Mardaani 3 Movie Review: Rani Mukerji's Return Marred by Familiarity and Predictability
Mardaani 3 marks the return of Rani Mukerji as the indomitable cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, but this third installment struggles to break free from the shackles of its own formula. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Yash Raj Films, the film attempts to tackle the grave issue of human trafficking but gets bogged down by over-writing and predictable narrative beats.
A Solid Performance Overshadowed by Plot Flaws
Rani Mukerji delivers a solid performance, leading from the front with her characteristic intensity. As Shivani, she commands the screen, with the supporting cast—including Janki Bodiwala, Mallika Prasad, Prajesh Kashyap, and Jisshu Sengupta—following in her wake. However, even her formidable presence cannot salvage the film from its fundamental issues.
The plot revolves around a human trafficking ring led by the formidable Amma, played by Mallika Prasad. Her character, who preys on pre-pubescent girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, introduces a dark and relevant theme. A kidnapping in a small Uttar Pradesh town sets the story in motion, drawing Shivani into a high-stakes investigation in Delhi.
Predictable Storytelling and Over-Writing
Despite its serious subject matter, Mardaani 3 falls into the trap of predictability. The narrative is laden with clichéd dialogues and plot points that offer no surprises. For instance, when a character utters lines like "aap rath chalao, aur mujhe saarthi banne do," the direction of the story becomes all too obvious.
Moreover, the film introduces subplots involving deadly illnesses, viruses, and greedy medical corporations, which feel tacked-on and dilute the impact of the main storyline. These elements blunt the unease that Prasad's villainous character initially generates, making the film feel disjointed.
Character Dynamics and Missed Opportunities
While Mukerji's Shivani remains the undisputed hero, the film's insistence on keeping her center-stage often sidelines other potentially interesting characters. Janki Bodiwala's portrayal of a young woman navigating a male-dominated workplace adds a layer of realism, but her arc is underdeveloped. Similarly, Prajesh Kashyap's NGO worker and Jisshu Sengupta's supportive spouse are relegated to the background.
Mallika Prasad's Amma is a vivid antagonist, humming eerie ditties while orchestrating her crimes. Yet, her menace is undermined by the convoluted subplots that surround her. The film's eagerness to frame Mukerji in every pivotal scene, sometimes literally placing her at the center of the frame, detracts from the overall narrative cohesion.
Final Verdict: A Disappointing Addition to the Franchise
Mardaani 3 earns a rating of two out of five stars. While Rani Mukerji's performance is commendable and the film's intent to address human trafficking is praiseworthy, the execution leaves much to be desired. The over-writing, predictable plot points, and lack of character depth make this installment a step down from its predecessors.
For fans of the franchise, Mardaani 3 offers a familiar but ultimately unsatisfying experience. The film serves as a reminder that even popular franchises must innovate to stay relevant, and in this case, familiarity has indeed dulled the impact.
