Review : Mardaani 3 : Exposing the Dark Underbelly of Child Trafficking!

Girls’ trafficking continues to be a grave menace in India, with around 43% of trafficking victims being children, many of them adolescent girls forced into sexual exploitation, labour, or early marriage. Poverty, lack of education, gender discrimination, and unsafe migration fuel this crime, while low conviction rates underline systemic failures. Mardaani 3 effectively highlights the starkness of this reality, exposing the criminals involved and the loopholes within the system.

SSP Shivani Shivaji Roy (Rani Mukerji) uncovers a child trafficking racket and is assigned the case when a diplomat’s daughter is kidnapped. Her investigation reveals that pre-pubescent girls from impoverished families are abducted, drugged, and exploited by a gang led by the ruthless queenpin Amma (Mallika Prasad). Facing resistance from bureaucrats, Shivani is suspended for insubordination but how she cracks the case forms the crux of the film.

The subject is handled sensitively, with the screenplay detailing the criminals’ modus operandi. While some dialogues feel overtly filmy, they remain impactful. The first half is tightly paced, though the second half drags slightly, and the interval could have landed with greater punch if placed at the antagonist’s reveal. The action sequences are gripping and realistic, with Rani executing sleek fight scenes convincingly. The music is passable, but the background score effectively supports the narrative. Cinematography is excellent and the darkness is used effectively.

Rani Mukerji ably carries the film, her expressive eyes conveying both strength and vulnerability. Mikhail Yawalkar, Janki Bodiwala, and Mallika Prasad appear confident and compelling, with their incisive portrayals stealing the spotlight in key moments.

Overall, Mardaani 3 exposes the dark underbelly of child trafficking and the performances, especially by Rani and the supporting cast, make it a worthy watch.

Rating: ***1/2