Mukerji shines, but the vigilante third act lets the subject matter down.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Mardaani is broadly positive but mixed, with the majority of reviewers recommending it as a competent, commercially minded thriller that addresses child sex trafficking with relative restraint. Rani Mukerji's central performance is the most consistently praised element across reviews, with several critics noting she carries the film almost entirely on her own. Common criticisms include an uneven pace, a problematic and simplistic vigilante-driven resolution in the second half, and a perceived failure to fully honour the gravity of its subject matter. A handful of reviewers felt the film exploits the very issue it aims to condemn, and the supporting cast was widely considered underdeveloped.
8 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 36 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
Post-interval, the story derails considerably. By the time we get to the climax, we are fully in avenging angel territory. And, just like in Singham Returns last week, the solutions suggested are problematic. Which is a shame, because this could have been so much better. In the rating above, one star is for Rani who, like fine wine, is only getting better.
Top critic
Film review ·
Mardaani is not a perfect film, but it's better than many of the blockbusters Bollywood churns out regularly. It's a well-made commercial Hindi film - reasonably short and minus songs - that's trying to say something. Whatever else, you won't be bored.
Top critic
Film review ·
Mardaani is obviously Rani Mukerji's film and she dominates the show all the way through. But a few of the other actors, too, are given enough space to make a mark. Because Shivani Shivaji Roy is not your average action 'hero', she might not appeal to Dabangg junkies. But for everyone else, Mardaani could be well worth a trip to the multiplex.
Top critic
Film review ·
The display of the 'trafficked' girls teeters on the voyeuristic. The resolution, showcasing bloody vigilante-ism, is problematic. Is that the only definition of 'mardaani', and is that something to be celebrated? Something more pragmatic, and yes, more real, would have served its consistently watchable leading lady, better.
Film review ·
MARDAANI is a must watch. It's an edge-of-the-seat thriller that catapults you right into the middle of the plot. The execution is near flawless and it takes you a while to realize that this is a film on child trafficking.
Film review ·
Mardaani is not a usual Yashraj film but a good one to switch tracks and attempt something different. Filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar deserves a pat on his back for this one. He not just gets the best performances out of his cast but keeps his focus right making Mardaani a great watch. Book your tickets for Mardaani and watch Rani Mukherji in action. She will blow your mind!
Film review ·
Brevity is sorely missing as the film could have been shorter. But then, at a time when there's rampant violence against women, Mardaani gives a glimpse of what should ideally happen.
Film review ·
Once you're done soaking in all the awesomeness that the seasoned actress brings in to her character of Shivani Shivaji Roy, you will notice everything else, from the ambience, the shots, the other actors. Having said that, it's the taut story that engages you through the film's complete runtime – the real heroine, the real star of the show. Kudos to the complete team!
Film review ·
Handsomely helmed by Pradeep Sarkar and terrifically performed by Rani Mukherjee, 'Mardaani' is a fiercely arresting action thriller that holds the flag of women power high. Must watch.
Film review ·
This film deserves to be seen - for Rani's and Tahir Bhasin's acting; to learn about the ugly truth that is human trafficking; and for the brilliant portrayal of a lady cop's true grit.
Film review ·
I am quite proud to say that the roaring lady rules the show in Mardaani and with aplomb. Despite the film unraveling with as much wit and creativity as was expected of it, the movie is an attempt to alter the fare of commercial cinema, giving it a more real tinge. It might not be a brilliant film but it is a film that is better than good and must govern your attention for the theme it raises. It is a powerful film that seldom goes wrong and leaves by a message that must be heard. A big shout out to Team Mardaani.
Film review ·
If you are tired of the nonsensical action, and over-the-top drama, `Mardaani` is the film for you. The movie has the power to invoke thought and subjects you to question the ultimately ineffective candle light vigils that need to now metamorphose to a more powerful resistance to lawless cruelty and nip crime at its bud.
Film review ·
Rani's mardaani Shivani is a close second to Sarfarosh's Ajay Rathod and that is saying something. In spite of a couple of flaws, this is still a very good movie to have come out in a long time. It's definitely worth a watch.
Film review ·
...is relevant, powerful and inspiring with a top notch performance by Rani Mukerji. Worth a watch!
Film review ·
Mardaani is a narrative that leaves you rattled and perturbed, yet it gives you hope of a better tomorrow. If you like watching good content and good performances on screen, go for this one!
Film review ·
Mardaani is a complete package. You will not mind spending your hard earned money on Mardaani. Thumbs up from us.
Film review ·
...despite its Adults Only certification, doesn't spend much time in dingy bedrooms, or with the girls. Though it lectures and breathes heavy sometimes, it's more interested in the men who run these rackets — men you may see hanging out at a coffee shop, or jogging in your colony park.
Film review ·
That the trailers of Mardaani were disappointing could be a blessing in disguise. But for the climax, it is an understated and relatively agreeable mainstream film—manipulative but not exploitative—that thankfully falls short of sensationalizing a serious issue.
Film review ·
The movie Mardaani offers quite a number of twists and surprises which will keep the viewers' eyeballs excited and some catchy dialogues will do the same with the ears. In a nutshell, Rani Mukerji as Shivani Sivaji Roy in Mardaani seems capable enough to shy away several other 'Mard' cops in Bollywood.
Film review ·
We have an interesting film with an inspiring hero, a menacing villain that you personally want to thrash, and a story that touches your heart. All this, and Rani Mukerji! More reasons to watch, than not!
Film review ·
There are plenty of applaud worthy moments in Mardaani and barring a few manipulative and exploitive scenes, which should have been left on the editing table, this is a reasonably smooth ride.
Film review ·
This movie could have continuous recall had the pace been racier. And if you could also buy into the emotional tracks between Shivani and her husband, her niece or her ward. Also, Rani is the only member of the cast with star value. The rest of the actors, including the English-speaking young goon, are inconsequential.
Film review ·
It starts slow but you soon find yourself getting involved, as the hunt for the missing girl begins. It is not an easy film to watch. It is brutal and it takes you into a world, you would rather pretend does not exist. Mardaani holds more than a few surprises.
Film review ·
Mardaani's philosophy and message are conveyed to some extent. It may be liked due to its women oriented theme, but I don't think it would give any impetus to the process of women empowerment. Watch it if you have been a Rani fan, but don't look for any depth in the story.
Film review ·
...irrespective of all it's cliches Mardaani serves well towards Rani's career graph. A definite watch if you are a Rani fan, Mardaani is an average revenge-action cop flick.
Film review ·
Faux feminism aside, Mardaani is mostly a middling action thriller. If only the script weighed more in intensity of thoughts than stagy heroics and simplistic resolutions, it could do a lot more for women in the film industry if not society in general.
Film review ·
Yes, more and more films need to be made on such issues. Yes, Mardaani is a decent film. Alas, the issue is not what you come out thinking about. I wonder if there were censor cuts that took away bits that were needed to get us more involved with those who suffered. But, meanwhile, this will do. And go give, Lakshmi a watch too. Note, I am not saying instead, I am saying both. Each has a different approach - only that one is worth a watch and the other ought to be watched.
Film review ·
A stellar cast only adds to this accomplished film's sense of creative propriety. Mardaani is a film that makes all the correct noises about child trafficking. And by "correct noises" I do mean the soundtrack which is among the most evocative provocative and satisfying in recent times.
Film review ·
Right from the gimmicky Mardaani national anthem (that has been playing at PVR cinemas) to tasteless scenes of little girls being turned into sex slaves, to the penultimate shot of Mukerji walking away from the action in slow-motion like she was in a Telugu action film remake, the film piggybacks on a social issue without being as sensitive as it wants its characters to be. Irony dies a painful death when a film against exploitation, does exactly that.
Film review ·
You're bored to death wondering when the heroine will just morph into a female Salman and get on with it. Oh, she does, but only very briefly. Ah okay. Then what's the point.
Film review ·
It's not in the same league as 'Kahaani' or 'English Vinglish', but it still deserves applause for attempting to portray a movie minus Bollywood's trademark frills. With so much going for 'Mardaani', it's unfortunate that its filmmakers failed to pull it through. That said, we still think it deserves a trip to the cinema just because it's a step in the right direction.
Film review ·
You can watch Mardaani for all the wrong reasons and feel underwhelmed. Don't watch it for Rani Mukerji trying to be a Salman Khan. She's not. Don't watch it for true grit or precise realism; this is still a dialogue driven entertainer. Don't watch it for song and dance, there isn't any. Watch it for thrills; watch it with a pro-feminist stance. And you could find the right perspective.
Film review ·
Mardaani is a better commercial film than most and Sarkar's best film since Parineeta. However, if there is one solid reason to watch this movie, it's Bhasin's Walter-White-as-played-by-Seth-Green act. The young actor, who was impressive even in his brief appearance in One By Two earlier this year, seems like a talent to watch out for. Next time, hopefully, he'll have more meat to chew on.
Film review ·
Rani Mukerji gives the Singhams and Dabanggs a tough competition as she cracks the whip in this Pradeep Sarkar film that entertains in a 'filmi' way. If you are a Rani Mukerji's fan, then you cannot miss out this one.
Film review ·
Mardaani is too ordinary a film for an emotional and disturbing issue like sex trafficking. It leaves the viewer unaffected and fails to inspire the women to revolt, which is what the film ought to have done. At the box-office, it will not be able to make its mark. A section of the evolved and women audience will like it for the intention behind the film but that won't be enough for the film to succeed at the ticket windows.
Film review ·
The movie's sexist title suggests that she has masculine qualities of bravery and honour, but the best proof of her macho side is her indifferent relationship with her spouse. Not unlike the average Indian husband, Shivani prefers the company of others, in this case her co-workers, her orphaned niece, and a teenager, Pyari, who sells flowers at traffic signals. The abduction of this flower girl by a sex trafficking ring deeply upsets Shivani, who launches a personal crusade to save Pyari and whoever else might be in the room at that moment.
Film review ·
A taut thriller that makes you look within.
Film review ·
If you take out the unnecessary woman-on-top chanting in the end, Mardaani is a fine cop drama that brings two Bengalis back in the Bollywood game — Pradeep Sarkar and Rani Mukerji.
From our readers
4 ratings · user score 6.5
Mardaani. It's a welcome change. A heroine oriented violent movie from YRF without a single song and without any distractions from the main plot during those crisp and tight 1 hour and 50 minutes. Rani Mukerjee after a long time gets a fresh and meaty role in form of a lady police officer from Mumbai crime branch who starts investigating a women trafficking crime for her own reasons but soon finds the bigger and ugly picture. Movie gains its strength from its reasonably short length. From the scene one, without wasting a minute you are introduced to tough and quirky Shivani Shiviji Rao and before you settle down, she is playing the cat and mouse chase game with her nemesis played by newcomer Tahir Raj Bhasin who is also at equal ease and full of fire power. Although movie does not dare to go into much detailing of the heinous crime and also somewhat fails to exploit the emotional connection between Rani and her doctor husband. But still using a linear screenplay and funny one liners here and there, movie holds itself together to keep you interested in the proceedings. I am going with strong 7 out of 10 for Mardaani. At the end, you feel satisfied and movie sends its message right that women are not to be taken for granted.
Mardaani starring Rani Mukherjee was a fantastic experience I had at the cinemas. It was about a cop woman fighting against sex trafficking. Seriously, this film is unnecessarily roughly packed and there are a bunch of action scenes which we didn't need, but it has a lot to offer especially on its protagonist's side, who is easily the best feminist character in the history of Indian cinema since Rosy from 'The Guide'.
Credits
Rani MukerjiShivani Shivaji Roy
Tahir Raj BhasinWalt
Jisshu SenguptaDr. Bikram Roy
Mona AmbegaonkarManu Ranstogi
Priyanka SharmaPyaari
Anil GeorgeVakeel
Aman UppalMattoo
Saanand VermaKapil
Anant Vidhaat SharmaSunny Katyal
Mikhail YawalkarInspector Balwinder Singh Sodhi
Avneet KaurMeera
Vikrant KoulMathurHindi films like Mardaani
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