Mardaani 2

Mardaani 2 is a gritty and compelling 2019 Indian thriller that continues the story of the fearless and determined police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy, portrayed by the versatile actress, Rani Mukerji. From the director Gopi Puthran, the Yash Raj Films production provides a stark insight into the harrowing reality of society's darkest corners, painting a vivid, distressing portrait of the lurking horrors of sexual violence in India.

The narrative begins with Shivani now being promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP), posted in the bustling city of Kota, Rajasthan. Although celebrated for its thriving educational hubs, Kota also brims with a sordid underbelly riddled with criminal activities. In this setting, beneath the façade of communal harmony, an unnerving reality emerges of grave crimes against women. When a brutal sexual assault and murder shakes the city, Shivani is handed the responsibility to nab the culprit and bring justice to the victim.

Rani Mukerji delivers an intense performance, imbuing her character with a level of grit and resolve that underscores the entire narrative. As she is pitted against a young, deranged and merciless villain, the struggle reaches staggering heights of tension, with true crime dread seeping into the storyline as both parties engage in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

While Mukerji is fantastic, her resilience is opposed by the sinister young villain portrayed by Vishal Jethwa, whose performance is equally chilling. Jethwa’s impressive depiction of the sociopathic antagonist brings the malevolent character to life, adding a high degree of tension and menace to the plot. The stellar lineup doesn't end there, with the likes of Shruti Bapna and Rajesh Sharma delivering noteworthy performances in supporting roles.

The film introduces us to wrath of a villain who justifies his vicious actions as payback to society’s discrimination that he faced due to his caste and poverty, which is an issue that plagues many parts of India even today. However, Mardaani 2 does not glorify this demented perpetrator or his twisted motivations, it simply presents the social reality and the grim criminal underpinning. It just stresses the dire need for change, the strength that women possess and it celebrates their perseverance against the odds.

Encapsulating the dark undercurrent of society, Mardaani 2 unravels the deplorable size of misogyny prevalent even today. Using intense performances and a heart-pounding narrative style, the film highlights the chillingly casual attitude towards brutality and patriarchal thinking. With its unabashed look at the way society treats its female members and the prevailing impunity for heinous crimes, Mardaani 2 is less entertainment and more an urgent call for change.

Rattling with social commentary, the filmmaker's adept use of a nail-biting narrative becomes a mirror to society's perverse flaws. Puthran handles the subject with immense sensibility and maturity, never diverting into melodramatic territories, keeping the narrative raw, relatable and grounded.

The cinematography by Jishnu Bhattacharjee is exceptional. Each frame intensifies the overall vibe of the movie, maintaining a realistic tonality while depicting the beauty of Rajasthan in parallel to its deep-rooted ugliness. The editing by Monisha R Baldawa is sharp and keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.

Although Mardaani 2 is bereft of songs – a staple of most Indian cinema – the strong background score by John Stewart Eduri builds a sense of constant tension and impending doom that runs parallel to the narrative progression.

Mardaani 2 effectively shines a spotlight on humankind's worst, making it a momentous film that addresses the need for strong, determined women in our society, and reminds us that real-life horror can lurk in the most ordinary circumstances. It is a gripping film that touches upon societal evils using the vehicle of mainstream cinema, serving as a powerful and impactful wake-up call for audiences.

To sum up, Mardaani 2 is an edgy, fast-paced thriller that makes crucial social commentary. The performances of the cast and the sincere storytelling make it a must-watch, providing viewers with a cinematic experience that is equal parts thrilling, evocative and thought-provoking.