Are villains shaped by society or born broken?
Synopsis
Mallika Prasad, playing the role of Amma in ‘Mardaani 3’, argues that societal structures shape villains rather than innate flaws. Explore her insights on systemic violence and the complex portrayal of antagonism in cinema.
Key Takeaways
Mallika Prasad portrays the character Amma in Mardaani 3 .
Villains are shaped by societal systems , not born flawed.
Systemic violence plays a crucial role in shaping behavior.
Amma's character does not directly commit physical violence.
The film addresses dark realities in society.
Mumbai, Feb 2 (NationPress) Actress Mallika Prasad, who portrays the antagonist Amma in the recently released film “Mardaani 3”, asserts that villains are not inherently flawed but are influenced by the societal structures they are immersed in.
When asked if she thinks characters like Amma are born with inherent flaws or are products of systems that subtly endorse cruelty, Mallika explained to IANS: “Villains are not born; they are not broken individuals. We need to understand how society molds people, as societal structures shape behaviors. In Amma's case, it's not overt violence, but rather systemic violence. It is a violence of structure.”
The actress elaborated that Amma navigates through a corrupt system that silently endorses cruelty. “It is the violence of oppression. She plays by the rules of the gutter,” Mallika noted, emphasizing how institutional decline can normalize destructive actions.
Interestingly, she highlighted that Amma is never depicted physically inflicting violence on screen. “It's crucial to mention that, without revealing too much, Amma never has a scene where she engages in physical violence. Yet, her influence leads to significant violent outcomes.”
“These are intricate and fascinating issues, reflecting the complex nature of violence within society. This is something I wish to emphasize regarding the challenging concept of violence,” she added.
Discussing her latest film “Mardaani 3”, it explores another grim and harsh aspect of our society, further solidifying the franchise's tradition of impactful, issue-driven narratives.
Actress Janaki Bodiwala, known for her role in Shaitaan, joins the Mardaani franchise in a significant role. Mardaani 3 has been penned by Aayush Gupta, celebrated for The Railway Men.
The inaugural film of the Mardaani series debuted in 2014, featuring Rani Mukerji, Jisshu Sengupta, Tahir Raj Bhasin, and Anant Vidhaat Sharma in supporting roles. The second part was released in 2019, directed by Gopi Puthran, and also featured Vishal Jethwa.
Point of View
The conversation surrounding the portrayal of villains in cinema, particularly through the lens of Mallika Prasad's insights, underscores the significant influence of societal structures on individual behavior. This reflection on systemic violence invites audiences to consider the broader implications of narratives that shape our understanding of morality and justice.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mallika Prasad's role in Mardaani 3?
Mallika Prasad plays the antagonist, Amma, in the film Mardaani 3.
What does Mallika Prasad say about villains?
She believes that villains are shaped by societal systems rather than being born broken.
Is there physical violence shown by Amma in Mardaani 3?
Interestingly, Amma never engages in physical violence on screen, yet her actions lead to violent outcomes.
What themes does Mardaani 3 explore?
The film delves into dark societal realities, continuing the franchise's legacy of impactful storytelling.
Who wrote Mardaani 3?
The screenplay of Mardaani 3 was written by Aayush Gupta.
