Mardaani Review

Pushing up the ante of woman in Bollywood ‘Mardaani’ starring Rani Mukherjee is a fiercely arresting action thriller effectively affecting for its reality takes on sex trafficking though its compassion for formulaic ending reduces some of movies ‘real’ passion. However its lack of originality and cinematic correctness in the end is ‘Taken’ handsomely by Pradeep Sarkar’s apt direction and Rani Mukherjee’s toweringly terrific act as the fearless, no nonsense lady CBI officer. Destined to find pride amongst women centric audience and nominations for Rani Mukherjee in the best actress category, ’Mardaani’ holds the flag of women power high.

The Story

Writer Gopi Puthran takes a small leaf from Pierre Morel’s 2008 thriller ‘Taken’ starring Liam Neeson Mardaani is a the kahani of Shivani (Rani Mukerji) a fearless CBI officer in Mumbai who adores an orphan Pyari (Priyanka Sharma) as her child. One day Pyari gets kidnapped by the flesh traders and Rani takes it to the sex trafficking mafia masterminded by the kingpin Walt (Tahir Bhasin) in all vigor and valor. The writing is crisp uses the sensationalisms of sex trafficking to the desired disturbing effect. The buildup is perfect. However the formulaic dramatic ending reduces the impact.

What to look out for

Pradeep Sarkar gets back on track with some serious intensity. Mardaani is a well constructed thriller that holds the audience tight. Pradeeep Sarkar’s no nonsense narration is fast paced and gripping on lines of thrillers from the west. Ignores songs and keeps things straight. Technical support is fabulous. Artur Zurawski camerawork captures the Mumbai’s shanty alleys, Delhi Ki Galiya, strikingly. Editing by Sanjib Datta is sharp. Madhu Sarkar Kuriakose production design is appropriate. Urvashi Shah’s costumes fit the bill. Performances are of top notch over here Rani Mukherjee leads from front. She is terrific as the fearsome no nonsense CBI officer. Riding all the way to glory the actress shines brightly from the first frame till the last delivering a solidly arresting power packed performance. Tahir Raj Bhasin, as the antagonist leaves his mark.

What not

The fascination for a formulaic conclusion cuts the movie’s smartly build up edge. Post interval portions get a bit lazy making the movie suffer.

Conclusion: 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.

Rating ***and1/2