There’s a certain expectation that comes with a franchise like Mardaani. Audiences walk in knowing they’ll get a tough, no-nonsense cop, a grim crime, and a moral fight that puts women’s safety front and centre. With Mardaani 3, the intent remains sincere — but by the third outing, familiarity starts weighing the film down more than it should.
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the film once again places Rani Mukerji in the uniform of Shivani Shivaji Roy. She’s determined, principled, and fiercely committed to her mission — traits that once felt fresh, but now arrive wrapped in very predictable storytelling.
The Story: Dark Themes, Safe Execution
This time, Shivani is pulled into a disturbing case involving the abduction of underage girls from economically vulnerable backgrounds. The trail leads to a feared human trafficker named Amma, played with icy menace by Mallika Prasad. A kidnapping in a small Uttar Pradesh town escalates quickly when it turns out the victim’s father is a powerful government official, pushing the Delhi police into urgent action.
On paper, the setup is grim and urgent. In execution, however, the film sticks too closely to familiar beats. Every major turn feels telegraphed well in advance — from surprise reveals to character motivations that announce themselves long before the plot catches up.
The narrative also tries to expand its scope with subplots involving medical conspiracies, illegal experimentation, and corporate greed. While these additions aim to raise the stakes, they end up cluttering the core conflict rather than deepening it.
Cast & Characters: Solid Performances, Limited Space
Mukerji remains the film’s backbone. She commands the screen with ease, carrying Shivani’s moral certainty and quiet rage convincingly. The problem isn’t her performance — it’s the writing around her. Shivani is rarely challenged in unexpected ways, and no other character is allowed to grow large enough to meaningfully disrupt her arc.
Janki Bodiwala plays a junior officer navigating a male-dominated workspace, a character with potential that never quite gets the development she deserves. Prajesh Kashyap appears as an NGO worker advocating for street children, initially intriguing but ultimately predictable.
Meanwhile, Jisshu Sengupta returns as Shivani’s ever-supportive husband — a progressive presence that reinforces the franchise’s values but adds little new texture this time around.
What Worked
- Rani Mukerji’s screen presence remains authoritative and grounded
- The film’s intent — highlighting crimes against women — stays clear and earnest
- Mallika Prasad brings an unsettling calm to her antagonist, especially in early scenes
What Didn’t
- Overwriting drains tension from otherwise serious material
- Predictable plot points remove any sense of surprise
- Too many themes compete for attention, weakening the central story
- Supporting characters feel underwritten and sidelined
Final Verdict
Mardaani 3 isn’t a bad film — it’s a safe one. It carries the right message, anchored by a committed lead performance, but rarely dares to challenge its own formula. By the time Shivani delivers her inevitable speech about courage and justice, you know exactly how the film wants you to feel — and exactly where it’s heading.
For fans of the franchise, this third chapter offers familiarity and conviction. For everyone else, it’s a reminder that even the strongest characters need sharper writing and bolder risks to stay compelling.
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
