Mardaani 3 (2026) Movie Review and Film Summary

 

Mardaani 3 (2026): Intense Cop Thriller Sequel – Review and Summary

Mardaani 3 (2026), directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, is the third and final installment in the acclaimed Mardaani trilogy. Released in theaters on January 30, 2026, this Hindi-language action crime thriller brings back Rani Mukerji as the fearless ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy. Clocking in at about 2 hours 9 minutes (129 minutes), the film tackles child trafficking and abduction with raw intensity, earning mixed-to-positive reviews for its social message and lead performance while facing some criticism for pacing and franchise familiarity.

Plot Summary

ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy returns in a high-stakes race against time to rescue dozens of missing young girls who vanish without a trace. The case starts quietly—many victims come from underprivileged backgrounds, so disappearances often go unnoticed and unreported. The investigation gains massive urgency when the daughter of an Indian ambassador is abducted, pulling Shivani into a deeper, more horrifying network.

As she digs in, Shivani uncovers a ruthless, organized racket involving child exploitation, the begging mafia, and a merciless female antagonist (played by Mallika Prasad as "Amma") who runs the operation with cold efficiency. The story builds tension through Shivani's relentless pursuit, brutal confrontations, and moral clashes, highlighting how systemic issues allow such crimes to thrive. The narrative mixes gritty police work, emotional stakes (including Shivani's personal drive to protect innocents), and violent showdowns, culminating in a fight for justice that exposes the scale of the horror.

The film keeps a focused, no-nonsense tone, emphasizing the urgency of saving the girls and the societal failures that enable these crimes.

Themes and Style

Mardaani 3 continues the franchise's tradition of spotlighting crimes against women and children, delivering a hard-hitting commentary on child trafficking, poverty, and indifference. It portrays Shivani as an instinctive, sharp, and unyielding cop who bends rules to get results. Director Abhiraj Minawala crafts a taut thriller with strong action sequences, realistic tension, and unflinching brutality in depicting the horrors—though some felt it loses momentum in the second half or leans too familiar.

The style is straightforward and committed, prioritizing social urgency over flashy spectacle, with solid cinematography and a gripping score that amps up the suspense.

Standout Performances

Rani Mukerji delivers another powerhouse performance as Shivani—convincing, intense, and emotionally layered. Critics and audiences praised her for carrying the film with conviction and depth. Mallika Prasad stands out as the chilling antagonist, bringing menace and complexity. Janki Bodiwala and supporting cast (including Jisshu Sengupta) add solid texture to the ensemble.

Critical Reception and Impact

Reviews were mixed to positive. On IMDb, it holds a strong 7.5/10 from over 107,000 votes, with many calling it a solid franchise closer anchored by Mukerji. Rotten Tomatoes shows positive early audience feedback (strong Popcornmeter) and critic praise for its no-nonsense approach and social relevance, though some noted flaws like pacing dips or predictability.

It became the highest-grossing entry in the trilogy (around $7.8 million+ worldwide early figures), sparking conversations on women's safety and child protection. Mukerji highlighted its success as secondary to raising awareness.

Where to Watch Now

As of mid-February 2026, Mardaani 3 is still in its theatrical window but heading to streaming soon. It streams exclusively on Netflix starting March 27, 2026 (midnight premieres common). Netflix subscriptions start at about $6.99/month (ad-supported tier) up to $22.99/month for premium (4K, no ads, multiple streams). The previous films (Mardaani and Mardaani 2) are already on Netflix, so you can binge the full series. Subtitles and dubbed options should be available.

Theatrical Options in Popular US Cities

For the big-screen intensity (especially the action and tension), check major chains that screen international Hindi films with English subtitles. Look at AMC Theatres in New York (e.g., AMC Lincoln Square), Los Angeles (e.g., AMC Burbank), Chicago, or Dallas; Regal Cinemas in Los Angeles (Regal LA Live), New York (Regal Union Square), Atlanta, or Miami; and Cinemark in Houston, Dallas, San Francisco area, or Seattle. Search "Mardaani 3" on Fandango, Atom Tickets, or theater apps for any ongoing or limited showtimes.

It's a strong watch if you like intense cop thrillers like the earlier Mardaani films, Sikandar, or Hollywood entries such as Taken or Zero Dark Thirty—with a focus on real-world issues and a powerhouse female lead.