Mardaani 3

Mardaani 3 isn't without its flaws, but it still holds as a solid franchise outing anchored by Rani Mukerji who is still fierce in this solid sequel that stays true to its legacy.

Mardaani 3 arrives with quiet confidence, fronted by Rani Mukerji, who has turned Shivani Shivaji Roy into less of a character and more of a moral force.

Rani Mukerji takes the legacy ahead in a familiar, flawed, but purposeful film.

The film is fine counterpoint to macho-man rodeo savage heroes that we are more used to, onscreen, watching their hair fly in the air as they swing on harnesses like circus clowns. While equally feisty, and very much an actioner still, Mardaani adds a suitably feminine energy with a heroine in the same part.

My biggest gripe with Mardaani 3 is that, unlike its predecessors, the social message feels oddly superficial. The film takes the easy route, sticking to a straightforward hero-versus-villain story and sacrificing nuance for spectacle.

What a powerful performance by Rani Mukerji; she simply killed it. She unapologetically owns the franchise of 'Mardaani'. But you can't ignore Mallika Prasad's performance too.

Rani Mukerji returns as the massy-emotions-donning supercop in 'Mardaani 3', a movie that’s too reheated and calculated to make an impact

Soon, the veneer of social empathy and feminist tone gives way, and we can clearly see the product's formula: a fearless protagonist, blended with a hard-hitting social issue, taking on an intense antagonist. The experiment and freshness are limited to the introduction of the villain and their lair. After that, the writers serve Shivani's image and Rani's fans.