Vs. Norway is based on the true story of Sagarika Chakraborty's fight to regain custody of her two young children from Child Welfare Services in Stavanger, Norway.

Mrs Chatterjee in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway

The film, directed by Ashima Chibber and starring Rani Mukerji as Chakraborty's stand-in Debika Chatterjee, is loosely based on Chakraborty's autobiographical novel entitled The Journey of a Mother.

Mrs Chatterjee and her children in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.

Chakraborty's struggle to regain custody became a diplomatic row and an international incident because her children were Indian citizens, leading to a legal battle with the Norwegian government.

Mrs Chatterjee with her husband and children in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway.

The film has made some sizable changes to the real story, featuring melodramatic storytelling at the expense of objectivity.

Debika Chatterjee lying on the ground in Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway.

The Case Wasn’t Just About Culture Clash

The film portrays cultural clash as a significant factor, but the real case had more complexity. The Norwegian laws in place investigating aspects of familial life were done so out of an assessment of physical abuse and matters of hygiene, not just cultural differences.

Mrs Chatterjee looking concerned in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway-1

The Barnevernet exists to aid all children in Norway under duress, irrespective of their ethnic background, a fact omitted in the film.

Debika Chatterjee looking on in Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway.

The Real Mrs. Chatterjee's Struggles

The real Mrs. Chatterjee was in an abusive marriage, a fact hinted at in the movie but never fully explored. She faced new cultural challenges while dealing with an abusive husband and in-laws.

Mrs Chatterjee crying in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway

After fighting to regain custody of her children, she also had to navigate another battle with her husband and his family, which was not depicted in the film.

Mrs Chatterjee answers the door in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway