Mardaani 3 Review: Rani Mukerji Powers Through as the Unstoppable Cop in a Tense Battle Against Hidden Evils

Released on January 30, 2026, Mardaani 3 marks the return of Rani Mukerji to one of her most iconic roles: the fearless ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, this third installment in the Mardaani franchise dives deep into the harrowing world of child abductions and the beggar mafia, delivering a socially relevant thriller that, while familiar in parts, packs enough emotional and action-packed punches to keep audiences engaged.

Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free)

Shivani Shivaji Roy is back in Mumbai, racing against time to uncover a sinister network responsible for the disappearance of young girls. The story explores the dark underbelly of exploitation, blending high-stakes investigations with raw, unflinching depictions of societal ills. What starts as a straightforward cop-vs-criminal chase evolves into a layered narrative with unexpected twists, particularly in the revelation of the true forces at play. The film's focus on women's empowerment and the resilience of law enforcement adds a poignant layer, making it more than just an action flick.

Performances That Steal the Show

Rani Mukerji is the undisputed heart and soul of Mardaani 3. Her portrayal of Shivani is commanding, blending vulnerability with unyielding determination. Mukerji's 30-year career shines through in scenes that demand emotional depth and physical intensity, making her a moral force rather than just a character. She carries the film effortlessly, especially in the gripping confrontations that highlight her as a beacon of strength.

The antagonists elevate the tension significantly. Mallika Prasad as Amma brings a chilling presence to the screen, portraying the face of the mafia with effortless menace. Her performance is vivid and game-changing, providing a worthy foil to Mukerji's hero.

But the real surprise is Prajesh Kashyap as Ramanujan, the hidden mastermind whose calm, unsettling demeanor adds layers of discomfort and intrigue. Kashyap's subtle acting, relying on silence and stillness, makes him a standout villain, flipping the narrative in unexpected ways and proving that the film has more than one layer of evil to unpack. Supporting cast members like Janki Bodiwala and Jisshu Sengupta add solid depth, rounding out an ensemble that feels grounded and real.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Abhiraj Minawala's direction keeps the pace taut in the first half, with frills-free filmmaking that builds suspense effectively. The action sequences, choreographed by Sunil Rodrigues and Parvez Shaikh, are raw and impactful, avoiding over-the-top theatrics. However, the second half occasionally dips into predictability, with some plot twists feeling familiar and a reliance on tropes that could have been avoided. John Stewart Eduri's background score heightens the emotional stakes, while Artur Zurawski's cinematography captures the gritty realism of Mumbai's underbelly.

The film's runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes feels crisp, though it could have trimmed some bombastic moments to maintain momentum.

Box Office and Reception

On its opening day, Mardaani 3 had a slow start, earning around Rs 2 crore in advance bookings, but positive word-of-mouth is building. Critics have given it mixed-to-positive reviews, with an IMDb rating of 7.7/10 and scores ranging from 3 to 3.5 out of 5 from major outlets. Audience reactions highlight its intensity and relevance, with many calling it a must-watch for its social message.