Mardaani 2
Officer Shivani Shivaji Roy is stationed at Kota where she goes against a ferocious serial killer who rapes and murders women.
Despite its limited budget of $2.8M, Mardaani 2 became a financial success, earning $8.7M worldwide—a 210% return. The film's compelling narrative found its audience, confirming that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Mardaani 2 (2019) showcases precise narrative architecture, characteristic of Gopi Puthran's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 43 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Shivani Shivaji Roy is now SP of Kota, respected and commanding. She's left Mumbai behind and established herself as a tough, no-nonsense officer in her new jurisdiction.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Latika is brutally raped and murdered. Her body is discovered, and the heinous nature of the crime shocks the police force and community.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Shivani receives a direct taunt from Sunny, the killer. He challenges her personally, making it clear he's studying her. She commits fully to hunting him down, making it personal., moving from reaction to action.
At 52 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat Sunny strikes again with another brutal rape-murder. False victory collapses - Shivani thought she was getting close, but he's always one step ahead. The stakes escalate as public pressure mounts., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 76 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Sunny nearly kills someone close to the investigation or Shivani faces bureaucratic/legal barriers that threaten to let him escape justice. The "whiff of death" - either literal danger or death of hope in the system., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 81 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Shivani synthesizes her understanding: she must work within and beyond the system. Key evidence or breakthrough allows her to locate Sunny. She commits to a final confrontation on her terms., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Mardaani 2's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Mardaani 2 against these established plot points, we can identify how Gopi Puthran utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Mardaani 2 within the action genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Shivani Shivaji Roy is now SP of Kota, respected and commanding. She's left Mumbai behind and established herself as a tough, no-nonsense officer in her new jurisdiction.
Theme
Discussion about how predators hide behind the law and use loopholes, particularly juvenile status, to escape justice. The system's weakness is identified.
Worldbuilding
Establishing Kota city, Shivani's command style, her team dynamics, and the community she protects. A young woman Latika is introduced going about her daily life.
Disruption
Latika is brutally raped and murdered. Her body is discovered, and the heinous nature of the crime shocks the police force and community.
Resistance
Shivani begins investigation but faces resistance from the system. Evidence is limited. The killer taunts police. Shivani debates whether traditional methods will work against this new kind of predator.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Shivani receives a direct taunt from Sunny, the killer. He challenges her personally, making it clear he's studying her. She commits fully to hunting him down, making it personal.
Mirror World
Shivani connects with the victims' families and community, particularly understanding the pain and demand for justice. This relationship grounds the thematic stakes: protecting the innocent.
Premise
Cat-and-mouse game between Shivani and Sunny. He commits another murder, leaving clues and taunts. Shivani uses forensics, psychology, and street work to narrow the search. The premise delivers: a determined cop vs cunning juvenile killer.
Midpoint
Sunny strikes again with another brutal rape-murder. False victory collapses - Shivani thought she was getting close, but he's always one step ahead. The stakes escalate as public pressure mounts.
Opposition
Pressure intensifies from media, public, and superiors. Sunny grows bolder, revealing his face to cameras, confident in his immunity as a juvenile. Shivani's methods are questioned. The system itself becomes an obstacle.
Collapse
Sunny nearly kills someone close to the investigation or Shivani faces bureaucratic/legal barriers that threaten to let him escape justice. The "whiff of death" - either literal danger or death of hope in the system.
Crisis
Shivani confronts the dark reality: the law may protect this monster. She wrestles with what justice means when the system fails. Her darkest emotional moment before finding resolve.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Shivani synthesizes her understanding: she must work within and beyond the system. Key evidence or breakthrough allows her to locate Sunny. She commits to a final confrontation on her terms.
Synthesis
Final manhunt and confrontation. Shivani tracks Sunny down, engages in brutal physical combat. She ensures justice is served, whether through legal means or direct action. The finale delivers cathartic resolution.
Transformation
Shivani stands victorious but changed. She's evolved from believing purely in the system to understanding that true justice sometimes requires extraordinary measures. She remains protector of the innocent, but wiser.