Rani Mukerji returns after nearly five years with one of the most talked-about movies, Mardaani 3. But did it deliver as expected?
What’s the Story About?
The Mardaani series has always tackled some of the most difficult and heartbreaking cases. This time around, ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy is about to face the most terrifying case of her life—saving 93 missing girls who are trapped in some horrific crimes against women. This is a mission that will test her limits, both physically and emotionally. The movie will center on dark and serious themes while also providing the action-packed scenes that the series is famous for.
The film is directed by Abhiraj Minawala, with Aditya Chopra as producer under Yash Raj Films. The story and script are written by Aayush Gupta, and the action scenes are designed by Sunil Rodrigues and Parvez Shaikh.
The Good: First Half
According to some reviews, Mardaani 3 starts strong. The first half keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Rani Mukerji brings the same fierce energy and emotional depth as in the previous two movies. She, as Shivani Shivaji Roy, has always been praised, and no one can imagine anyone other than her playing this character. Her intensity in action scenes and her ability to convey righteous anger feel completely authentic.
The supporting cast includes National Award winner Janki Bodiwala and Mallika Prasad. The first half is where the film truly shines.
The Not-So-Good: Second Half
Critics describe the second half as losing momentum. They say that after such a powerful setup, the film becomes predictable.
This is a problem the Mardaani series has struggled with before—taking important social issues but ending them in overly familiar Bollywood thriller packaging, which makes the impact dull.
The review suggests that while the action remains strong throughout, the storytelling doesn’t maintain the same quality.
Box Office Start
The trailer got more than 30 million views, showing how excited people were for this sequel. Early reactions on social media have been mostly positive, with fans happy to see Rani return.
On its first day, the film earned around ₹3.5–4 crore net. Theatre occupancy was between 13–18%, which is a decent and steady start for a thriller.
As more reviews are coming in, opinions are mixed. Fans of the franchise are enjoying it, but it may not win over critics looking for something fresh.
The Technical Side
The film has lived up to the name of Yash Raj Films. John Stewart Eduri’s music matches the intense mood of the film and doesn’t distract from the story. The cinematography shows the tough reality of police work while also adding the dramatic style needed for a thriller.
The production quality is strong.
The Verdict
Mardaani 3’s first half has been praised, while the second half has been criticized for its predictable storyline. For Mardaani lovers, it is a must-watch. Whether it’s a hit or flop, the audience will decide.
It’s a decent thriller that could have been an exceptional one with braver storytelling choices. Mardaani 3 is expected to hit Netflix around March 27, 2026—roughly two months after its theatrical release.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
