Mardaani 3 (2026) [Film Review] — Rani Mukerji Still Packs a Punch in a Solid, If Uneven, Sequel

Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and written by Aayush Gupta, Deepak Kingrani, and Baljeet Singh Marwah, Mardaani 3 brings back Rani Mukerji’s indomitable SSP Shivani Shivaji Roy for another gritty Bollywood action thriller. This time Shivani is thrust into the chilling world of child abduction and trafficking after two girls vanish from Bulandshahar — a case that soon exposes a far more sinister network led by a ruthless kingpin known as Amma (Mallika Prasad). The film preserves the franchise’s hard-edged tone while attempting to expand the stakes and scope of the investigation.

Direction & Tone

A steady hand with genre expectations in place

Abhiraj Minawala keeps the film anchored in procedural grit and taut action. The director’s emphasis on investigation and police craft gives the first half a propulsive momentum that feels faithful to the Mardaani brand. The tone rarely slips into melodrama, favoring urgency and moral clarity. However, as the film shifts gears into its second half, the pacing and tonal control wobble, revealing the difficulty of balancing taut crime-solving with broader conspiracy-scale stakes.

Story & Screenplay

Two crimes, one dark tableau — suspense outweighs exposition

The screenplay divides neatly into two acts: the initial hunt for the abductors and the later unravelling of a larger racket. Early sequences shine — methodical police work, credible leads, and escalating stakes keep viewers invested. The narrative’s intriguing twist — hints that the crime may have uglier, less obvious motivations than straightforward trafficking — injects unpredictability. Yet once the conspiracy is revealed, the plot relies on familiar tropes and an international angle that feels hurried and underdeveloped, weakening the emotional payoff.

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Performances

Rani Mukerji commands the screen; the supporting cast does solid work

Rani Mukerji remains the film’s decisive asset. As Shivani, she blends steely resolve with quiet empathy; her physical commitment to action sequences is convincing and compelling. Mukerji’s presence elevates scenes that might otherwise feel routine. Mallika Prasad’s Amma is menacing but underwritten, and Prajesh Kashyap provides a strong, emotionally charged counterpoint as a former victim turned avenger. Janki Bodiwala and the ensemble cast deliver dependable turns that support the central drama, even when character motivations are occasionally sketchy.

Technical Merits

Polished action and solid production values keep tension alive

Mardaani 3 benefits from competent production design, crisp cinematography, and well-choreographed action. The first half’s chase sequences and investigative montages are taut, and the film’s sound design amplifies the sense of peril. While the film doesn’t reinvent set-piece grammar, it executes what it attempts with clarity. The score underlines emotional beats without overwhelming the narrative, helping to sustain stakes during slower stretches.

Flaws & What Works

Strong lead, uneven screenplay, mixed climactic execution

Where the film excels — performance-led drama, police procedural craft, and intense first-half momentum — it also falters in its later exposition and resolution. Predictable plot turns and familiar moralizing moments dilute the impact of earlier promise. The international conspiracy reveal feels too neat and easily resolved, reducing the sense of triumph earned by Shivani’s investigative rigor. Still, the movie retains the franchise’s core strengths: relentless pursuit of justice and a heroine who refuses to be sidelined.

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Verdict

A worthy franchise entry anchored by a powerhouse lead

Mardaani 3 is not flawless, but it’s a respectable addition to the Mardaani series. Rani Mukerji’s performance alone makes it worth watching for fans of tight, woman-led police thrillers. If you’re looking for sharp procedural beats, committed acting, and high-octane sequences, this film delivers — even if the final act doesn’t fully satisfy the narrative ambitions it sets up. For viewers who value character-driven action and moral urgency in Bollywood thrillers, Mardaani 3 is a solid, if imperfect, ride.

Rating: 6.5 / 10