Mardaani 3 Movie Review: Rani Mukerji Powers A Dark And Riveting Crime Thriller

After almost a decade of fearless storytelling, Mardaani 3 brings back one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic female cops. Rani Mukerji reprises her much-loved role as DCP Shivani Shivaji Roy IPS, a character that has come to define grit, courage, and moral authority on screen. Backed by Yash Raj Films and produced by Aditya Chopra, the film arrives with expectations riding high, not just as the third chapter of the franchise, but also as a celebration of Rani Mukerji’s 30 glorious years in Bollywood.

Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and written by Aayush Gupta, Mardaani 3 chooses a darker, more complex crime narrative. The film opens strong, holds your attention through a gripping first half, and then settles into familiar territory post-interval. Despite its flaws, Mardaani 3 remains an emotionally charged and empowering watch.

Mardaani 3 Story

Mardaani 3 starts on a high note. After a disturbing opening sequence, Shivani Shivaji Roy is introduced through a whistle-worthy fight scene that establishes her authority immediately. The film wastes no time in pulling the audience into its central conflict.

The story kicks off with the kidnapping of the daughter of an Indian ambassador posted in Turkey, along with the caretaker’s young daughter, from a farmhouse in Bulandshahar. What initially looks like a horrifying but isolated crime soon snowballs into a national-level crisis. With pressure mounting from senior officials, Shivani is brought in to handle the case. Now promoted as a Senior Superintendent of Police, she is instructed to work closely with the NIA to track down the missing girls.

To lure the kidnappers into revealing themselves, Shivani cleverly asks the ambassador to announce a reward of Rs 2 crore for any credible information. This calculated move leads her straight to Amma, played chillingly by Mallika Prasad, a woman running a highly organised trafficking operation. Unlike previous Mardaani films, where the antagonist stays in the shadows, Amma boldly confronts Shivani inside her own home, setting the tone for a direct and personal battle.

As Shivani digs deeper, she discovers that girls aged between 8 and 11 are being systematically kidnapped. They are part of a beggar mafia, but not for reasons anyone might expect. The true motive behind these kidnappings forms the emotional and moral spine of the film. Whether Shivani can unravel this dark secret in time forms the rest of the story.

Mardaani 3 Movie Review

Structurally, Mardaani 3 unfolds in two distinct halves. The first half follows Shivani’s relentless chase to locate Ruhani and Jhilmil, building tension with sharp writing and well-executed sequences. These portions are packed with goosebump-worthy moments, especially the pre-interval stretch, which is thrilling and tightly edited. Even when certain twists feel predictable, the execution keeps you engaged.

The interval point is strong and raises expectations for a darker and more explosive second half. Unfortunately, this is where the film slightly falters. Post-interval, the narrative opts for a more restrained approach. While there are several twists and revelations, most of them feel familiar and easy to predict. The big reveal about why the girls are being kidnapped is genuinely shocking, but the storytelling around it feels rushed and could have been explained more clearly for a wider audience.

At times, the second half feels inspired by the YRF Spy Universe style of storytelling. This is not entirely surprising, considering Abhiraj Minawala’s association with films like Tiger 3 and War 2. While this approach adds scale, it slightly dilutes the grounded realism that defined the earlier Mardaani films.

On the technical front, Mardaani 3 scores high. The cinematography captures the darkness of the subject matter without being visually overwhelming. The action choreography is raw and believable, keeping Shivani’s physicality grounded rather than stylised.

Music plays a crucial role here. John Stewart Eduri’s background score is outstanding and arguably the film’s biggest strength after Rani Mukerji. It heightens tension, amplifies emotional beats, and carries the film during slower moments. The track “Babbar Sherni” stands out and reinforces Shivani’s unshakable presence.

Mardaani 3 Performances

Rani Mukerji once again proves why Shivani Shivaji Roy remains iconic. She brings intensity, vulnerability, and authority in perfect measure. Her performance is fierce yet emotionally grounded, reminding audiences why she continues to be one of Hindi cinema’s finest actors.

Mallika Prasad as Amma is a revelation. She is terrifying without being loud, and her look, supported by brilliant hair and makeup, adds layers to her character. She stands strong opposite Rani, which is no small feat.

Prajesh Kashyap delivers a standout performance and emerges as a surprise package. Janki Bodiwala, known for Shaitaan, gets a substantial role and makes her presence felt, especially in the second half.

Final Verdict

Mardaani 3 is a decent and impactful addition to the franchise. While the second half struggles with predictability and narrative clarity, the film is elevated by stellar performances and a thumping background score. The climax, in particular, leaves you with a strong sense of empowerment and emotional satisfaction.

This may not be the strongest Mardaani film, but it reinforces why Shivani Shivaji Roy remains one of the most inspiring characters in Indian cinema.

Rating: ½ (3.5/5)