Director Abhiraj Minawala Opens Up About Mardaani Franchise and Future Prospects
In a recent interview, director Abhiraj Minawala provided detailed insights into his journey with the Mardaani franchise and addressed the highly anticipated possibility of a fourth instalment. Following the success of Mardaani 3, Minawala expressed openness to continuing the saga of fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, portrayed by Rani Mukerji, but emphasised that any future chapter must meet the franchise's high standards.
Mardaani 4: A Story-Driven Decision
Minawala stated clearly that Mardaani 4 should only proceed when the right script and story are ready. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the series' legacy of hard-hitting, socially relevant storytelling. "Mardaani 4, I think, should be made. More films should be made. Mardaani 1 and 2 empowered us to make Mardaani 3. But the important thing is that Mardaani 4 should be made only when we have the right script, the right story," he explained, noting the gap between Mardaani 2 in 2019 and the current timeline.
The Legacy of Mardaani 3
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, Mardaani 3 carries forward the franchise's reputation for impactful, issue-driven cinema. The film delves into another dark and urgent social issue, building on the foundations set by its predecessors. Mardaani focused on human trafficking, while Mardaani 2 explored the mind of a serial offender, making the series a benchmark for socially conscious Bollywood narratives.
Minawala's Journey with Yash Raj Films
Minawala shared his long-standing association with YRF, which began years ago as an assistant director on projects like Rocket Singh. "I have been associated with YRF for many years. My journey actually started with Rocket Singh. I worked as an assistant director for a long time, constantly moving from film to film," he recounted. His involvement in designing action sequences and creative discussions eventually led producer Aditya Chopra to encourage him to read the Mardaani 3 script.
Upon reading it, Minawala was deeply moved, connecting with the story on a personal level. "Once I read it, I liked it a lot. I knew I had to make it 100 per cent. The story connected with me at a very different level. It touched me not just as a director, but as a father," he revealed.
Building on the Franchise's Foundation
Minawala credited filmmakers Pradeep Sarkar, who directed the first instalment, and Gopi Puthran, who helmed the second part, for establishing the strong cinematic world of Mardaani. "The toughest work was done when the world of Mardaani was set up in the first film. My job was to ensure every character, even those appearing briefly, was given equal importance so the story moves forward organically," he said, highlighting his approach to maintaining continuity and depth.
Overwhelming Audience Response
The director expressed gratitude for the overwhelming audience response to Mardaani 3, noting that viewer feedback has been a key motivator. "No one can decide the success of a film. Content and audience are the kings. I have received many direct messages from viewers thanking me for making such a film. That was unexpected and very motivating," he added, underscoring the film's impact beyond box office numbers.
As the entertainment industry looks ahead, Minawala's insights offer a glimpse into the careful planning and passion driving one of Bollywood's most respected franchises, with fans eagerly awaiting news on Mardaani 4.
