Mardaani 3 — the latest installment in one of Bollywood’s most compelling crime franchises — has hit theatres today, and early reactions suggest it’s a gritty, intense thriller anchored by a powerhouse performance from Rani Mukerji as DCP Shivani Shivaji Roy.
As audiences and critics weigh in, what’s clear is this: the film leans hard into brutal realism, dramatic action and social themes, even if its narrative sometimes falls into familiar tropes.
Strong Central Performance by Rani Mukerji
Rani Mukerji returns with fierce energy, bringing depth, rage and intensity to her role as the unshakeable Shivani. From commanding action sequences to emotionally charged confrontations, she once again proves why this franchise is synonymous with her name. Her portrayal is raw, powerful and tailored to the strengths that made the earlier Mardaani films successful.
Early audience reactions on social platforms praise her fearless performance and describe the film as an “unmissable cinematic experience.”
Plot: Dark Themes, Complex Villains
Opening in the Sunderbans and later moving to Delhi, Mardaani 3 sees Shivani investigating the abduction of two young girls — uncovering a widespread network of child exploitation disguised under the guise of a beggar mafia.
The villain Amma, played by Mallika Prasad, is a chilling presence — cold, calculated and unsettling — marking one of the franchise’s more memorable antagonists.
While shadowy dealings, medical experiments on children and a morally fraught narrative elevate stakes, some critics argue the film doesn’t fully capitalize on its themes, sometimes compromising depth for spectacle.
Action and Direction
Director Abhiraj Minawala holistically shapes Mardaani 3 as a hard-edged crime drama. The film avoids gloss, favoring grounded action sequences and a tone that refuses to sugar-coat harsh realities. Sharp choreography and a taut screenplay keep the pace brisk and engaging.
However, narrative choices — including certain twists — have drawn mixed responses for feeling forced or predictable, especially to seasoned thriller fans.
Balance of Praise and Criticism
Reactions so far show a blend of admiration and critique:
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⭐ Many viewers celebrate the film’s social relevance and intensity, appreciating its refusal to soften difficult themes.
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🔍 Some critics find flaws in pacing, screenplay execution, and reliance on familiar cop-drama conventions.
Despite this, most agree on one point: Rani Mukerji’s commanding performance is the driving force that keeps Mardaani 3 compelling throughout.
Final Verdict: A Worthwhile Watch
Mardaani 3 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it delivers a solid crime thriller with social punch, anchored by one of Hindi cinema’s most resilient protagonists. Fans of the franchise and viewers who enjoy intense, grounded dramas will find plenty to appreciate — even if the film stops short of being iconic.
Whether it ultimately stands alongside the best entries in the Mardaani series remains a topic of debate, but one thing is clear: Shivani Shivaji Roy is back, and she’s as fierce as ever.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Despite its powerful theme and Rani Mukerji’s intense performance, Mardaani 3 settles for a 3 out of 5 stars. The film scores high on intent and atmosphere but falters due to a predictable screenplay and uneven pacing. While it remains watchable and socially relevant, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional or narrative impact of the earlier Mardaani films, making it a decent — but not standout — addition to the franchise.
Best for: Rani Mukerji fans and viewers who appreciate serious crime dramas, even with flaws.
Sources: Multiple media reports
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