Mardaani 3 (2026) Movie Review: A Gritty, Uncompromising Crime Thriller

Mardaani 3 (2026) is a Hindi action-crime thriller that continues one of Bollywood’s most socially conscious franchises. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Yash Raj Films, the film once again places Rani Mukerji at the center as Senior Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy, a character that has become synonymous with fearless law enforcement and moral clarity. Released theatrically in January 2026, Mardaani 3 aims to be darker, more emotionally charged, and more politically resonant than its predecessors.

Rather than relying on spectacle alone, the film positions itself as a serious procedural drama that confronts systemic crime, power structures, and the cost of justice.

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Movie Overview

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Plot Synopsis

Mardaani 3 opens with a chilling premise: a sudden rise in the disappearance of young girls across multiple regions. What initially appears to be a localized abduction case escalates when the daughter of a high-profile diplomat goes missing under mysterious circumstances.

Shivani Shivaji Roy, now a seasoned and battle-hardened officer, is assigned to investigate. As she connects the dots, she uncovers a sprawling child trafficking syndicate operating behind the façade of organized begging and informal labor networks. The deeper Shivani goes, the clearer it becomes that this is not merely a criminal operation but a system protected by money, influence, and silence.

Her pursuit of justice puts her at odds with political interests and institutional roadblocks. Suspended from duty but unwilling to step back, Shivani continues the investigation off the books, driven by moral responsibility rather than official authority. The narrative steadily builds toward a confrontation with the mastermind behind the network, known as Amma, whose calm exterior hides ruthless control.

The film culminates in a tense final act that favors realism over heroics, reinforcing the idea that justice is hard-won and often incomplete.

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Performance Analysis

Rani Mukerji as Shivani Shivaji Roy

Rani Mukerji delivers one of the most restrained yet powerful performances of her career. Unlike traditional action leads, Shivani’s strength lies in discipline, resolve, and emotional restraint. Mukerji avoids melodrama, allowing silence and body language to carry much of the film’s emotional weight.

Her portrayal reflects an officer who has seen too much but refuses to look away, making Shivani feel grounded, human, and intimidating without exaggeration.

Mallika Prasad as Amma

Mallika Prasad brings an unsettling calm to the antagonist. Amma is not loud or flamboyant; her menace lies in quiet authority and ideological detachment. This performance adds psychological depth to the conflict and avoids reducing the villain to a caricature.

Supporting Cast

Janki Bodiwala and the supporting ensemble provide stability rather than distraction. Their performances reinforce the procedural realism, ensuring the focus remains on the investigation and its consequences.

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Direction and Screenplay

Director Abhiraj Minawala approaches Mardaani 3 with a noticeably restrained hand. The film avoids excessive stylization, favoring naturalistic lighting, grounded locations, and documentary-like pacing. The direction respects the gravity of the subject matter, never sensationalizing violence or suffering.

The screenplay is methodical and deliberate. While this results in a slower first half, it also allows the investigation to unfold organically. The dialogue is functional rather than flashy, reinforcing the realism of police work rather than glorifying it.

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Themes and Social Commentary

Systemic Crime

The film frames trafficking not as isolated evil but as a system sustained by social inequality, corruption, and apathy. Criminals are shown as beneficiaries of structures rather than lone monsters.

Power and Accountability

Mardaani 3 questions who justice truly serves. Authority figures are not automatically moral, and institutional loyalty is repeatedly challenged by ethical responsibility.

Female Leadership

Without turning preachy, the film reinforces the idea of female authority in spaces traditionally dominated by men. Shivani’s gender is never her weakness nor her selling point—it simply exists.

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Cinematography and Sound Design

The visual language is subdued and purposeful. Muted color palettes, handheld camera work, and minimal background score create a sense of unease throughout. The sound design prioritizes ambient noise over dramatic music, keeping tension grounded in realism rather than manipulation.

Action sequences are brief, sharp, and functional, avoiding stylized choreography in favor of impact.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Powerful central performance by Rani Mukerji

• Serious, socially relevant subject matter

• Realistic portrayal of law enforcement

• Strong antagonist with psychological depth

• Consistent tonal discipline

Weaknesses

• Slow pacing may challenge mainstream audiences

• Limited commercial spectacle

• Heavy themes reduce rewatch value

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Final Verdict

Mardaani 3 (2026) is not designed to entertain lightly. It is a grim, disciplined crime thriller that prioritizes realism and moral inquiry over mass appeal. Rani Mukerji once again proves why Shivani Shivaji Roy remains one of Hindi cinema’s most compelling law-enforcement characters.

While the film’s seriousness and measured pacing may not suit viewers seeking escapist entertainment, it succeeds as a meaningful continuation of the franchise—one that reinforces Mardaani as a rare example of mainstream cinema engaging responsibly with uncomfortable truths.

Rating: 4 out of 5