Mardaani 3 Movie Review: Rani Mukerji as Shivani Shivaji Roy is unshakeable; climax is spine-chilling

Plot
Mardaani 3, directed by Abhiraj Minawala, delves into one of the most disturbing crimes, focusing on child trafficking, particularly those under the age of 8-9. What initially appears to be a routine kidnapping case soon takes a shocking turn with the revelation of the involvement of Amma (Mallika Prasad) and Ramanujan (Prajesh Kashyap). As the investigation deepens, a far more monstrous reality behind the child trafficking racket begins to emerge. What is Amma’s ultimate motive, and will Shivani Shivaji Roy succeed in busting the network despite the formidable obstacles in her path? These questions form the core of Mardaani 3’s gripping narrative.

ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy (Rani Mukerji) finds herself caught between duty and conscience, battling not just criminals but a deeply unsettling moral grey zone. The film also subtly underscores the brutal disparity between the privileged and the powerless, making its crime feel painfully real.

What Works
The entry scene of Amma is a showstopper. Mallika Prasad’s cold, unflinching demeanour sends chills down your spine; she doesn’t scream menace, she breathes it. Her presence alone creates dread, making her one of the most unsettling antagonists in the franchise.

One of the film’s most empowering moments comes when Shivani tells a woman inspector, who has been limited to serving chai, ‘Tray chod Fatima’ (Leave the tray, Fatima). The line is not just a dialogue - it’s a statement. Shivani asks her to step into the field and join the investigation, subtly yet powerfully breaking gender roles within the system itself.

The screenplay is razor-sharp and tightly packed. It keeps you hooked and doesn’t allow even a second of distraction. The fight sequences are smartly choreographed, brutal yet believable, never turning flashy for the sake of spectacle.

Director Abhiraj Minawala proves that there’s more to Mardaani 3 than what meets the eye. The storytelling is layered, controlled, and impactful, especially in how it lets silence speak louder than noise.

What Doesn’t Work
While the film is gripping, certain portions feel emotionally heavy to the point of discomfort, which is intentional, but may not work for all audiences. The film’s ambition is commendable, but at places, the narrative slightly leans into exposition instead of letting moments breathe organically.

Watch the trailer of Mardaani 3 below: