In an era where Bollywood franchises are dominated by spy universes and muscle-heavy male protagonists, Mardaani stands out as a rare, enduring series led by a woman in uniform. With Mardaani 3, the franchise returns with quiet assurance, reaffirming that grit, morality, and myth-making are not exclusive to men with guns. Headlined once again by Rani Mukerji, the third installment reinforces her character Shivani Shivaji Roy as less of a cinematic cop and more of a moral compass.
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, Mardaani 3 shifts its focus to the streets of Delhi. The film opens with Shivani investigating the disappearance of two young girls, one of whom is the daughter of a powerful bureaucrat. What initially appears to be a routine missing persons case soon spirals into a disturbing investigation involving an organised human trafficking racket.
Plot Overview: A Darker, Unsettling Turn
As Shivani digs deeper, the narrative exposes a chilling underworld that preys on pre-pubescent girls. At the centre of this operation is Amma, played with eerie restraint by Mallika Prasad. Unlike flamboyant villains, Amma’s menace lies in her cold efficiency and complete lack of remorse. The rescue mission, followed by the emotional and procedural aftermath, forms the backbone of the film.
The story is penned by Aayush Gupta, who also co-writes the dialogues along with Baljeet Singh Marwah and Deepak Kingrani. The writing keeps the plot largely focused, avoiding unnecessary subplots, though it does stumble occasionally with a few noticeable loopholes.
Rani Mukerji: The Franchise’s Strongest Pillar
If there is one reason Mardaani 3 works as well as it does, it is Rani Mukerji. She slips back into the role of Shivani Shivaji Roy with effortless authority, continuing seamlessly from where Mardaani 2 left off. Her portrayal remains grounded, fierce, and emotionally controlled, making Shivani feel more real than heroic.
The film establishes her alpha presence early on, with an introduction sequence that subtly mirrors the iconic hero entries of male-led franchises like Tiger. However, Shivani’s strength is not performative. It lies in her calm resolve, sharp instincts, and unwavering moral clarity.
Direction and Pacing
Abhiraj Minawala keeps the runtime crisp, ensuring the film does not overstay its welcome. The first half is taut and engaging, efficiently setting up the conflict and the stakes involved. While a couple of plot conveniences slip through, they do not significantly derail the narrative.
The second half maintains momentum, focusing more on the rescue operation and its emotional consequences rather than action-heavy spectacle. This restraint works in the film’s favour, reinforcing the seriousness of its subject matter.
Where the Film Falls Short
Despite its strengths, Mardaani 3 does not quite reach the sharpness of its predecessors. The investigative process feels slightly predictable, and the screenplay occasionally plays it safe instead of pushing boundaries. While the villain is effective, she is not as psychologically layered as antagonists from earlier films in the franchise.
Additionally, the film’s commentary, though relevant and important, lacks the punch that once made Mardaani feel truly unsettling. The urgency is present, but the impact is somewhat muted.
Final Verdict
Mardaani 3 may not be the strongest entry in the franchise, but it remains a solid, engaging thriller anchored by a commanding central performance. Rani Mukerji continues to prove why Shivani Shivaji Roy deserves to exist beyond a single film, or even a trilogy.
While the film doesn’t redefine the genre or its own legacy, it succeeds in keeping audiences invested, reminding us that stories about women in power can sustain franchises just as effectively — and meaningfully — as any male-dominated cinematic universe.
