Mardaani 3

wogma rating: Watch but no rush (?)

quick review:

An intense issue. A gripping telling. A tad dramatized. A slump in the climax. But a worthy watch, even if on OTT.

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Director: Abhiraj Minawala
Running time: 130 minutes
Genres: Social, Thriller
More Movie Info

Human life is invaluable or human life has no value—depending on where and to whom you are born. This is the nasty truth that Mardaani 3 takes a stab at. Of course, there are other systemic issues it battles through its righteous cop protagonist, Shivani Shivaji Roy. It attacks the rot that is the beggar mafia and the police force's role in fostering it. It even comments on capitalism. Yes, it bites slightly more than it can chew. But only slightly, not enough to cause indigestion. But also, enough to take the edge off its impact.

That it raises a philosophical question, even if in passing, is a bonus.

Mardaani 3 revolves around the kidnapping of two 8–10-year-old girls. We quickly find out that they are sold to a dreaded group. We are kept in the lurch about what is to happen with the girls. The wait is brutal. Always fearing how much worse must reality be. However, the wait for the real deal is so long and unnerving, that it slightly blunts the villain's gross and despicable purpose. Strangely, it is not what we expect. And yet, despite its ruthlessness and unpredictability, the blow lands softer than anticipated.

Interestingly, it is neither the performances nor the scene-by-scene or sub-plot by sub-plot writing to blame. Rani Mukerji has matured as Shivani has grown to own her space. Mallika Prasad instils fear much like her predecessors in the Mardaani series but it becomes overdone and a tad unbelievable as her character's weaknesses are exposed. I will leave the rest of the cast out to avoid giving away spoilers. But, despite the twists, none of them leave a mark. I doubt we will remember them in episode 4.

Also, some of the situations and their flow keep you engaged and at times, even at the edge of your seats. This is despite loopholes such as smart people who are in the business because they cannot be tracked, not realising they are being followed. Otherwise vigilant people, on both sides, suddenly trusting other people. And so on. However, the other things in the movie are gripping enough to make you let go of these quibbles.

The problem is that the overall story loses steam after the biggest reveal. Not to mention that the characters become less and less believable. I sense that the makers knew this, which is why it comes so late in the movie. They want you keep imagining the grotesque things that happen in such rackets. Unfortunately, it works against the plot.

Also, the over-dramatisation of some scenes is jarring. So, is Shivani's know-it-all behaviour in the beginning which settles down as the movie progresses. In the big picture though, I will take a decently made film about a serious social issue over none at all. That it does so without breaking into song and dance is treating me with respect. That it serves as a break from the war films on circuit is a welcome relief. That it raises a philosophical question, even if in passing, is a bonus.

The question of human life as collateral damage for a better cause is one of debate for some and absolutely crazy to others. It is human life; any damage is damage enough. Versus, if "sacrificing" a few does greater good, then it is ok. The latter proposition is easy to test by putting the believer's dear ones at stake, amongst the few to be sacrificed. Nevertheless, Mardaani 3 puts up its own version of the Trolley problem. But we know its stand from very early on. So, there is no room for the audience to mull over their opinion.

despite its ruthlessness and unpredictability, the blow lands softer than anticipated.

Which also means the pacing of the big reveals is a bit of a question mark. One comes a little too early and the other a little too late. If I were allowed to think a bit in this film, and series even, that is putting all its heart in trying to make meaningful cinema, I would feel a little more invested. That I felt my heart pound earlier in the film and not so much towards the climax is also a sign. But considering the films made these days, that my heart pounded at all means the film got a lot right. And that is enough. That this subject is getting attention, even if in films, is something better than nothing.

- meeta, a part of the audience

27 reviewers(?) - 16 yays 7 so-so 4 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Sahelee Rakshit, Bollywood Life : ...Overall, Mardaani 3 is engaging, allowing the audience to hold on to the edges of their seat. Although the film builds up in the second half with interesting twists and turns. The film maintains its serious tone because Abhiraj Minawala directed it without creating any unnecessary visual elements. However, the familiarity of the overall structure may feel less surprising to those who have seen the earlier instalments.... full review

Thumbs up, by Simran Singh, DNA : ...Mardaani 3 is still a far better sequel, taking the franchise to new level, and keeping the hope of genuine sequels alive. Mardaani 3 is definitely a must-watch espically for moviegoers who crave such edge-of-the-seat crime thrillers.... full review

Thumbs up, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...Technically, the film is polished. The production design, lighting and VFX combine to create an oppressive, bleak atmosphere that mirrors the subject matter. Mardaani 3 may not always be subtle, but it is sincere in its outrage. It is a film that wants to disturb, provoke and entertain, all at once, even if it occasionally mistakes volume for nuance.... full review

Thumbs up, by Abhishek Ranjit, Filmi Beat : ...While the makers deserve all the applause for tackling a hard-hitting subject like human and child trafficking, I sincerely wish the writing team had worked harder on the script. There are moments when the film loses substance, but Rani Mukerji keeps the momentum alive with her performance.... full review

Thumbs up, by Lachmi Deb Roy, FirstPost : ...Rani’s performance is undoubtedly terrific and this film is an absolute must-watch.... full review

Thumbs up, by Baradwaj Rangan, galatta.com : ...And at a time we seem to have forgotten how to make masala movies because we only seem to make “mass” movies, this counts for something.... full review

Thumbs up, by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Gulf News : ...Mardaani 3 keeps you watching, even if it never truly surprises you.... full review

Thumbs up, by Vineeta Kumar, india today : ...Mardaani 3 may not be the franchise's sharpest weapon, but it remains a necessary one. It is angry in the right places, flawed in usual ways, and driven by a conviction that refuses to soften for comfort.... full review

Thumbs up, by Anindita Mukherjeeanya, India TV : ...Shivani Shivaji Roy, played by Rani Mukerji, is a hit, to say the least. The film has all the essential ingredients of a gripping crime thriller, one that keeps you hooked without reaching for your phone or feeling distracted.... full review

Thumbs up, by Rajiv Vijayakar, koimoi : ...Cinematographer Artur Zurawski and editor Yasha Ramchandani do stellar work because director Abhiraj Minawala, for a decade an assistant and associate director, is a superb captain of this ship, helming the show. He takes the franchise to another level, realistic yet big-scale, again comparable to the Neeraj Pandey series.... full review

Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...It is in the smaller details of SSP Roy's war on the mafia and her often self-defeating negotiations with the higher-ups in the police force and in the government that distinguishes Mardaani 3 from average Bollywood girls-in-distress tales.... full review

Thumbs up, by Shachi Chaturvedi, News18.com : ...Rani Mukerji is fighting for every woman out there who couldn’t scream. Speaking of the actress’ performance, it’s raw, intense, and, like always, super convincing. While Rani as Shivani Shivaji Roy is someone who can never let her audience down, there is a sense of forced Marathi accent and some over-the-top dialogues in the film that might irritate you at times. For instance, watching Rani say lines like “fielding set kar" or “latak ke marega yaa yahin gaad doon" doesn’t feel very convincing and at times leaves you wondering if they were needed.... full review

Thumbs up, by Gayatri Nirmal, Pinkvilla : ...Mardaani 3 is not an easy watch, and it’s not meant to be. It’s disturbing, powerful, and deeply relevant. The climax will give you goosebumps, leaving you shaken long after the screen fades to black.... full review

Thumbs up, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...Rani Mukerji, an apt fit for the plainly dressed and fearless cop, never gets in the way of material that is built around a monomaniacal character who sacrifices her family life for her job. It helps that Shivani is up against formidable villains, who are as unabashedly evil in their intentions as Shivani is committed to her duties.... full review

Thumbs up, by Pooja Biraia, The Week : ...it is one worth watching because the film never lets us forget that the battle against evil is neither spectacular nor simple, only necessary.... full review

Thumbs up, by Dhaval Roy, Times of India : ...Mardaani 3 isn’t without its flaws, but it still holds as a solid franchise outing anchored by Rani Mukerji’s performance.... full review

So-So, by Murtuza Iqbal, Free Press Journal : ...The background score of Mardaani 3, composed by John Stewart Eduri, is fantastic. It is his music that takes the film a notch higher. After Rani, the hero of Mardaani 3, is the background score. Very effective! Also, the track Babbar Sherni grabs our attention.... full review

So-So, by Iqbal Pervez, Glamsham.com : ...If you enjoy thriller and crime films, Mardaani 3 is worth a watch. While the script could have been sharper, the film carries a strong message. Through Mardaani 3, Rani Mukerji successfully speaks for those whose voices often go unheard.... full review

So-So, by Rishabh Suri, Hindustan Times : ...Ultimately, Mardaani 3 may not reinvent the franchise, but it reinforces why it matters. Even when it treads familiar ground and doesn’t quite land all its twists, the film remains anchored by the sheer authority of Rani Mukerji’s Shivani, a screen presence that still cuts through noise... full review

So-So, by Lekha Menon, Khaleej Times : ...Seriously, for all her experience and evolution, someone please give Shivani Shivaji Roy more compelling cases and better adversaries to crack!... full review

So-So, by Isha Sharma, NewsBytes : ...Satisfying, but not extraordinary; 3/5 stars After a mediocre second half, the film finally limps toward an emotionally charged, satisfying, monologue-heavy climax. The chilling depiction of women and children's plight in India will make your skin crawl, and some gory scenes catch you by surprise. There's enough to enjoy in Mardaani 3, especially if you liked the previous parts, but if you're expecting anything groundbreaking, you'll be disappointed.... full review

So-So, by AISHANI BISWAS, Outlook India : ...Mardaani 3 may not be the sharpest or most restrained film in the franchise, but it remains a purposeful one. It speaks for those who are rarely heard, even when its execution falters. For viewers who value mainstream cinema that engages directly with social reality, this chapter is worth watching.... full review

So-So, by Mayur Sanap, Rediff : ...Mardaani 3 may follow familiar territory, but remains watchable even when the story falters or takes unexpected detours. It greatly works because of the commanding presence of Rani Mukerji, who once again carries the film with ease.... full review

Thumbs down, by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice : ...Rani’s character is cluttered with baggage that we never get to see. Her husband, played by a known Bengali actor Jissu Sengupta, is barely a shadow in this futile exercise of Shero-glorification.... full review

Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...Shivani gets to deliver the mandatory speech about how girls and women are perpetual victims, and how there will always be brave ones who come to the rescue, which is fine, but the eagerness to frame Mukerji centre-stage– literally in more than one scene– dulls the rest of the enterprise.... full review

Thumbs down, by Sameer Ahire, Movie Talkies : ...Technically, Mardaani 3 is fairly solid. The background score and cinematography keep the film engaging, even when the narrative stumbles. Production and art design are serviceable, while the editing noticeably loses grip in the latter half.... full review

Thumbs down, by Deepansh Duggal, The Quint : ...The film’s themes are beaten into submission with such crude insistence that I half-expected a character to announce their politics outright. Sure enough, someone does: “Capitalist hu, ma’am,” Ramanujan says, rather proudly, when his plans to engineer a mutated version of the HPV virus are exposed. Subtlety, by this point, is long dead.... full review

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This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Loads, some of it disturbing.
  • Language: Clean
  • Nudity & Sexual content: Talk of rape.
  • Concept: Human trafficking.
  • General Look and Feel: Gruelling, gruesome.

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Mardaani 3 - Cast, crew, links

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Running time:
130 minutes
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