Mardaani 3 : Rani Mukerji Returns as Shivani Shivaji Roy After Six Years

Rani Mukerji makes a powerful comeback as fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3, the third instalment of Yash Raj Films’ acclaimed crime thriller franchise. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the film released worldwide in theatres on Friday, January 30, 2026, marking a special milestone as it coincides with Rani’s 30 years in Indian cinema.Known for its hard-hitting, issue-driven storytelling, Mardaani 3 once again tackles a disturbing social reality—child trafficking—placing Shivani in a race against time to rescue abducted girls and dismantle a ruthless criminal network.Box Office: Slow Start Despite Positive BuzzDespite strong anticipation and extensive promotions, Mardaani 3 has opened to a relatively slow start at the box office. According to industry trackers, the film earned approximately ₹1.16 crore in advance ticket sales, with total collections (including blocked seats) estimated at around ₹2–2.3 crore before release.The film has been released only in Hindi and follows an affordable pricing and limited-show strategy, with capped daily screenings and ticket prices ranging between ₹260 and ₹340. While this model worked successfully for earlier YRF releases, early numbers suggest that Mardaani 3 may take time to build momentum, especially with competition from recent big releases.Trade experts expect collections to improve during evening and weekend shows, particularly driven by word-of-mouth.Audience Reaction: Praise for Rani, Mixed Views on PredictabilityEarly audience reactions on social media have largely been positive, especially for Rani Mukerji’s commanding performance. Many viewers have called her the “soul of the franchise,” applauding her restrained yet powerful portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy.Several netizens described the film as a “hard-hitting crime drama” with an emotionally intense second half and a strong climax. The raw action sequences and serious tone have also received appreciation.However, some viewers felt the narrative follows a familiar pattern, noting that the first half is slower and certain plot points feel predictable compared to the earlier films in the franchise.Villain and Supporting CastMardaani 3 introduces a female antagonist for the first time in the franchise. Mallika Prasad plays the menacing villain ‘Amma’, earning praise for her screen presence, though some viewers felt her backstory could have been more developed.Janaki Bodiwala, Jisshu Sengupta, Mikhail Yawalkar, and Indraneel Bhattacharya appear in key supporting roles, adding emotional depth to the narrative.Story, Theme and Franchise LegacyThe Mardaani franchise began in 2014, exposing the grim realities of human trafficking. Mardaani 2 (2019) explored the psyche of a serial rapist challenging the system. The third instalment continues this legacy by focusing on child trafficking, reinforcing the franchise’s commitment to socially relevant cinema.Speaking about the film, Rani Mukerji has described Mardaani 3 as a story of women’s empowerment, courage, and hope, while also serving as a tribute to the Indian police force—especially women officers.What Lies AheadWhile Mardaani 3 has not delivered a bumper opening, its positive audience reception and franchise goodwill could help it gain traction over the weekend. With strong performances and a relevant social message, the film is expected to rely on steady word-of-mouth growth rather than an explosive opening.