Mardaani 3 — starring Rani Mukerji as the iconic DCP Shivani Shivaji Roy — has opened in theatres across India on 30 January 2026, and early reactions show that it’s one of this year’s most talked-about Bollywood releases. Audiences and critics are weighing in on the film’s strengths and weaknesses, from its performances to its handling of serious social themes.
Story and Themes
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, Mardaani 3 follows SSP Shivani Shivaji Roy as she takes on a sinister child trafficking syndicate, led by a chilling antagonist known as “Amma.” The film is built as a hard-hitting crime thriller rooted in social issues, tackling disturbing realities around exploitation and systemic injustice.
The narrative pits Shivani not just against criminals, but also against the bureaucratic and social systems that enable such crimes — giving the story a moral urgency beyond routine action beats. A key strength is how it presents these themes without glamorising suffering, choosing instead to underscore the grim nature of the world the characters inhabit.
Performances: Rani Mukerji Anchors the Film
Unanimously, both critics and fans agree that Rani Mukerji’s performance is the backbone of Mardaani 3. Her portrayal of Shivani — fierce, determined and morally grounded — anchors the film, and many early audience reactions highlight her screen presence as commanding and fearless. __ “Rani Mukerji is powerful and fearless, carries the film completely,” one viewer wrote on social media, calling the thriller a “paisa-vasool” experience.
Supporting performances, especially from Mallika Prasad as the antagonist “Amma,” have drawn mixed reactions. Some critics praise her icy demeanour and unsettling screen presence, while others feel the character lacks the depth and unpredictability of the villains in the franchise’s earlier films.
Strengths of the Film
- Rani Mukerji’s Central Performance: Her portrayal is widely regarded as the highlight — emotional, gritty and forceful.
- Grounded Action and Tension: The film uses raw, realistic action and tight suspense to maintain engagement, especially in the second half.
- Social Relevance: Mardaani 3 tackles severe societal issues like exploitation and bureaucracy with seriousness and moral weight, prompting discussions about justice and systemic failures.
Criticisms and Mixed Views
Despite strong elements, not all responses are positive — and some of the criticisms may be important for your readers:
- Familiarity and Predictability: Several reviewers point out that the storyline often feels familiar, drawing on well-worn thriller tropes and predictable plot beats that echo previous franchise entries.
- Screenplay and Villain Development: Some netizen reviews argue that the screenplay lacks edge in parts and that the antagonists are underdeveloped compared to earlier films’ villains.
- Mixed Critical Assessment: A portion of viewers described the film as “outdated” or “dull” despite Mukerji’s strong acting, suggesting the material didn’t always match her performance intensity.
Audience Reaction and Social Media Buzz
Early social media buzz reflects diverse reactions. On X (formerly Twitter), many users praised the film’s hard-hitting tone and Mukerji’s fearless performance, calling it a compelling reason to watch in theatres. Some fans described it as an “unmissable cinematic experience”, appreciating its seriousness and strong characterisation.
However, not all feedback is glowing — a section of netizens labeled this third chapter the “weakest” in the franchise, citing slower plot pacing and lack of originality compared to the first two films.
Box Office and Release Context
The film’s release follows years of anticipation — coming about six years after Mardaani 2 — with advance bookings reportedly modest, though audience turnout has picked up since opening day. Its release also coincides with Rani Mukerji celebrating 30 years in the film industry, adding extra sentimental value to her performance.
Final Verdict: A Gritty Yet Uneven Thriller
Mardaani 3 can be described as a solid, socially conscious crime thriller anchored by a powerful central performance from Rani Mukerji. While the film may not reach the raw impact of the original, it still resonates through its moral urgency and grounded approach to storytelling. Viewers looking for intense, message-driven cinema will likely find it worthwhile, though traditional thriller fans may wish for sharper plotting and a more dynamic antagonist arc.
Last Updated on: Friday, January 30, 2026 7:08 pm by BUSINESS SAGA TEAM | Published by: BUSINESS SAGA TEAM on Friday, January 30, 2026 7:08 pm | News Categories: Business Saga News
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