Some films stay with you long after the screen goes dark. Mardaani 3 is one such film. In this Mardaani 3 review, we look at how Rani Mukerji once again delivers a hard-hitting performance as Shivani Shivaji Roy in a story that is disturbing, emotional, and deeply relevant.
The Mardaani franchise has never been about glamour or easy entertainment. It has always chosen difficult subjects, and the third installment continues that tradition. Mardaani 3 is uncomfortable to watch at times, but that discomfort is exactly the point.
Mardaani 3 Review: Rani Mukerji Is Back as Shivani Shivaji Roy
Rani Mukerji returns as SSP Shivani Shivaji Roy, a character that has now become one of the strongest female police officers in Indian cinema. Shivani is calm, sharp, and fearless—a woman who doesn’t need loud words to make her presence felt.
This time, Shivani faces a new and terrifying enemy — Amma, a beggar mafia leader played by Mallika Prasad. Amma runs an underground network that uses children for forced begging and illegal activities. At first, the case looks familiar, but Shivani soon realizes that something far worse is happening.
Young girls between 8 and 10 years old are going missing. As the investigation deepens, Shivani uncovers a crime so dark that it shakes even the most experienced officers. Around 60 girls are at risk, and time is running out.
Story Review: Dark, Simple, and Straight to the Point
The story of Mardaani 3 is told in a very direct way. There are no unnecessary subplots or distractions. The film knows what it wants to say and sticks to it.
First Half: A Tense Investigation
The first half focuses on Shivani and her team searching for two missing girls. One of them belongs to an influential family, which puts pressure on the police. This part of the film feels like a proper crime thriller—tense, fast-paced, and focused on police work.
While the screenplay is simple, it keeps you interested because the stakes feel real.
Second Half: When the Film Becomes Truly Disturbing
The second half is where Mardaani 3 hits the hardest. The investigation leads to a shocking truth—the missing girls are being used in a dangerous medical and biological racket. They are treated as test subjects, not human beings.
This is where the film moves beyond a crime story and becomes a strong social statement. It shows how cruelty can hide behind clean clothes, polite faces, and powerful positions.
In this Mardaani 3 review, it’s clear that the film may not be complex, but its message is terrifyingly strong.
Performances: Rani Mukerji Carries the Film
Rani Mukerji as Shivani Shivaji Roy
Rani Mukerji delivers a powerful and emotional performance. She plays Shivani as a woman who carries the pain of the victims with her. Her anger feels controlled, her sadness feels real, and her determination never looks forced.
There are a few moments where the dialogue sounds a bit overdone, especially some “tough cop” lines and accent choices. But these small issues don’t take away from her overall impact.
Strong Supporting Cast
Prajesh Kashyap as Ramanujan is a standout. His performance is confident and natural, and he brings depth to the second half of the film.
Janki Bodiwala as Fatima, a young police officer, adds freshness. Her character shows how difficult it is to face real-world crime for the first time.
Mallika Prasad as Amma is scary and convincing, though the film reveals her too early, reducing the tension between her and Shivani.
Direction, Music, and Visuals
Director Abhiraj Minawala keeps the film tight and focused. He avoids unnecessary drama and lets the story speak for itself.
Some scenes use visual symbols very effectively, especially moments where Shivani appears alongside images of goddesses during street performances. These scenes quietly suggest her role as a protector without spelling it out.
The background music is strong and serious, adding tension without becoming too loud. The cinematography captures dark alleys, crowded streets, and cold hospital spaces, showing different faces of the same crime.
What Works and What Doesn’t
What Works:
Rani Mukerji’s performance
Strong social message
Serious tone and realistic treatment
Powerful second half
What Doesn’t:
Some forced dialogues
Antagonist revealed too early
Predictable storytelling at times
Final Verdict: A Film That Needs to Be Seen
Mardaani 3 Review: Rani Mukerji Speaks for Every Unheard Voice in This Hard-Hitting Drama. The film is not perfect, but it is important. It talks about crimes that are rarely shown on screen and does so with honesty.
Mardaani 3 Review: While the film stumbles, Rani strongly holds a simple script on her shoulders, reminding us why Shivani Shivaji Roy remains such a powerful character. Mardaani 3 Review: Rani Mukerji is back as Shivani Shivaji Roy, taking on the beggar mafia leader Amma in a fight that is emotional, painful, and necessary.
If you are looking for light entertainment, this may not be the film for you. But if you want cinema that makes you think and feel, Mardaani 3 Review confirms this is a film worth watching.