Mardaani 3 turns out to be a disappointing addition to an otherwise impactful franchise. While the film begins on a confident note and briefly reminds us why the Mardaani series earned its reputation, it ultimately collapses under the weight of poor writing, excessive melodrama, and an unconvincing final act.

The story revolves around the kidnapping of the daughter of an Indian ambassador to Turkey, along with another girl from a poor background. The crime is orchestrated by Aama, played by Mallika Prasad, who runs a racket involving beggars. Shivani Shivaji Roy, portrayed by Rani Mukerji, is assigned the case, and the film follows her investigation and pursuit of justice.

Rani Mukerji’s introduction is undeniably one of the film’s biggest highlights. It is powerful, commanding, and easily among the finest opening sequences for a female protagonist in recent Hindi cinema. The first half maintains a strong grip, moving beyond routine crime-thriller clichés. The narrative feels tight, the investigation engaging, and the stakes are set effectively. The interval block delivers a genuinely shocking twist that is executed with confidence and is likely to leave audiences stunned.

Unfortunately, everything that follows feels like a steady downfall. The second half completely squanders the goodwill created earlier. The film suddenly shifts tone and starts resembling a stretched-out crime patrol episode rather than a gritty cinematic thriller. The writing becomes lazy, the drama turns exaggerated, and almost every major twist becomes painfully predictable. What should have been a tense cat-and-mouse game ends up feeling mechanical and uninspired.

The climax is another major letdown. Instead of delivering an emotionally charged or morally complex conclusion, the film settles for a flat and underwhelming resolution. There is no lasting impact, no sense of triumph, and no emotional payoff for the audience.

One of the weakest links in Mardaani 3 is its antagonists. While Mikhail Yawalkar and Mallika Prasad put in sincere performances, their characters lack the menace and psychological depth that made the villains in the previous films so memorable. Compared to the chilling antagonists of the earlier installments, these villains feel toothless and forgettable, significantly lowering the film’s intensity.

Debutant director Abhiraj Minawala deserves credit for his intent, especially in the first half. However, weak writing and an inconsistent screenplay reduce the film to a largely dull affair. The excessive melodrama and tonal inconsistency undo whatever strength the film initially builds.

In the end, Mardaani 3 could have been a solid crime thriller. Instead, it becomes a missed opportunity. Rani Mukerji stands tall and remains the film’s sole saving grace, delivering yet another committed performance. Sadly, even her presence cannot rescue the film from its disappointing second half.