Mumbai: The film ‘Mardaani 3’ is currently making waves at the box office and receiving widespread appreciation. Known for addressing sensitive social issues, the ‘Mardaani’ franchise continues this trend with its latest installment. Actress Mallika Prasad, who plays the antagonist ‘Amma’ in the film, shared her thoughts on the character and the societal context during a recent interview.
Mallika explained, “It is easy to label Amma as purely evil, but understanding her is more complex. Amma is not a born villain but a product of a society riddled with injustice, corruption, and exploitation. When a person is repeatedly denied their rights and justice, the very system that fails them can turn them into a harsh and dangerous figure. Amma operates within this system that has never treated her fairly.”
She further stated, “This truth may be unsettling, but it is real—our society creates its own enemies. Everyday small injustices, neglect by people, and systemic failures combine to shape such characters. Amma represents broken trust and denied justice. I did not see her simply as a negative character but tried to understand her as a human being.”
Mallika also reflected on memorable villains in Indian cinema, saying, “Iconic villains like Mogambo and Gabbar Singh remain etched in audiences’ memories not only because they instill fear but because they give the story a strong direction.”
Speaking about portraying a female villain, she added, “The responsibility increases when a woman plays the antagonist. The character cannot be limited to just anger or showmanship. It is important to portray emotions, pain, and moments of humanity to make the role authentic and impactful. Finding humanity in a villain is the most difficult yet essential task.”
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