Mardaani 3 Movie Review and Box Office Performance: Rani Mukerji's Comeback Earns Rs 2 Crore in Advance Sales
Rani Mukerji has made a powerful return to the silver screen with Mardaani 3, reprising her iconic role as the no-nonsense police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy. The highly anticipated third instalment of the blockbuster franchise has kicked off with a steady start at the box office, garnering an impressive Rs 2 crore in advance ticket sales. After a six-year hiatus, the actress is back in full fighting form, delivering another hard-hitting and issue-driven narrative that holds up a mirror to society's brutal realities.
A Grim and Gritty Narrative: Confronting Child Trafficking
The trailer for Mardaani 3, released earlier in January, sets a dark and intense tone for this new chapter. The clip showcases Shivani Shivaji Roy in a relentless race against time as she takes on a ruthless child-trafficking network responsible for the abduction of numerous young girls. This pursuit pushes the character to her absolute limits, highlighting her unwavering commitment to justice in the face of sinister evil forces.
Rani Mukerji has described the film as a crucial step towards raising awareness and strengthening the message of women's empowerment. She has urged women and young girls to watch the movie and draw inspiration from its powerful story of resilience and hope. The actress emphasized that through Shivani, she aims to portray quiet strength and the importance of telling uncomfortable yet hopeful stories.
The Evolution of the Mardaani Franchise: From 2014 to 2026
The Mardaani franchise, which began in 2014, has established itself as the biggest solo female-led series in Hindi cinema. The first film exposed the grim realities of human trafficking, featuring Rani Mukerji alongside supporting actors like Jisshu Sengupta, Tahir Raj Bhasin, and Anant Vidhaat Sharma. The second instalment, released in 2019 and directed by Gopi Puthran, delved into the disturbing psyche of a serial rapist challenging the system.
Now, Mardaani 3 introduces fans to a formidable new antagonist in Mallika Prasad's character 'Amma'. Janaki Bodiwala, known for her role in Shaitaan, also joins the franchise in a pivotal role. The film is written by Aayush Gupta, acclaimed for The Railway Men, and directed by Abhiraj Minawala, with production by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films.
Rani Mukerji's 30-Year Cinematic Journey: Reflections and Emotions
As Rani Mukerji celebrates thirty years in the film industry, she reflects on her journey with profound gratitude and humility. In a heartfelt letter shared on the Instagram handle of Yash Raj Films, she revealed that she never entered films with a master plan. Instead, she was drawn into cinema almost by chance, driven by curiosity, fear, and a deep love for storytelling.
The actress recalled her debut in Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat in 1997, which taught her that cinema is not about glamour first but about responsibility. Playing a woman fighting for dignity early in her career shaped the actor she would become. Today, Rani emphasizes that she doesn't count box-office numbers or awards first; she counts moments—standing under rain for a shot, laughing between takes, and feeling that quiet satisfaction when a performance truly connects.
Advance Release and Anticipation: What to Expect from Mardaani 3
Yash Raj Films advanced the release date of Mardaani 3 to January 30, 2026, building immense anticipation among fans and critics alike. The makers have pegged this film as a bloody and violent clash between Shivani's goodness and sinister evil forces, as she embarks on an extraordinary race against time to rescue scores of missing girls across the country.
Rani Mukerji has teased that the edge-of-the-seat thriller will be dark, deadly, and brutal, immediately piquing curiosity among netizens and franchise enthusiasts. The film continues the legacy of gripping, issue-based storytelling, delving into another dark reality of society while saluting the spirit of today's women and the resilience of the Indian police force.
Mardaani 3 is set for a worldwide theatrical release on Friday, January 30, promising to deliver another powerful cinematic experience that combines social relevance with thrilling entertainment.
