Released on August 22, 2014, Mardaani is a crime thriller directed by Pradeep Sarkar and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner. Starring Rani Mukerji in the lead role, the movie tackles the harsh realities of human trafficking and modern-day crime.
The film is gripping, intense, and emotionally charged, making it an impactful cinematic experience. With a powerful performance by Rani Mukerji and a realistic approach to storytelling, Mardaani has left a lasting impression on audiences. Let’s dive into the detailed review of this hard-hitting movie.
Table of Contents
2. Plot Summary
The story revolves around Shivani Shivaji Roy (Rani Mukerji), a senior crime branch officer in Mumbai. She is dedicated, fearless, and determined to bring justice to victims of human trafficking.
Things take a personal turn when a young girl, whom Shivani cares for, goes missing. As she investigates, she uncovers a well-organized crime syndicate involved in child trafficking. The hunt for the mastermind behind the operation, Walt (Tahir Raj Bhasin), leads Shivani on a dangerous mission where she must outsmart and outfight a ruthless criminal network.
With a fast-paced narrative and thrilling action sequences, Mardaani keeps viewers engaged till the very end.
3. What’s Good?
1. Performances
- Rani Mukerji delivers a powerful and intense performance, portraying Shivani Roy as both tough and compassionate.
- Tahir Raj Bhasin is brilliantly menacing as Walt, playing a cold and calculating villain.
- The supporting cast does justice to their roles, making the story more realistic and immersive.
2. Direction and Screenplay
- Pradeep Sarkar masterfully directs the film, maintaining tension and suspense throughout.
- The screenplay is tight, with minimal unnecessary subplots, keeping the movie engaging.
- The dialogues are impactful, making the characters and their struggles feel real.
3. Cinematography and Editing
- The cinematography captures the dark and gritty underbelly of the city effectively.
- Editing is crisp, ensuring a smooth flow of storytelling without dragging the narrative.
4. Music and Background Score
- The background score by Julius Packiam enhances the tension in key moments.
- The film does not rely heavily on songs, keeping the focus on the intense story.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
✔️ Powerful Female Lead – Rani Mukerji’s portrayal of a strong female cop is inspiring.
✔️ Realistic Crime Story – The film sheds light on real-world issues of human trafficking.
✔️ Gripping Narrative – The fast-paced storytelling keeps viewers hooked.
✔️ Impactful Villain – Tahir Raj Bhasin’s character is chilling and memorable.
✔️ Strong Emotional Connect – The movie evokes strong emotions, making the audience invested in the story.
Weaknesses
❌ Violence Might Not Be for Everyone – Some scenes are disturbing due to their realistic portrayal of crime.
❌ Predictable Climax – While intense, the climax follows a somewhat expected path.
❌ Limited Character Depth – Some secondary characters could have been explored further.
5. Target Audience
Mardaani is best suited for:
✅ Crime Thriller Lovers – Those who enjoy intense and investigative stories.
✅ Fans of Rani Mukerji – Her performance alone makes the movie worth watching.
✅ Socially Aware Viewers – People interested in hard-hitting movies on real-life issues.
✅ Action Enthusiasts – The film has well-choreographed action sequences.
6. Box Office Details
Mardaani performed well at the box office, earning both critical and commercial success.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | ₹21 crores |
| India Box Office | ₹35.82 crores |
| Worldwide Collection | ₹56 crores |
| Opening Day (India) | ₹3.46 crores |
| Opening Weekend (India) | ₹14.46 crores |
| Lifetime Collection | ₹56 crores (worldwide) |
The film was appreciated for its strong message and thrilling narrative, helping it gain traction among audiences and critics alike.
7. Recommendation
Mardaani is a gritty, intense, and thought-provoking thriller that delivers a strong message about human trafficking. With Rani Mukerji’s exceptional performance, a gripping storyline, and a compelling villain, it is a must-watch for those who enjoy crime thrillers with a social impact. If you haven’t seen it yet, watch it now for an unforgettable experience!
Genres:
Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Rating:
6.6/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Rani Mukerji | Shivani Shivaji Roy |
| Tahir Raj Bhasin | Walt / Karan Ranstogi |
| Jisshu Sengupta | Dr. Bikram Roy |
| Sanjay Taneja | Minister Tanejaji |
| Mona Ambegaonkar | Manu Ranstogi |
| Priyanka Sharma | Pyaari |
| Anil George | Vakeel |
| Aman Uppal | Mattoo |
| Saanand Verma | Kapil |
| Habib Al Aidroos | Bob (The Drugs Supplier) |
| Gautam Babbar | Tandon |
| Anant Vidhaat Sharma | Sunny Katyal |
| Mikhail Yawalkar | Inspector Balwinder Singh Sodhi |
| Digvijay Rohildas | Jafar |
| Avneet Kaur | Meera |
| Ashish Warang | More |
| Rio Kapadia | JT.C.P. Sinha |
| Vishwa Bhanu | Kidnapper 1 |
| Vikrant Koul | Mathur |
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