Mardini

Plot: Mardini narrates the ordeal of a police officer investigating the murder of Jahnavi, a college student in Chikkamagaluru.

On her first deputation to Bengaluru, Circle Inspector Mardini, an upright officer with the Karnataka police department, solves a case related to human trafficking, which wins her many accolades. Impressed by her work, the department sends her to Chikkamagaluru next, where elections are around the corner.

There, she finds herself in the middle of a public outrage sparked off by the murder of Jahnavi, a bright college student. The politicians want the convicts to be brought to justice to pacify the public irritated with the apathy of the police. Despite the many adversities thrown her way, Mardini tries her best to nab criminals, but most of her attempts turn futile.

The crime thriller made by newcomers, however, fails to strike a chord with its execution. Except for a few gripping bits, the narration falls flat. The script also doesn’t travel beyond the theatricality of a single murder, making the film a tedious watch.