Mardaani (2014) Reviews

• Bollywood "heroes" can learn from the heroines

  erisedwitch452014-08-23

  Nowadays when the so-called superstars of bollywood (Salman, Akshay, SRK etc) make such mindless & nonsensical movies in the name of leave-your- brains-at-home comedies (like Kick & Ready & Dabang & Entertainment & what not), Mardaani is a refreshing change. I am not saying that it's a gem or the best movie out there but it is good. It has a good (although not many twists or turns) story, powerful acting by Rani and the supporting cast, no out-of-context songs and very nice ending. I see a trend that Bollywood heroines are trying to come up with good movies like Kangana in Queen, Revolver Rani; Priyanka in Mary Kom, Fashion; Vidya in Kahani, No one killed Jessica etc where as the 40+ year old "heroes" are still stuck in the 90s; churning out stupid movies where the girl is mainly for songs. I don't have a problem with those kind of movies too if they are decent; which many aren't. I love a good comedy or action movie as much as I enjoy a serious one. But the movies made by the male "superstars" are not even funny or entertaining; though surprisingly, those movies are in the 200 crore etc club. I hope we as an audience start to appreciate some diversity that movies like Mardaani portray.

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• A Powerful Film

  mxpayne752014-08-22

  Mardaani is a movie that despite an unimaginative plot and predictable narrative engrosses you in its fabric. Rani Mukerji is pitch perfect in the role of a super-cop that is rightly hued, far from the floss and swagger of Chulbul Pandey and Singham. She is real, gritty and every bit brilliant. Though the film's climax loses itself in melodrama, this is a film that has its heart in the right place and tells a pertinent story at a time when it must be heard. Rani Mukerji with no make up, stern face maintains her strong demeanor. The actress is non dramatic on purpose and that did the trick for me. She is far from the pomp and show of masala cop films and that subtlety blows your mind. I am ecstatic that the lady has returned in a role that does justice to her caliber. Tahir Bhasin is a revelation and quite interestingly lives up to Rani's stature. The chase between him and Rani is built brilliantly mostly because of his conviction in rendering such brilliance to his character. His diction and twang both blend in well drawing one's attention even further.

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• A rare realistic movie in Indian commercial cinema

  rahulmailsonix2014-08-22

  Mardaani is a brilliant movie, and especially so because it comes in a time so crowded by the larger-than-life police cop, who is way beyond falling into physics of regular procedurals. The casting is picture perfect, and the dialogs, not crispy, but suited well. I appreciate the fact that they didn't push in any songs (except for one song in the end in the background, but that is acceptable), and the movie respects intellect and reality (lending it an 'adult' rating). The whole negative cast of the film is so well cast, (partly because its from a real life story), that I couldn't take my eyes off. Its a recommended movie, (and definitely a better watch than the Expendibles.) and I am happy that people have sensibilities in them to make meaningful cinema.

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• Mardaani Review

  ahwaan_padhee2014-08-25

  With a sudden spate of cop-oriented films in Bollywood, the larger- than-life heroism has occupied our mind space ominously. We saw the maverick soldier Akshay Kumar combating the sleeper cells in Holiday and the tough cop Ajay Devgan decimating the corrupt politicians in Singham Returns. Having said that, the Pradeep Sarkar-directed Yash raj films' latest outing "Mardaani" is a departure from the archetypal escapist commercialism. The protagonist here is a lady - Shivani Shivaji Roy(Rani Mukherjee), a no-nonsense crime branch police officer wages a relentless fight to bust a human trafficking racket in Mumbai. Giving one of the most low-key and unassuming introduction to the lady hero where her team tracks down a small-time criminal , the plot ticks off when a 12-year old street girl,almost like her family member, goes missing from an orphanage which in turn insinuates the operating of a deadly sex racket. Shivani pursues this case strongly as she senses a strong nexus behind this crime scene of terrifying magnitude until she comes in telephonic contact with the mastermind. What ensues is a cat and mouse game to hunt down the criminal and things take an ugly turn when it is taken to the personal level. A taut thriller in all respects, Mardaani works because of the slick direction. The treatment stays faithful to the dark and grim subject. I admit that some scenes involving the facets of flesh trade appear voyeuristic due to which the film is certified with 'A' rating, but Sarkar redeems them with some engaging conversations between the cop and her nemesis. Equally entertaining is the banter between Shivani and her team and the liberal use of expletives which lends the film an authentic touch. The tussle here is interestingly cerebral for most parts , thanks to the clever writing (Gopi Guthram) until the climactic showdown which is quite formulaic. Sarkar treads on a different trajectory altogether. With 2 hours running time devoid of naach-gaana , it is quite unusual for a YRF flick. But what makes Mardani consistently watchable is the spirited performances of the entire star-cast. Surely, its crafted as a come-back vehicle for Rani, and the actress does complete justice in terms of depicting strength and emotional heft. She is quite in ease with the lingo, the uniform and the attitude. Tahir Bhasin impresses as the ruthless kingpin of the sex racket, adding a despicable menace to his character. He is not a regular Bollywood baddie, but a college dropout who is tech-savvy, addicted to video game and smart with Bluetooth. Rani's on screen husband played by Jissu Sengupta is almost side-tracked except in one gut- wrenching sequence where he miserably becomes a pawn in the rivalry of the cop and antagonist. I enjoyed each and every minute of Mardaani. It's not your regular run- off-the-mill stuff and more importantly pushes the envelope of serious cinema without making you feel bored.

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• Rani Mukherjee is mind blowing with her punches and fiery dialogues

  ketgup832014-08-23

  It is heartening and encouraging to see women centric films doing well in Bollywood - Kahaani , English Vinglish, Queen and now Mardaani adding extra charm to the genre. Mardaani tells the true story of drug racket and child trafficking which is very much existing in current India. An orphan goes missing from NGO doubting Crime Branch officer Shivani Shivaji Roy and investigate the case which involves a cat-mouse game between Shivani and the mafia kingpin. From the director of Parineeta , Pradeep Sarkar is in a great form. After strings of flops , he comes back with a bang. Hats off to him for creating niche drama with well-written screenplay that will keep glued on to the screen till the end. Cinematography is outstanding. Background score gels well with the mood of the film. Editing adds crispiness to the pace. Mardaani belongs to queen of hearts - Rani Mukherjee. The supremely talented actress will prove the naysayers that she could come back and deliver a solid performance. She is mind blowing with her punches and fiery dialogues. Tahir Raj Bhasin will surprise you as mafia kingpin. Mardaani has everything going in its favor - Brilliant direction, Strong performances. Highly recommended. Excellent 4/5 www.facebook.com/FilmyChowk

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