Mardaani 3 signals the powerful return of one of Hindi cinema’s most fearless and iconic law-enforcement figures — Shivani Shivaji Roy. With Rani Mukerji Chopra once again donning the badge, the third instalment of the Mardaani franchise pushes forward its reputation for tackling uncomfortable social truths through a gripping, unflinching crime-thriller narrative. At a time when few mainstream films dare to stare brutality in the eye, Mardaani 3 reinforces its commitment to storytelling that is both socially urgent and cinematically compelling.
Nearly three decades into her career, Rani Mukerji continues to connect deeply with audiences through performances grounded in authenticity, emotional strength, and moral conviction rather than spectacle. Her return as Shivani Shivaji Roy is not merely nostalgic; it reinforces her enduring power as a performer whose presence resonates beyond the screen.
A Dark, Unsettling Reality at the Core
Without revealing key plot points, Mardaani 3 centres on a high-stakes investigation that exposes a deeply entrenched criminal ecosystem. The trailer offers a glimpse into the nature of the crime, but the film smartly holds back its crucial turns, allowing the narrative to unfold with controlled intensity.
What makes the film particularly impactful is how it anchors its story in disturbing real-world truths. The film subtly yet firmly highlights alarming crime statistics — nearly 80% of victims are women or girls, with close to 50% being minors. These facts are not used for shock value, but to underline the urgency and gravity of crimes that often unfold in silence.
Rani Mukerji’s Shivani Shivaji Roy Evolves Further
Rani Mukerji once again proves why Shivani Shivaji Roy remains one of the most powerful female characters in Indian cinema. There is a noticeable evolution in her portrayal — Shivani is more assured, more confident, and completely comfortable in her skin. Her strength lies not in loud heroism, but in quiet authority and unwavering conviction.
As an officer, she stands firm for what she believes in, confronting crime with intelligence, restraint, and courage. The performance feels lived-in and deeply rooted, making Shivani’s journey compelling without needing dramatic embellishment.
A Taut Crime Thriller That Keeps You Engaged
While parts of the storyline may feel familiar to seasoned crime-thriller viewers, true to the spirit of the Mardaani series, the film remains raw, serious, and deeply message-driven, building its impact through mounting tension, emotional weight, and moral urgency — a reminder of why Mardaani stands apart from conventional police procedurals.
For fans of realistic crime dramas, the film offers a satisfying mix of intensity, intelligence, and emotional investment. It neither glorifies violence nor dilutes its message, choosing instead to let the story speak through its urgency.
Our Verdict
Mardaani 3 is fearless in its storytelling and uncompromising in its intent. It is a gripping crime thriller that leaves a lasting impact, not just for its intensity, but for it chooses to confront.
Supported by a strong ensemble that enhances the film’s intensity and emotional weight. Mallika Prasad makes a striking impression as the antagonist Amma, while Janki Bodiwala brings sensitivity and depth to her role as Fatima. Prajesh Kashyap as Ramanujan, Mikhail Yawalkar and Jisshu Sengupta lend solid support as Inspector Sodhi and Dr. Bikram Roy respectively.
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, the film is driven by a focused screenplay by Aayush Gupta, Deepak Kingrani, and Baljeet Singh Marwah. The stark visual palette by cinematographer Artur Żurawski, sharp editing by Yasha Jaidev Ramchandani, and a restrained yet impactful background score by John Stewart Eduri collectively sustain the film’s tension.
A strong watch for crime-thriller enthusiasts, fans of the Mardaani franchise, and admirers of Rani Mukerji Chopra, the film reinforces why Shivani Shivaji Roy remains a symbol of courage and justice in contemporary cinema.
After completing its theatrical run, Mardaani 3 will stream on Netflix.
For those looking to explore the film’s tone and intensity further, the official trailer is available here…
I love Rani Mukherjee for ever and ever and follow all her work … she is just the best….Big fan.