Shivani Shivaji Roy (Rani Mukerji), the Senior Inspector from the Crime Branch, Mumbai in “Mardaani” (2014) is now a Superintendent of Police stationed at Kota, Rajasthan in “Mardaani 2”. But even with the promotion and additional authority, Roy’s battle to prove herself as a female IPS officer continues in the male-dominated police force. While she fought and brought an organized nexus of human traffickers to justice in the previous installment, Roy in the latest release meets more than her match in the conniving and ruthless murderer “Sunny” (Vishal Jethwa.)

A mutilated dead body of a young girl “Jessica” is found in an abandoned construction site in Kota. Police investigation finds she has been repeatedly raped and tortured. Roy’s further inquiry into the murder reveals a chain of kidnappings, rapes and killings that are somewhat interlinked—and all point to a single suspect. With some of her own officers ranged against her—just because she is a woman—and pitted against a psychologically disturbed but extremely intelligent criminal, who also enjoys an extent of political protection, the deck is stacked against Roy.

The mind games between Roy and Sunny make for the meat of the movie. While Roy is as fearless and determined as she was in Mumbai, her nemesis Sunny, who also holds a personal grudge against the police officer, is always a step ahead of her.

Produced by Yash Raj Films, Mardaani 2 is written and directed by Gopi Puthran, also the writer and assistant director of the first installment. Despite taking the director’s seat for the first time, Puthran shows amazing maturity and is brilliantly by the production team. Mardaani 2—a mainstream release in Bollywood—breaks so many conventions it gives off the vibe of a low- budget, high-spirited independent film. 

For one, a film on a sensitive topic like violence against women and inbred sexism in Indian society does nothing to glamorize the women in it. There is no objectification whatsoever, no extravagant ‘creative liberties’ taken to project a larger-than-life hero in Roy and no heroic male character on whose shoulder our protagonist has to rest her. Sans peppy item numbers and even promotional songs, as the team believed they did not fit the film’s narrative, Mardaani 2 banks more on strong writing, capable actors and diligent production. The maturity level of the filmmakers is highlighted by the fact that even in sequences which could have ended with the culprit being lynched or ‘encountered’ by a cheering mob, filmmakers resist this easy temptation.

The smart screenplay and witty dialogues befit the actors, especially Mukerji and Jethwa, both of whom give stellar performances. Even after a pregnancy-induced hiatus, Mukerji proves she is still the best pick for Roy’s character. Mukerji as Roy is bold, caring, and ferocious. And the best part of Roy is, the filmmakers have not tried to emulate the male action heroes of Bollywood. She’s a fighter all right, but her battles are won by patience, perseverance, and intellect.

Playing the most important role in the film, the youngster Jethwa is impressive. With the ability to change identity and blend into the crowd, Sunny is a dangerous villain and Jethwa perfectly captures the poisonous evil in him. Sunny in brought up in a society where a woman needs to be punished for speaking out, and raping her is the best form of punishment in his reckoning. With that mentality, a childhood trauma and asthma, Jethwa carries Sunny’s multi-layered character with aplomb.

Who should watch it?

This is a must-watch. Not only does it destroy the misconceptions about women in our patriarchal society. It also puts a woman in a position where she can make a difference, on her own. Roy’s character is nothing sort of inspirational and the many messages that the film gives are on point and well explained. We recommend you watch the first Mardaani too if you haven’t.

 

Rating: ****

Director: Gopi Puthran

Actors: Rani Mukerji, Vishal Jethwa

Time: 1hrs 45mins

Genre: Thriller