After taking down a child trafficking racket in 2014’s Mardaani and a brutal criminal in Mardaani 2, Rani Mukerji returns in Mardaani 3 as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy.
The franchise sticks to familiar territory, focusing once again on crimes against young girls. Even so, the third installment manages to deliver impact, largely powered by Rani’s commanding screen presence.
Story: A Kidnapping Case with Darker Roots
The film opens with the kidnapping of a VVIP’s young daughter in Bulandshahr. At the same time, the caretaker’s child is also abducted. The responsibility to rescue them falls on SSP Shivani Shivaji Roy.
As Shivani begins her investigation, she uncovers a disturbing pattern. In the last three months, nearly 93 girls have gone missing from different locations. The trail leads to a ruthless gang involved in child trafficking and forced begging, headed by a criminal known as Amma, played by Mallika Prasad.
Amma is portrayed as merciless, willing to eliminate anyone who stands in her way. As Shivani digs deeper, she realizes the case is connected to a much larger and more disturbing network of crime.
Whether Shivani succeeds in saving the children and dismantling the operation forms the core tension of the film.
Screenplay and Direction: Familiar but Engaging
Written by Ayush Gupta, Deepak Kingrani and Baljeet Singh Marwah, the narrative explores themes of child trafficking, forced begging and organized crime. While the subject is not entirely new to Indian cinema, the screenplay keeps the momentum intact.
The confrontational dialogues between Shivani and Amma stand out and add dramatic weight to their rivalry. There are multiple twists that keep the audience engaged, although seasoned thriller viewers may anticipate some of them.
This time, the direction is handled by Abhiraj Minawala, who maintains the gritty tone established in the earlier films.
Performances: Rani Mukerji Leads from the Front
The film rests heavily on Rani Mukerji’s shoulders, and she delivers a solid performance. As Shivani, she balances toughness with emotional vulnerability. Her intense expressions in dramatic scenes are particularly effective.
At times, the character leans into exaggerated heroism reminiscent of larger-than-life cop dramas, and a few dialogues feel slightly over-the-top. Still, Rani’s conviction makes the role believable.
Janki Bodiwala plays the newly recruited constable Fatima and provides dependable support. Mallika Prasad leaves an impression as Amma with her intimidating presence. Prajesh Kashyap surprises as Ramanujan, adding depth to the narrative.
Technical Aspects: Dark and Tense Atmosphere
The background score effectively builds tension and enhances the investigative mood. The camera work captures the narrow lanes and shadowy corners of Delhi, reinforcing the grim reality of the crime world depicted.
Editing could have been tighter in parts, as a few sequences feel slightly stretched. However, overall pacing remains steady.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to the Franchise
Mardaani 3 may revisit a familiar theme, but it remains engaging thanks to strong performances and a gripping investigative arc. Rani Mukerji once again proves why Shivani Shivaji Roy is one of Bollywood’s most memorable cop characters.
For viewers who enjoy crime thrillers rooted in social issues, this instalment is worth watching.
