Mardaani 3 arrives carrying the weight of a well-established franchise and the expectation that comes with Rani Mukerji’s return as Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy. Produced by Yash Raj Films and released theatrically in January 2026, the film positions itself firmly within the gritty, socially conscious crime-thriller space the Mardaani series has cultivated over the last decade. With two earlier instalments setting a high bar for intensity and relevance, Mardaani 3 steps into cinemas promising a darker, more emotionally charged chapter rather than a tonal reinvention. Critics, by and large, agree that the film understands its mandate clearly—even if it doesn’t always surprise.
Set in motion by the abduction of young girls from different socio-economic backgrounds, Mardaani 3 follows Shivani Shivaji Roy as she takes charge of an investigation that quickly reveals a far more entrenched trafficking network than initially apparent. The narrative leans into procedural urgency, tracking the case as it widens from a local crime into a systemic problem with personal and institutional stakes. The film avoids prolonged exposition, choosing instead to escalate tension through ground-level investigation, interrogations, and bursts of violence. Reviewers note that the plot is intentionally grim, foregrounding consequence over cleverness, and framing the crime through the emotional toll it takes on victims and law enforcement alike rather than through narrative twists.
Across major publications, the critical consensus around Mardaani 3 has settled into a mixed-to-positive zone. Outlets such as NDTV, Rediff, Moneycontrol and Koimoi acknowledge the film’s seriousness of intent and its commitment to uncomfortable subject matter, while also flagging a sense of familiarity in its storytelling. NDTV described the film as a sharp, no-nonsense thriller anchored by a commanding central performance, while Rediff highlighted its unflinching tone and physical intensity. At the same time, The Indian Express and Hindustan Times offered more tempered responses, suggesting that while the film remains engaging, it does not reach the narrative sharpness or shock value of earlier entries in the franchise. The overall sentiment suggests respect for the film’s purpose, even where critics diverge on its execution.
A near-universal point of agreement, however, is the centrality of Rani Mukerji to the film’s impact. Critics repeatedly describe her portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy as formidable, controlled, and physically committed. NDTV called her “fully in command” of the role, while Rediff praised her ferocity in action sequences and her refusal to soften the character for sympathy. Several reviewers note that Mukerji carries the film on her shoulders, lending credibility to scenes that might otherwise feel schematic. Even critics who found the screenplay predictable acknowledged that her presence sustains tension and emotional investment, reinforcing the idea that Shivani has become one of contemporary Hindi cinema’s most durable female protagonists.
The most persistent criticism centres on predictability and a sense of franchise fatigue. The Indian Express observed that the film follows familiar beats established by Mardaani and Mardaani 2, with an investigation that unfolds largely as expected once the antagonist’s outline is revealed. Hindustan Times echoed this view, suggesting that while the film keeps viewers engaged, it isn’t the sharpest or most surprising entry in the series. Scroll.in and MovieTalkies went further, pointing to structural repetition and limited escalation in stakes compared to the second film. These critiques do not accuse the film of complacency so much as caution, arguing that Mardaani 3 chooses safety over evolution.
Critical opinion is similarly divided on the film’s antagonist and supporting characters. Several reviewers felt the villain is functional but underwritten, lacking the psychological complexity that made the antagonist of Mardaani 2 particularly unsettling. The Indian Express noted that the threat feels familiar rather than freshly imagined, while Rediff observed that the supporting cast largely exists to serve Shivani’s journey rather than challenge her in meaningful ways. Others, however, defended this approach, suggesting that the film’s focus remains squarely on the crime and its victims rather than on elevating the antagonist into a centrepiece.
From a craft perspective, Mardaani 3 has drawn largely respectful responses. Moneycontrol praised the film’s controlled direction and tight handling of sensitive material, while Times of India highlighted the grounded staging of action sequences and the absence of unnecessary visual excess. The cinematography and background score have been described as functional rather than showy, serving the film’s sombre mood without calling attention to themselves. A few critics mentioned that the visual language remains familiar and conservative, reinforcing the impression that the film prioritises consistency over experimentation.
Audience response, however, appears to be warmer than some of the more measured critical takes. Early word-of-mouth and trade tracking indicate that Mardaani 3 has opened to a good response at the box office, collecting approximately ₹4 crore India net on its first day. This opening has been read as a sign of strong franchise recall and sustained audience trust in Rani Mukerji’s portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy. Reviewers and trade observers alike note that for many viewers, emotional engagement and character loyalty outweigh concerns about narrative familiarity, allowing the film to connect effectively with its core audience despite critical reservations.
Within the broader franchise and industry context, critics position Mardaani 3 as a respectable but not definitive chapter in the trilogy. While it may not surpass the impact of Mardaani 2, it reinforces the brand’s identity as a serious, female-led crime series willing to confront difficult subjects. Several publications suggest that the franchise may need reinvention going forward, but acknowledge that Mardaani 3 successfully maintains its thematic spine and audience relevance in the present moment.
Mardaani 3 stars Rani Mukerji as Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy, supported by a largely functional ensemble cast. The film is directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Yash Raj Films, with a runtime of approximately two hours.
In closing, the critical consensus around Mardaani 3 recognises it as a sincere, purpose-driven crime thriller that leans heavily on its lead performance and social urgency. While its familiar structure and limited surprises prevent it from redefining the franchise, critics largely agree that its emotional weight, seriousness of intent and Rani Mukerji’s commanding presence ensure that it remains a solid—and commercially viable—entry in the Mardaani series.
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