Mardaani 3 Review: Bold, Brutal and Unapologetically Real
Rani Mukerji returns to the big screen as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3, and she does not disappoint. The latest chapter in the popular Mardaani franchise is darker, more intense, and emotionally heavier than before. Tackling the horrifying issue of child trafficking, the film places its focus firmly on a crime that feels disturbingly real.
Released in theatres today, Mardaani 3 has already drawn strong reactions from audiences who rushed in for the first-day-first-show. Social media is buzzing, and one thing is clear, Rani Mukerji’s gritty cop avatar still packs a punch.
- Movie Name: Mardaani 3
- Genre: Crime Thriller, Drama
- Release Date: 30 January 2026
- Director: Abhiraj Minwala
- Writer: Aayush Gupta
- Producer: Aditya Chopra
- Production House: Yash Raj Films
- Lead Cast:
- Rani Mukerji as Shivani Shivaji Roy
- Mallika Prasad as Amma (Antagonist)
- Janaki Bodiwala in a key role
The Legacy of the Mardaani Franchise
The Mardaani franchise began in 2014, introducing audiences to Shivani Shivaji Roy, a tough and uncompromising police officer who takes on child trafficking networks. Directed by the late Pradeep Sarkar, the first film stood out for its rawness and realism. Mardaani 2 took things further, exploring even darker territory and cementing the franchise’s reputation as one of Bollywood’s most hard-hitting crime series.
Mardaani 3 continues in the same vein. It doesn’t try to glamorise the police force or sugarcoat the crimes it portrays. Instead, it stays grounded, uncomfortable, and emotionally charged, exactly what fans expect from the franchise.
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Story Overview: A Race Against Time
This time, the story revolves around the sudden disappearance of young girls from different parts of the city. As panic spreads and families desperately seek answers, Shivani Shivaji Roy is assigned to the case. What initially appears to be a series of isolated incidents soon reveals the presence of a deeply rooted and organised child trafficking racket.
The film unfolds as a tense race against time. With every passing hour, the stakes rise, and the pressure on Shivani mounts. The investigation is filled with close calls, disturbing discoveries, and moments that leave a lump in your throat.
Rather than relying on excessive twists, Mardaani 3 lets the gravity of the crime drive the narrative. The fear, anger, and helplessness surrounding the missing girls are portrayed with sensitivity, making the story hit hard.
Rani Mukerji: The Heart and Soul of Mardaani
Shivani Shivaji Roy is one of the strongest female characters in Hindi cinema, and Rani justified this role in the Mardaani franchise. Without loud dialogues and dramatic gestures, she commands the attention delivered by quiet authority in her performance.
In Mardaani 3, Shivani feels more seasoned, more burdened, and more emotionally invested. Rani brings subtlety to the role, especially in scenes where the officer is forced to confront the human cost of her job. Her anger feels justified, her pain feels real, and her determination is unwavering.
Fans online have been quick to praise her performance, calling it powerful, restrained, and deeply impactful.
A Chilling Antagonist
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its villain. Mallika Prasad is haunting as Amma, delivering a performance that is subtle yet deeply unsettling. She isn’t loud or dramatic yet her calm, detached presence makes the character even more frightening.
The face-offs between Amma and Shivani Shivaji Roy crackle with tension, adding sharp psychological depth and some of the film’s most gripping moments.
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Direction, Writing and Technical Strength
Director Abhiraj Minwala keeps Mardaani 3 grounded and focused, avoiding unnecessary songs, romance, or commercial distractions. The film stays true to its core, an intense investigation and its emotional fallout.
Aayush Gupta’s tight screenplay supports this vision, with sharp dialogues and moments that feel natural rather than forced, allowing the story to speak for itself.
Visually, the film maintains a gritty, realistic tone. The muted colour palette and grounded locations heighten the tension, while the restrained background score subtly amplifies the drama without ever overwhelming the scenes.
Trailer Promise vs Final Impact
The trailer of Mardaani 3 promised intensity, emotional conflict, and gripping confrontations and the film largely delivers on that promise. Many of the moments teased in the trailer feel even more impactful in context, especially when backed by strong performances
Audience Reaction
Social media reactions have been largely positive. Viewers have praised the film for its seriousness, Rani Mukerji’s commanding performance, and the way it tackles a sensitive issue without diluting its impact.
Many fans feel that Mardaani 3 is more emotionally heavy than its predecessors, while others have appreciated its refusal to turn into a typical commercial thriller.
Final Verdict
Mardaani 3 is not an easy watch and it’s not meant to be. It’s intense, uncomfortable, and emotionally draining at times. But it is also powerful, relevant, and well-acted.
Rani Mukerji once again anchors the film with a performance that feels both fierce and deeply human. Supported by a strong antagonist, tight direction, and a meaningful story, Mardaani 3 proves that the franchise still has plenty to say.
If you’re looking for a serious crime thriller that doesn’t shy away from reality, Mardaani 3 is well worth your time.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
