'Mardaani 3' review: Shivani Shivaji Roy returns to form in a gritty third instalment

Seven years later, Mardaani 3 brings back Shivani Shivaji Roy with a bang and proves once again that the biggest strength of this franchise lies in its casting. The third chapter feels largely in sync with the earlier films, delivering a gritty crime drama that keeps you hooked, even when it falters.

This time around, Shivani (Rani Mukerji) joins the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and takes charge of a high-profile case involving the kidnapping of two young girls — Ruhani, the daughter of the Indian ambassador to Turkey, and Jhilmil, the caretaker’s daughter — from a farmhouse in Bulandshahar. What initially appears to be a botched kidnapping quickly escalates into a national-level crisis involving a series of missing girls. To draw out the perpetrators, Shivani makes the ambassador announce a ₹2 crore reward for any tip-off, a calculated move that leads her straight to Amma (Mallika Prasad), the woman running a vast trafficking operation.

The storytelling is tight and fast-paced throughout, with constant developments and minimal distractions, a credit to director Abhiraj Minawala’s crisp handling of the material and Aayush Gupta’s focused writing.

Rani Mukerji once again commands the screen as the fierce, determined cop who steps into the dark world of crime, this time focusing on child trafficking and the exploitation of children from begging communities. Gender-based crimes remain a recurring theme in the franchise, and Mardaani 3 continues to handle them with seriousness and urgency. What makes Shivani such a compelling protagonist, however, is that despite the title ‘Mardaani’, the film never forces her to shed her femininity. She is brave, commanding and powerful, but she is also allowed to feel, to break down, to cry, to show vulnerability without it being seen as weakness. 

Mallika Prasad is excellent as Amma, intimidating, unsettling and layered, and makes for a formidable antagonist. However, unlike previous films where the villain completely dominated the narrative, Amma never overshadows Shivani. She is a worthy counterpart, but Mardaani 3 remains firmly Shivani’s story, with Mukerji shouldering most of the film through sheer screen presence.

Unlike Karan in the first film or Sunny in the second — both driven by relatively straightforward greed and psychopathy — the antagonists’ motivations are far more complex. And that complexity is both the film’s strength and its weakness. When the truth behind her character finally hits, it feels slightly anti-climactic, not because it’s poorly written or poorly performed, but because it perhaps needed a little more time to simplify and fully land. However, the ending itself is powerful and impactful, bringing the film back to its emotional core and leaving you with the kind of resonance the Mardaani films are known for.

Prajesh Kashyap as Ramanujan is a welcome addition to the cast, and impresses with his performance. Janaki Bodiwala impresses as Fatima, a young woman made of the same fire Shivani once was.

One of the most powerful elements remains the symbolic motif of the “devi” incarnating to end the devil. It’s beautifully and subtly executed, with Rani Mukerji walking to the haunting strains of Aigiri Nandini, a pure goosebumps moment. Equally refreshing is the portrayal of Shivani’s husband, Bikram played by Jisshu Sengupta. Unlike most cop dramas where family becomes emotional baggage, Bikram is a rare example of a supportive partner who encourages her even when his own life is threatened. Their relationship continues to be one of the franchise’s most quietly progressive aspects.

Even at its weakest, Mardaani 3 doesn’t let your attention wane. The story, the characters and especially the performances demand engagement. The emotional core of Shivani Shivaji Roy remains as compelling as ever, and that’s what ultimately carries the film.

Also Read: New movies in theatres this week: Mardaani 3, Mayasabha: The Hall of Illusions, Iron Lung and more