Mardaani 3 Review: Mardaani 3 marks a powerful return of Rani Mukerji as the fearless police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy, reaffirming the franchise’s reputation for gritty, socially relevant storytelling. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the third installment stays true to the soul of Mardaani, offering an intense, no-holds-barred narrative that focuses on courage, justice, and moral resolve.
Rani Mukerji once again proves why Shivani Shivaji Roy remains one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic cop characters. Her performance is ferocious yet emotionally grounded, combining authority with vulnerability. She commands the screen with steely determination, delivering a portrayal that feels both authentic and deeply impactful. From high-stakes confrontations to quieter emotional moments, Rani owns every frame, making her presence the film’s strongest pillar.
Abhiraj Minawala mounts a taut and hard-hitting thriller that keeps the tension alive for most of its runtime. The narrative is sharp and engaging, with several moments that strike an emotional chord. However, the writing slightly loses its edge in the post-interval portions. Certain elements of the antagonists’ backstory could have been explained in a simpler and more direct manner, which may have enhanced narrative clarity.
The film’s villains emerge as one of its major strengths. Mallika Prasad, playing Amma, delivers a terrifying and highly effective performance that adds real menace to the story. Prajesh Kashyap, as Ramanujan, also leaves a strong impression with his restrained yet unsettling presence. The decision to cast relatively lesser-known actors works in the film’s favor, adding an element of unpredictability that a familiar face may not have achieved. Janki Bodiwala, portraying Fatima, puts in a confident and commendable performance, holding her own in emotionally demanding scenes.
The Colombo track in the latter part of the film is visually interesting and ambitious. While the idea behind it stands out, the build-up leading to this segment could have been written with greater conviction. A more seamless progression would have made the transition feel stronger and more impactful.
Technically, Mardaani 3 scores high. John Stewart Eduri’s background score effectively amplifies the tension and emotional weight of the narrative without overwhelming it. The action choreography is raw and realistic, avoiding unnecessary stylization and staying true to the film’s grounded tone.
Despite minor shortcomings in writing, Mardaani 3 succeeds as a gripping and relevant crime thriller. With a commanding lead performance, strong antagonists, and an uncompromising approach to storytelling, the film stands as a worthy addition to the franchise. It is a must-watch for audiences who appreciate intense, content-driven cinema rooted in realism and purpose.
Key Highlights:
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
- Rani Mukerji delivers a powerful and ferocious performance
- Gritty, intense storytelling true to the franchise
- Strong antagonist casting adds depth and surprise
- Minor writing issues in post-interval portions
- A compelling and socially relevant crime thriller
