Mardaani 3 Review and Analysis
Mardaani 3 released in theatres on January 30, 2026, marking the powerful return of Rani Mukerji as IPS officer Shivani Shivaji Roy. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Yash Raj Films, the third installment dives into its most disturbing subject so far ‘child trafficking‘ making it the darkest film in the franchise.
This mardaani 3 movie review takes a closer look at the film’s story, performances, public response, and Day 1 box office collection, while keeping things honest and balanced.
Mardaani 3 Plot Overview
The story begins with Shivani being pulled into the National Investigation Agency (NIA) following the sudden disappearance of two young girls in Bulandshahr. What looks like a local kidnapping soon exposes a horrifying truth 93 girls aged between 8 and 11 have gone missing within three months.
The investigation leads to Kusumpur, Delhi, where a beggar mafia runs a massive trafficking racket led by the ruthless Amma (played chillingly by Mallika Prasad). Shivani’s mission turns personal when corruption within the police system surfaces and her own family is threatened.
This review of Mardaani 3 highlights that the film focuses less on glamorized action and more on procedural realism, emotional damage, and systemic rot.
Mardaani 3 Movie Duration and Certification
- Mardaani 3 movie duration / running time: 2 hours 9 minutes
- Certification: U/A 16+
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Social Drama
The runtime is tight on paper, though several viewers felt the second half stretched longer than needed.
Mardaani 3 Trailer Review
The mardaani 3 trailer review deserves special mention. Clocking in at nearly 3 minutes, the trailer created massive buzz with over 100 million views across platforms. It set a chilling tone using minimal music, disturbing imagery, and haunting dialogues.
The introduction of Amma, the female antagonist, instantly stood out and promised a brutal, woman-vs-woman faceoff, something rare in mainstream Hindi cinema.
Performances: Rani Mukerji Leads from the Front
Rani Mukerji Mardaani 3 Review
Mardaani 3 Review
Rani Mukerji is the undisputed backbone of the film. Her portrayal of Shivani is fierce, controlled, and emotionally layered. This rani mukerji mardaani 3 review would be incomplete without stating that she carries the film even when the writing weakens.
Mallika Prasad delivers a deeply unsettling performance as Amma, making her one of the franchise’s most disturbing villains to date.
Supporting performances are functional but limited, keeping the focus firmly on Shivani’s journey.
Critics’ Take: Mardaani 3 Reviews Roundup
Most reviews of Mardaani 3 fall in the 3 to 3.5/5 range.
What worked:
- Rani Mukerji’s commanding screen presence
- Social relevance and disturbing realism
- Grounded action and restrained treatment
- Strong antagonist performance
What didn’t:
- Predictable screenplay
- Familiar franchise formula
- Sluggish second half
- Lack of innovation compared to earlier parts
While critics appreciate the intent, many agree the storytelling feels safe and repetitive.
Mardaani 3 Public Review and Audience Reaction
The mardaani 3 public review is mixed-positive. Audiences praise the first half for its urgency and emotional weight but criticize the second half for dragging and predictable turns.
Common audience opinions:
- “Rani Mukerji alone makes it watchable”
- “Important message but feels repetitive”
- “Strong subject, average execution”
Overall, viewers see it as a one-time watch, especially for fans of the franchise and socially driven cinema.
Mardaani 3 Ending Explained (Without Spoilers)
The mardaani 3 ending explained briefly: the climax reinforces accountability over spectacle. Instead of glorifying violence, the film closes on a grim, realistic note – highlighting that while one network may fall, the system remains flawed. The ending stays true to the franchise’s grounded tone but doesn’t offer surprises.
Mardaani 3 Box Office Collection Day 1
Despite strong trailer buzz, the opening was modest.
- Day 1 India nett collection: ₹3.5 – 3.8 crore
- Occupancy: ~13 – 14% overall, stronger evening shows
- Advance booking: ₹1.16 crore gross
The numbers are slightly better than Mardaani (2014) but comparable to Mardaani 2 (2019). Competition from big releases like Border 2 impacted footfalls.
Being Maverick Verdict: Review Mardaani 3
Overall Rating: 3/5
Mardaani 3 is sincere, uncomfortable, and socially important but not revolutionary. It thrives on Rani Mukerji’s performance and its hard-hitting subject, yet struggles to evolve beyond the franchise formula.
This mardaani 3 review concludes that the film is worth watching for its message and lead performance, but viewers expecting a fresh or groundbreaking thriller may feel underwhelmed.
A solid, relevant film that prioritizes impact over novelty.
