Mardaani 3 Review: Rani Mukerji’s Return is a Power Play, But is the Villain Problem Dragging it Down?
- Vishal waghela
- Jan 30
- 2 min read
Shivani Shivaji Roy is back, but the franchise’s obsession with its own legacy is starting to show the cracks. While Rani Mukerji remains the undisputed MVP of this universe, the math isn't exactly mathing when it comes to the shock value that made the first two installments cultural resets.
What Actually Happened?
Mardaani 3 leans into a gritty investigation centered on the beggar mafia and human trafficking syndicates. The film follows Shivani Shivaji Roy (Rani Mukerji) as she dismantles a high-stakes trafficking network, maintaining the franchise's reputation for dark, issue-driven storytelling.
The Insider Take
Rani Mukerji isn't just acting; she’s carrying the entire production on her back. She has reached a level of "Main Character Energy" where she doesn’t need a script to tell you she’s the smartest person in the room. However, the film is spiraling into a predictable procedural rhythm. The first half is a slow burn that borders on a "fever dream" of exposition, only finding its pulse in the final hour.
Why This Matters for the Box Office
This is a calculated risk for Yash Raj Films. By sticking to a grounded, realistic tone rather than going full "Massy Cop," they are banking on Rani’s loyal fanbase. If this underperforms, it’s not because of Rani—it’s because the "villain era" of the Mardaani franchise has hit a plateau. To survive in a post-Pathaan market, even a gritty thriller needs a hook that goes beyond "Shivani catches the bad guy."
What Fans Are Missing
Look closely at the cinematography in the climax. The visual language has shifted from the claustrophobic handheld shots of the first film to a more polished, cinematic aesthetic. This is PR damage control for the "grim-dark" fatigue. The studio is trying to make the franchise feel "bigger" and more "theatrical," but in doing so, they’ve traded away some of the raw, visceral intensity that made the original a sleeper hit.
QUICK FACTS:
Release Date: January 2026
Lead Cast: Rani Mukerji
Director: Gopi Puthran
Core Theme: Beggar Mafia & Human Trafficking
Verdict: Worth the watch for Rani, but keep your expectations in check.
Fans Also Asked
Q: Is Mardaani 3 worth watching in theaters?
A: Yes, if you value performance over plot twists. Rani Mukerji’s screen presence is designed for the big screen, even if the script feels like a "straight-to-OTT" procedural at times.
Q: Who is the villain in Mardaani 3?
A: The film focuses on a syndicate leader involved in the beggar mafia. While the performance is strong, the character lacks the chilling, sociopathic "fan service" intensity of Tahir Raj Bhasin or Vishal Jethwa from the previous films.
Q: Is Mardaani 3 better than Mardaani 2?
A: Most viewers say no. While the emotional punch is there, it lacks the raw shock value and the cat-and-mouse tension that defined the second installment.
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