Released on January 30, 2026, Mardaani 3 has garnered mixed-to-positive reviews, currently holding an average critic rating of 3.5/5 stars. While Rani Mukerji’s performance is universally hailed as a powerhouse "star turn," the film’s narrative has faced some criticism for falling into predictable patterns in its second half.
Critic and Audience Sentiment
The Positives: Critics from NDTV and Bollywood Hungama have praised Rani Mukerji for her "ferocious and emotionally razor-sharp" portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy. The first half is widely described as a taut, gripping thriller that successfully tackles the dark world of the beggar mafia and child trafficking.
The Critiques: Some reviews, including those from The Hindu and The Indian Express, noted that the film "loses steam" after the interval. Critics pointed out that the plot shifts into a more generic "massy" grammar, with a late-stage foreign conspiracy angle that felt less grounded than the franchise's previous entries.
Comparison: Many fans have compared the film's tone to Delhi Crime, noting its grim and realistic atmosphere, though some felt the villain in this installment (Amma, played by Mallika Prasad) didn't receive as much development as the antagonists in the first two films.
Review Summary Table
| Publication | Rating | Key Takeaway |
| Bollywood Hungama | 3.5/5 | A powerful, hard-hitting thriller that stays true to the franchise. |
| NDTV | 3.5/5 | One of the finest performances in Rani Mukerji’s 30-year career. |
| Hindustan Times | 3/5 | Rani keeps you seated, but the thriller isn't the sharpest in the series. |
| The Indian Express | 2/5 | Criticized for over-writing and predictable plot-points. |
| IMDb (User) | 7.6/10 | Generally well-received by audiences for its realistic sets and tension. |
Box Office Update
As of February 17, 2026, the film is performing steadily:
India Net Collection: ~₹44.75 crore.
Worldwide Gross: Over ₹64 crore.
Status: It has already crossed the lifetime collection of the original Mardaani and is expected to hit the ₹50 crore mark in India soon.



