Mardaani 3 Review: Rani Mukerji’s Thriller Hits Like a Punch and Asks the Tough Question, “Why Always a Woman?”

Mardaani 3 Review: The film opens with the kidnapping of an ambassador’s daughter in Bulandshahr, along with the caretaker’s young daughter. Because it’s a high-profile case, Shivani is given full support to crack it. But as our lady cop digs deeper, she realises the case is no ordinary abduction. What begins with the street-begging mafia gang quickly turns into something even more disturbing and painful to digest.

Cast: Rani Mukerji, Janki Bodiwala, Mallika Prasad
Director: Abhiraj Minawala
Screenplay, Dialogues: Aayush Gupta

Ratings: 3 Stars

Mardaani 3 Movie Review: Plot Discussion

“Why always a woman?” asks a teary-eyed, rage-filled Rani Mukerji in the climax as she finally corners the villain. Mardaani, a franchise built on Shivani Shivaji Roy’s unwavering fight against crimes targeting young girls and women, returns with Mardaani 3. The first two films explored human trafficking and rape, and this third chapter once again tackles a chilling reality: girls as young as 7 to 10 being abducted and sold, stripped of their childhood, and reduced to “items” of exchange. This time, the mission is not just to save them but to understand the horrifying reasons behind it all.

The first half is gripping, driven by sharp storytelling that gradually raises the stakes as Shivani races against time. Having previously taken down such criminals, Shivany has learnt to predict the psychology behind their next movements. Yet even the smartest officers can be blindsided, and watching Shivani get defeated adds real tension, making the narrative even more compelling. Alongside Rani, Mallika Prasad is magnetic as Amma, the ruthless mastermind behind the begging racket and the abductions. Amma is a terrifying presence, quite powerful and unpredictable, and the perfect nemesis to Shivani. Their power play forms the core of the film’s entertainment, without weakening the seriousness of the subject. There’s a major twist at the end of the first half that only adds more challenges to Shivani’s mission and conflict to the overall story.

In the second hour, Shivani goes into full beast mode. After constant betrayal, she unleashes the rage she has been holding back. Due to some reason, our lady cop gets suspended. But that suspension only gives her freedom from the restrictions and allows her to operate on raw instinct and unfiltered rage. While the second is not as solid as the first half, the climax hits hard, bringing back all the layered emotions the film builds toward.

Mardaani 3 Review: Value of Women

Mardaani 3 is an important, urgent watch, and it is handled with sensitivity and impact. Not even once does director Abhiraj Minawala sensationalise the violence against women. But when the real motive behind the kidnappings is revealed, I couldn’t help asking myself: Is this really the value our society places on girls and women? In a country where even toddlers aren’t safe from sexual crimes, the idea of young girls being used as guinea pigs, even for scientific experiments, is deeply unsettling. No matter what the crime, invention, or motive, women end up paying the price simply because of their gender. So I understand when Shivani said, “Hamesha aurat hi kyu,” because women are viewed more as assets than human beings!

During the third act, the villain’s attempt to justify the actions, claiming they are giving these girls a “better life” than the one where their families might abandon them or where they might face rape or dowry, angered me. Another subtle but equally unpleasant moment is when young cop Fatima (played by Janki Bodiwala) is reduced to serving tea in the police station. It makes you wonder: is this all a woman’s life is all about, suffering in one form or another? What I appreciate is that while the film is loud in its subject and performances, it never becomes melodramatic while addressing these societal realities and brutality against women. These moments come unexpectedly like a nudge and stay with you like a tight slap.

Mardaani 3 Review: Performances

Coming to performances, Rani Mukerji once again delivers a powerhouse performance as Shivani Shivaji Roy. Her entry is shown like a true mass-hero moment, something we rarely see given to women in Indian cinema. While Rani is fierce in action, I loved how Shivani isn’t portrayed as emotionless. Shivani’s moments of breaking down, grieving, and gathering herself again add depth, and Rani brings those nuances with remarkable conviction.

Mallika Prasad is genuinely terrifying as Amma, owning every scene she’s in. Her exchanges with Rani and the intimidating aura she establishes around the young kidnapped girls are commendable. Janki Bodiwala brings restraint and dignity to Fatima, a young cop suffocated by a male-dominated workplace, slowly finding her voice under Shivani’s mentorship. Without giving spoilers, Prajesh Kashyap also stands out with a striking and memorable performance.

Mardaani 3 Review: Final Thoughts

Overall, director Abhiraj Minawala handles a heavy, uncomfortable subject with both courage and sensitivity. The film truly balances emotional depth and keeps you intrigued with the thriller intensity, while the issue of crimes against young girls and women remains at the forefront. Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3 unsettles and provokes you and also makes the audience confront the deeply rooted misogyny that shapes the society.