Mardaani 3 Review : Released on January 30, 2026, Mardaani 3 marks the third chapter in Yash Raj Films’ acclaimed crime thriller series. Once again, Rani Mukerji steps into the boots of the no-nonsense cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, tackling one of society’s darkest issues: child trafficking and exploitation through a ruthless network involving a beggar mafia.
Directed by debutant Abhiraj Minawala, the film follows Shivani as she races against time to rescue abducted young girls, clashing with a formidable female antagonist known as “Amma” (played by Mallika Prasad). The story blends high-stakes investigation, raw action, and emotional depth, staying true to the franchise’s gritty, issue-driven roots.
Rani Mukerji Owns the Screen – A Ferocious Lead Performance
Mardaani 3 Review : Rani Mukerji remains the undisputed soul of Mardaani. Her portrayal of Shivani is commanding, fearless, and layered with emotional intensity. Critics and audiences alike praise her for owning every frame, delivering steely resolve alongside genuine vulnerability. This installment gives her standout moments, including a heroic slow-motion action sequence that feels epic and earned. Many call it one of her strongest turns in the series, proving why Shivani Shivaji Roy is one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic female cop characters.
Supporting performances shine too. Mallika Prasad’s “Amma” is terrifying and effective, bringing fresh menace as a female villain who matches Shivani’s ruthlessness. Janki Bodiwala adds emotional weight in her role, while the antagonists feel grounded and threatening.
Strengths : Intensity, Relevance, and Raw Grit
- Hard-hitting and relevant: The film doesn’t shy away from disturbing realities, with scenes that unsettle and provoke thought on child trafficking.
- Pacing and tension: The first half builds atmosphere effectively, while the post-interval drama ramps up urgency and delivers emotional punches.
- Action and score: Raw, realistic sequences (no over-the-top heroics) and a top-notch background score heighten the stakes.
- Franchise loyalty: It stays true to the series’ spirit—moral urgency, no-mercy justice, and social commentary—without softening edges.
Mardaani 3 Review : Early reactions on X (formerly Twitter) and from critics describe it as “intense, relevant, emotionally hard-hitting,” “powerful,” and a “worthy addition.” Many viewers root for Rani’s performance and the gripping second half.
Mardaani 3 Review : Areas Where It Falters
Not everything lands perfectly. The second half can feel predictable at times, with some twists following familiar crime-drama templates. A few reviews note the narrative becomes mechanical or over-the-top in portions, and the antagonists, while strong, don’t always match the chilling impact of previous entries (like Tahir Raj Bhasin in Mardaani 2). Some call it “messy” or “occasionally unhinged,” with wobbles in writing that could have been sharper.
Box office-wise, it started slow despite affordable pricing and strong trailer buzz, but word-of-mouth could help it grow, as past Mardaani films did.
Mardaani 3 is a solid, intense crime drama elevated by Rani Mukerji’s powerhouse performance and its unflinching look at a grave social evil. It may not reinvent the wheel, and the second half has predictable moments, but it refuses to play safe—delivering tension, emotion, and justice in equal measure.
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Rating: 3.5/5
Mardaani 3 Review : A must-watch for fans of gritty Hindi thrillers, content-driven cinema, and Rani Mukerji‘s commanding presence. If you loved the first two films, this third outing keeps the fire alive.
Catch it in theaters—Shivani Shivaji Roy is back, and she’s as fierce as ever. What are your thoughts if you’ve seen it? Share in the comments!
