Showing posts with label Mardaani 3. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mardaani 3. Show all posts
Today, women are not willing to be silenced-Rani Mukerji
10:08 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; March 8, 2026)
Three decades in cinema, and over the course of 71 films, Rani Mukerji has navigated romance, drama, comedy and fierce, socially charged roles with equal conviction, constantly redefining what longevity for a leading woman in Bollywood can look like. From early films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Saathiya and Hum Tum, to powerful intense roles in films like Black, Hichki, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, to the successful Mardaani franchise – her career has been marked by reinvention and a refusal to be boxed in by industry stereotypes. In a special Women’s Day conversation on the Bombay Times Lounge, she speaks about shattering the glass ceiling, channelling her angst around crimes against women through her art, and embracing vulnerability in a world that constantly expects women to “have it all together.”
Over the years, you’ve played women who are strong, flawed, resilient, and often ahead of their time. Looking back, do you feel these roles shaped the conversation around how women are portrayed in Hindi cinema?
I do feel that many of these roles helped shape the conversation around how women are portrayed in our cinema. My characters have often been written with agency and emotional intelligence. Hum Tum marked a shift towards urban, contemporary storytelling. Black beautifully portrayed the strength of the human spirit and a woman’s ability to rise above immense challenges. In Mardaani, my character broke stereotypes by portraying a tough, morally driven police officer, proving that women-led stories could thrive in action-driven narratives. No One Killed Jessica highlighted the power of women standing up against injustice. Hichki was a heart-warming story that addressed inclusivity and learning disabilities with great sensitivity. With Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, I had the opportunity to anchor an intense and emotionally powerful narrative almost single-handedly.
You rewrote the rules for yourself from the start. The industry, for the longest time, had a certain image of how a leading actress should be portrayed on screen. You made your voice one of your strengths, it’s what gave you a distinctive quality. But when you were starting out, how did you use all the comments or criticism around that to fuel you?
I think it is important that certain things hurt you, as you can then make them into building blocks for your life, instead of letting it pull you down. To be resilient at times when you have been hurt shows true character. It is normal to go through that; it is part of growing up and part of evolving as a true artiste. Also, I think to live your life according to somebody else’s opinion of you is not an intelligent thing to do. In life, no one thing remains constant, so if people didn’t like my voice back then, it didn’t mean they wouldn’t like it forever. You can’t take what people tell you at first instant too much to heart. I’m very, very grateful for the comments – good and bad – because they have shaped me into the person and the actor that I am today.
The first part of the Mardaani franchise released 12 years ago, and sadly, conversations around crimes against women and safety continue to be painfully relevant even today. How do you reflect on this as someone who has fronted the franchise?
What has changed in the 12 years is that today, women are not willing to be silenced. They have a strong opinion; they are finding their voice and want their voice to be heard. Women have always associated the word fear since childhood. At some point in our lives, most of us have faced untoward situations. It happened to me. It’s probably happened to you. It happens to women, irrespective of their age and where they come from. And it doesn’t only happen outside, it happens within the walls of our homes too. All these experiences have hardened us in their own way, and the problem also is that women trust people easily. Today, we have no choice but to tell our children to be less trusting of people around them. It is something that has disturbed me from my younger days, and not being able to do anything about it makes me angry. The only way to channelize that is through my work, my art form. And having a daughter (Adira) changes the way you look at everything. Now my niece is 18, and she wants to be independent and travel and it worries me. It’s like a part of you is out there. Crimes (like in Mardaani) are happening as we speak. That is our reality. The film raises pertinent questions and talks about these uncomfortable truths. Today, we are living in scary times.
Society often puts women through various contradictions — you have to be powerful but soft, driven but not too aggressive, ambitious but not too fierce. How do you view such contradictions, and in your own journey, how did you process them?
It is very difficult. I don’t think it is easy for women in any position. It generally comes from an attitude where no one wants to be scolded by a woman, no one wants to get a dressing down from a woman. For many, seeing women in a position of power can be unsettling. I think it’s more about the male ego, which comes into the picture. I have navigated this and also dodged it. You know, when people ask me why I cut down on doing so many films, the reason was a conscious one where I wanted to work with like-minded people. There comes a time in your life when you are in a position where you can pick and choose the people who you want as part of your journey. Especially after having my daughter, I think it’s so important that she knows what I am doing means something and that mamma is part of a story that has to be told.
You’ve done romantic roles, rom-coms and dramas. Would you say that Mardaani’s Shivani Shivaji Roy is closest to Rani’s inner fire?
Yes, absolutely! Not to say that I don’t love doing romantic roles. I really love romances and I am still waiting for somebody to write a really lovely love story.
There is often an unspoken expectation from women to “do it all” and “to hold it all together” irrespective of what emotional phase they are in — whether it is in the capacity of a daughter, wife, mom or a working woman. Did you ever see yourself going through this, and how did you navigate it?
Of course, we all go through that process and it’s natural to go through different hormonal changes which we have no control over. I don’t think we should fight it. But if there is education around these emotional journeys that women have to go through at every decade of our life, it will make life easier. If you have mood swings, it’s fine. It is okay to get exasperated. On some days, you’re so tired that your emotions get all mixed up with your physical exhaustion and you break down. Also, I think, this whole thing that we’ve always been told that women have to be strong to handle everything, that myth should be broken. Women should be given a break, because suppressing our emotions is the worst thing that we can do to our bodies and health. Sharing our sadness, confusions and the dilemmas that we go through with our close ones is important. A strong support system during such times can make a huge difference.
Adira is now 10, does she realise the impact of your work, the gravity of being Rani Mukerji? She’s slowly understanding it and she’s very proud of me, which is beautiful. What more do you want?
In the beginning, seeing the pride in my parents’ eyes made my life. Then, of course, came my husband (Aditya Chopra), and now, it’s my daughter. It’s important that people close to you and your inner circle are truly proud of you and root for you. That means a lot to me. The complete interview with Rani Mukerji will drop soon on the Bombay Times YouTube channel
Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan think from a larger perspective of the audience-Abhiraj Minawala
10:04 AM
‘Mardaani 3’ director Abhiraj Minawala says Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan’s ability to think from the viewers’ perspective is the secret to their long success
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 22, 2026)
There’s something about the 1990s superstars that not only makes them relevant but also sees them at the top of their game today. Director Abhiraj Minawala may have an idea or two about it. After all, he worked closely with Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan on Jawan (2023) and Tiger 3 (2023) respectively, while his latest directorial venture Mardaani 3 enabled him to collaborate with Rani Mukerji.
He found one striking similarity between the two Khans’ approach to work. He shared, “Their passion and dedication [are unmatched]. Their conversations are ‘Yeh karte hain, audience ko maza aayega!’ The thought is not that we should do this, but that the audience will love it. One thing common between them is that they think from a larger perspective of the audience. [It probably stems from] the fact that they started their journey as an audience, and then ended up here.”
The director is equally in awe of Mukerji, who has completed 30 years in the industry. Having worked with her on Mardaani 3, Minawala walked away with keen observations about her. “She has achieved a lot, but I’ve seen that she still comes on set with the openness that she is here to perform. She is willing to learn things and collaborate with the team.”
Shah Rukh Khan called and said, ‘Beta kya kar raha hai? Chal, aaja’-Abhiraj Minawala
9:00 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 17, 2026)
For 17 years, Yash Raj Films (YRF) has been home to Abhiraj Minawala, who worked as an assistant director on its several productions. It’s not surprising then that YRF head honcho Aditya Chopra gave him the duty of helming Mardaani 3, led by Rani Mukerji.
Minawala tells mid-day, “Among the many ideas we discussed, one dealt with the emotions of a parent and a child [against the backdrop of] human trafficking. As soon as I read the script of Mardaani 3, as a father, I was scared. So, the decision of taking this up was more important to me as a father than a filmmaker.”
Minawala may have made his directorial debut with Loveyatri (2019) outside the YRF fold, but his equation with Chopra has always been of faith. So much so that the producer recommended him to Shah Rukh Khan for a few sequences of Jawan (2023).
“I ended up working on two-three small sequences in Jawan. Shah Rukh sir is so sweet. He just called and said, ‘Beta kya kar raha hai? Chal, aaja.’ That’s it,” he recalls.
Rani Mukerji reveals niece Myiesha Mukerji working as second assistant director on Mardaani 3
10:50 AM
Rani Mukerji reveals her niece Myiesha, who starred in ‘Mardaani’ over a decade ago, worked as a second assistant director on the third part
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 13, 2026)
What if we told you that Rani Mukerji isn’t the only member of her family to feature in Mardaani 3? Few know that the actor’s niece, Myiesha Mukerji, served as the second assistant director on the cop actioner, which released on January 30.
It turns out when Abhiraj Minawala’s directorial venture was being set up, Myiesha, 19, expressed her desire to work on the project. Happy to see her niece taking baby steps in the film industry, Rani told mid-day, “Myiesha [worked] with the director on Mardaani 3. She is like my baby, and was the first baby of the house. Most pictures on the internet that people assume are Adira’s [her daughter], are in fact Myiesha’s. For her, working on the third part was a full journey as she also starred in Mardaani [2014] with me.”
The shoot was a novel experience for Myiesha. Not only did she learn the nitty-gritty of filming, but also saw Rani as a professional on set, far removed from the doting aunt that she is at home.
Recalling the shoot, Rani said, “Myiesha has seen her Pipi [Pishi, as an aunt is addressed in Bengali] at home, and it was a different experience for her to watch me perform on set. She saw me in a different light. It is also important for the young generation to understand the hard work that goes into making a movie.”
We are family
Rani Mukerji’s sister-in-law, Jyoti Mukerji, has a blink-and-miss role as a forensic pathologist in ‘Mardaani 3’
I couldn’t do something pure villainy-Mallika Prasad
8:59 AM
Making her character Amma human, loosely modelled on her mother, Mallika Prasad Sinha talks about playing the antagonist in ‘Mardaani 3’
Oshin Fernandes (MID-DAY; February 8, 2026)
“Ari ari ari, nindiya pyari...” The soft strains of this lullaby take on a sinister edge as the hazel-eyed antagonist, Mallika Prasad Sinha, commands the screen in Mardaani 3. As the formidable Amma, a character she succinctly labels a "queenpin", Mallika delivers a masterclass in vocal versatility, weaponising her voice to transform a few lines into something truly spine-chilling.
In an exclusive interaction with mid-day, Mallika takes us through her journey of becoming a villain, which in her words was her tribute to DC’s Joker.
Playing a baddie is more fun
Mallika is hardly a stranger to the big screen. From her lead role in the 1999 National Award-winning Kanooru Heggadithi to her turn as Zubeida in Netflix’s Killer Soup, her portfolio is extensive. Yet, it is Mardaani 3 that has truly catapulted her into a new league.
“Any actor will tell you that playing a baddie is more fun,” she notes with a laugh. “When I was offered the role, it was simply exhilarating. It was also at a time when the character was being shaped.”
Using voice as a weapon
Mallika, who is also a voice and acting coach, used her craft to the fullest for Amma. Mind you, she doesn’t sound anything like what you’ve heard in Mardaani 3.
Ask her what the trick is, and she explains, “It's the organic interaction between you, your material, and how you connect to it. Voice is such a beautiful aspect of performance. It’s what’s inside your imagination, in your emotional world, that enables you to express yourself to other people well.”
A tribute to DC’s Joker
If you’ve watched the film, Mallika breaks into an unsettling dance while manipulating the girls she has kidnapped. This, she says, was her tribute to DC’s iconic villain Joker. “There was a little bit of that. It's also something that I drew from my mother. So, it was very important for me to make Amma someone who was human. I couldn’t do something pure villainy,” she concludes.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 920
10:49 PM
WILL VADH 2 AND BHABIJI GHAR PAR HAIN SURPRISE AT THE TICKET WINDOW?
The last two weeks have been good for the Hindi film industry. Border 2 collected a huge Rs. 217.61 crores in its first week. Until Tuesday, February 3, its earnings were Rs. 275.61 crores and hence, it’s a super-hit at the box office.
Last week’s Mardaani 3, as expected, opened at Rs. 3.85 crores. The collections jumped to Rs. 5.85 crores on Saturday, followed by Rs. 6.85 crores on Sunday. On Monday, it collected Rs. 2.25 crores and ideally, it should have collected a bit more to have a chance at collecting Rs. 45-50 crores or more in its lifetime. The first week’s earnings are expected to be around Rs. 25 crores. This means it’ll earn more than the week 1 collections of part 1 (Rs. 22.94 crores). However, Mardaani 2 collected Rs. 27.92 crores in its initial week.
In other words, Mardaani 3’s lifetime will be more than that of Mardaani’s first part (Rs. 35.83 crores) but less than that of Mardaani 2 (Rs. 46.33 crores). Thankfully, for Mardaani 3, it’ll barely face any competition in Week 2 and this would aid its collections.
Two small films are scheduled to hit this Friday. Vadh 2 is the second part of the Vadh series. Just like part 1, it stars Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra. The trailer is intriguing and it also makes it clear that it's not a direct sequel to the 2022 thriller Vadh.
Vadh was a disaster at the box office as it collected just Rs. 60 lakhs in its lifetime. However, it was a huge success on Netflix, which motivated the makers to make Vadh 2. Vadh 2 should hopefully cross Vadh's lifetime and collect Rs. 50-60 lakhs on its first day of release. The earnings should double the next day, based on word of mouth, for the film to make a mark at the ticket window.
The other release is Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, based on the popular TV show of the same name. It stars Aasif Sheikh, Rohitashv Gour, Shubhangi Atre and Vidisha Srivastava, and they are joined by Ravi Kishan, Mukesh Tiwari and Dinesh Lal Yadav aka Nirahua. The trailer is entertaining and since the TV show is much loved, there’s hope that it’ll attract an audience. But it's difficult to say if that would happen as there are very few instances of films based on daily soaps.
Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain should hopefully open between Rs. 60 lakhs and Rs. 1 crore. Like Vadh 2, public reports will play a crucial role in attracting audiences from Saturday onwards.
The last two weeks have been good for the Hindi film industry. Border 2 collected a huge Rs. 217.61 crores in its first week. Until Tuesday, February 3, its earnings were Rs. 275.61 crores and hence, it’s a super-hit at the box office.
Last week’s Mardaani 3, as expected, opened at Rs. 3.85 crores. The collections jumped to Rs. 5.85 crores on Saturday, followed by Rs. 6.85 crores on Sunday. On Monday, it collected Rs. 2.25 crores and ideally, it should have collected a bit more to have a chance at collecting Rs. 45-50 crores or more in its lifetime. The first week’s earnings are expected to be around Rs. 25 crores. This means it’ll earn more than the week 1 collections of part 1 (Rs. 22.94 crores). However, Mardaani 2 collected Rs. 27.92 crores in its initial week.
In other words, Mardaani 3’s lifetime will be more than that of Mardaani’s first part (Rs. 35.83 crores) but less than that of Mardaani 2 (Rs. 46.33 crores). Thankfully, for Mardaani 3, it’ll barely face any competition in Week 2 and this would aid its collections.
Two small films are scheduled to hit this Friday. Vadh 2 is the second part of the Vadh series. Just like part 1, it stars Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra. The trailer is intriguing and it also makes it clear that it's not a direct sequel to the 2022 thriller Vadh.
Vadh was a disaster at the box office as it collected just Rs. 60 lakhs in its lifetime. However, it was a huge success on Netflix, which motivated the makers to make Vadh 2. Vadh 2 should hopefully cross Vadh's lifetime and collect Rs. 50-60 lakhs on its first day of release. The earnings should double the next day, based on word of mouth, for the film to make a mark at the ticket window.
The other release is Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, based on the popular TV show of the same name. It stars Aasif Sheikh, Rohitashv Gour, Shubhangi Atre and Vidisha Srivastava, and they are joined by Ravi Kishan, Mukesh Tiwari and Dinesh Lal Yadav aka Nirahua. The trailer is entertaining and since the TV show is much loved, there’s hope that it’ll attract an audience. But it's difficult to say if that would happen as there are very few instances of films based on daily soaps.
Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain should hopefully open between Rs. 60 lakhs and Rs. 1 crore. Like Vadh 2, public reports will play a crucial role in attracting audiences from Saturday onwards.
Janki Bodiwala reveals how she bagged Mardaani 3: "Had come to Mumbai for other work and did a YRF film"
10:48 AM
Actor Janki Bodiwala reveals she travelled from Ahmedabad to Mumbai for another job, but ended up bagging a role in Mardaani 3
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 4, 2026)
Sometimes talent is not the only factor; you need to be at the right place, at the right time. Janki Bodiwala, who plays a cop in Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3, will vouch for this. The actor was on a day trip to Mumbai and it surprisingly ended with her bagging the cop fare.
“I had gone to Mumbai for some other work. That very day, I got a call from Shanoo ma’am [Sharma, casting director], who asked me to audition for a part. I went [to YRF Studios], she helped me prepare, and then auditioned me. Later, when I was returning to Ahmedabad, she called and said that the [makers] had liked me and wanted me to come back. I thought to myself, ‘I had gone for some other work and now I’m doing a YRF film’,” she marvels, still surprised at how it all panned out.
If Bodiwala starred with Ajay Devgn in her maiden Bollywood film Shaitaan (2024), her second outing saw her rub shoulders with Mukerji.
“For the first two-three shots, I was quite nervous. But your co-actors’ energy helps you. She was so involved in her character that it set the tone on the set,” she says.
Off set, she saw a completely different side to Mukerji. “At the mahurat puja, she was there with her family. She was exactly how we are with our families. There was no hint of her stardom.”
Labels like ‘female-oriented cinema’ need to go-Rani Mukerji
10:43 AM
On her fiercely protective bond with daughter Adira to Delhi being a special character in her films, the actor gets candid in this edition of Stars In The City
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 1, 2026)
Actor Rani Mukerji is all for good cinema and even more for movies that spread awareness about social issues. With her film Mardaani 3 in theatres now, the actor visited HT City’s office in Delhi for the latest edition of Stars in the City, where she met her fans, played some fun games, and spoke about moving beyond labels in conversation with Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor-Entertainment & Lifestyle.
“Gone are the days when we chose cinema only and only for entertainment. Now, we should choose cinema also for awareness,” the actor said, adding, “Gen Z and Gen Alpha are doing a fabulous job in trying to change that and to not give us labels like female-oriented. That needs to disappear.”
The actor, who portrays police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy in the film, feels strongly about focusing on a film’s content over the gender of its protagonist: “Films should be watched based on their content. Why to give labels like, ‘A film with a female cop in a female-centric film’? It’s so tiring just to even hear it!”
The latest edition of Stars in the City at HT City’s Delhi office, saw Rani Mukerji engage in a light-hearted chat with her fans as she opened up about her experience of shooting in the Capital and the beautiful bond she shares with her daughter. The actor, who recently had the release of her film Mardaani 3, also answered some interesting questions from fans. Here are the excerpts:
What is more challenging for you: an emotional role or an action role?
Dono achhe lagte hain. Emotion mein aake action karna bhi bahut achha lagta hai... Emotion ke bina action sirf action hota hai, par emotion ke saath hua action kya action hota hai!
What does feminism mean for you in terms of beauty standards?
I feel beauty always lies in the eyes of the beholder, and today, the concept of looking at oneself has changed. Self-love and believing and trusting your own instinct has become the most important. What somebody else feels about you is not important any more, it’s about what we feel about ourselves.
Many of your films have been shot in Delhi. How has the city been special for you?
Delhi has been a very important character in many of my films. I have shot so many films in the city and I love the chaat here.
Is your daughter Adira, your best friend now?
Of course! Adira (10) is my best friend and I’m constantly seeding that thought into her mind, that I’m her best friend too.
Does Adira sense her mother’s nervousness before the release of her film?
No. Her main intention is that I catch the night flight today so I can go to her Sports Day tomorrow (laughs). She asked me, ‘Mumma are you taking your flight, are you going to finish?’ And I told her, ‘Of course, of course. I’m wrapping up everything and I’m rushing for your Sports Day’... It’s very fulfilling for me too and I’m dying to be there for the Sports Day and run along with the children. I’m the most enthu (enthusiastic) mother.
Compiled by Yashika Mathur
(Crisp) Movie Review: MARDAANI 3 by FENIL SETA
1:56 PM
Mardaani 3 doesn't waste any time as the story begins from the very first scene. Rani Mukerji's Pushpa-style entry is clapworthy and the film gets better once Shivani Shivaji Roy takes on the menacing Amma. There was a fear that the trailer had given away a chunk of the film's plot, but that's not the case. There's a lot that happens that was kept hidden in the assets. The intermission point is a shocker and it raises the madness for the second half. The climax is clapworthy. On the flipside, a few twists are predictable. The writing could have been sharper and also things happen at convenience for the protagonist's convenience despite the challenges. Rani Mukerji is getting better with each film and here, she delivers a hard-hitting performance. Watch out for her in the emotional sequences as well. Her monologue is memorable too. Mallika Prasad (Amma) is menacing and is aptly cast. Janki Bodiwala (Fatima) of Shaitaan fame doesn't have much to do initially, but makes her presence felt later on. Prajesh Kashyap (Ramanujan) is the surprise of the film and delivers a terrific performance. Eindraneel Bhattacharya (Ambassador Sahu), Avanee Joshi (Ruhani), Diorr Varghese (Jhimli), Aadesh Pandit (Pinku) and Jimpa Sangpo Bhutia (Jimpa) do well in supporting roles. All in all, Mardaani 3 is a captivating thriller. This is one franchise that doesn’t get discussed enough, despite being consistently impressive. Here’s hoping it finally gets its due and earns a rightful place among Bollywood’s most successful film series.
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 919
9:58 PM
WILL MARDAANI 3 MANAGE TO EXCEL DESPITE BORDER 2 WAVE?
Last week’s big release, Border 2, has become a blockbuster. It opened at Rs. 29.50 crores, which was Rs. 50 lakhs below expectations. Thankfully, the word of mouth was very positive and hence, the collections jumped to Rs. 36.50 crores on Saturday, followed by Rs. 52 crores on Sunday. On Monday, Republic Day, the numbers reached the Rs. 56.50 crore mark. Despite Tuesday being a non-holiday, the film collected Rs. 20 crores. It saw a major drop on Wednesday as it earned Rs. 13 crores. The first week collections are expected to be Rs. 218 crores.
Gadar 2’s lifetime was Rs. 515.13 crores and many feel that it's unlikely that the war drama can go past its numbers. However, box office is unpredictable and with limited competition this week and next, a lifetime of Rs. 500 crores can’t be ruled out.
Meanwhile, Mardaani 3 will be released this Friday, January 30. It was to be originally released on February 27 and was postponed a few weeks ago. Yet again, Rani Mukerji steps into the shoes of the fiery cop, Shivani Shivaji Roy. The trailer is hard-hitting, as expected. The USP of Mardaani and Mardaani 2 were its villains and in that regard, the antagonist this time is also fresh and unexpected.
However, the buzz is limited and is meant for a certain audience. Also, there is apprehension that the content seems similar to Delhi Crime and a few other web shows. But if word of mouth is solid, these factors shouldn’t matter.
Mardaani opened at Rs. 3.44 crores and had a lifetime of Rs. 35.83 crores. Mardaani 2, meanwhile, opened marginally better, at Rs. 3.75 crores and went on to do lifetime business of Rs. 46.33 crores. Mardaani 3 is also expected to open in the same range of Rs. 3 and 4 crores.
Last week’s big release, Border 2, has become a blockbuster. It opened at Rs. 29.50 crores, which was Rs. 50 lakhs below expectations. Thankfully, the word of mouth was very positive and hence, the collections jumped to Rs. 36.50 crores on Saturday, followed by Rs. 52 crores on Sunday. On Monday, Republic Day, the numbers reached the Rs. 56.50 crore mark. Despite Tuesday being a non-holiday, the film collected Rs. 20 crores. It saw a major drop on Wednesday as it earned Rs. 13 crores. The first week collections are expected to be Rs. 218 crores.
Gadar 2’s lifetime was Rs. 515.13 crores and many feel that it's unlikely that the war drama can go past its numbers. However, box office is unpredictable and with limited competition this week and next, a lifetime of Rs. 500 crores can’t be ruled out.
Meanwhile, Mardaani 3 will be released this Friday, January 30. It was to be originally released on February 27 and was postponed a few weeks ago. Yet again, Rani Mukerji steps into the shoes of the fiery cop, Shivani Shivaji Roy. The trailer is hard-hitting, as expected. The USP of Mardaani and Mardaani 2 were its villains and in that regard, the antagonist this time is also fresh and unexpected.
However, the buzz is limited and is meant for a certain audience. Also, there is apprehension that the content seems similar to Delhi Crime and a few other web shows. But if word of mouth is solid, these factors shouldn’t matter.
Mardaani opened at Rs. 3.44 crores and had a lifetime of Rs. 35.83 crores. Mardaani 2, meanwhile, opened marginally better, at Rs. 3.75 crores and went on to do lifetime business of Rs. 46.33 crores. Mardaani 3 is also expected to open in the same range of Rs. 3 and 4 crores.
Delhi has so much character, it has so much to give-Rani Mukerji
8:05 AM
Back in Delhi to film Mardaani 3, the actress reflects on the city’s unique vibe, its cinematic role in her journey, and the memories
Rani Mukerji (BOMBAY TIMES; June 18, 2025)
Delhi has a very unique vibe that cannot be felt in any other city in our country. So, to be back here, to feel the pulse of this electric city, was a delight. I made sure I visited India Gate during my stay this time. I love visiting India Gate and seeing the majestic view of the city.
I always feel it has so much character, and it has so much to give me. I felt it in my bones while shooting for Mardaani 3, and I’m thankful to everyone for the smoothest shooting experience of the film. I cannot wait to come back again to Delhi for the promotions of Mardaani 3. I want to explore the city further and spend some quality time here. Being a foodie, it is also a delight to be here again and again. I’m going back to Mumbai with my heart full, having soaked in this beautiful city once again.
I feel Delhi has so much character, it has so much to give: Rani Mukerji
Delhi holds a very important place in my heart, as I have shot some of the most special films of my career in the capital, like No One Killed Jessica (NOKJ) and Mardaani. In both these films, the city played a very important role in enhancing the narrative, and I loved soaking in the energy of Delhi to deliver performances that people gave so much love to. So, I only have love to give back to the city every single time I’m here. I have met some of the warmest people here and made friends for a lifetime. The city has always supported me as an artiste, and I’m grateful to the people here for always cheering for me and coming out to see my films every single time they hit the theatres.
It was incredibly special to be back in Delhi to shoot the third instalment of my Mardaani franchise. Again, the city plays a very integral role in the story of Mardaani 3, and I had a brilliant shooting experience. It brought back so many memories of shooting NOKJ and the first Mardaani film. I missed Pradeep Sarkar a lot this time. He and I shared some really special memories while shooting for Mardaani here, and it brought back a deluge of moments from the past.
Rani Mukerji films key action sequences for Mardaani 3 at YRF Studios
8:17 AM
With Mardaani 3 having rolled in March-end, Rani Mukerji currently filming key action scenes at YRF Studios
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 17, 2025)
In February, mid-day had reported that pre-production of Mardaani 3 had begun (On cop duty for the third time, Feb 27). Now, it looks like Rani Mukerji has slipped into the khaki uniform again, reprising her role of the tough-as-nails cop Shivani Shivaji Roy. The team, led by director Abhiraj Minawala, began shooting for Mardaani 3 on March 26 at the Golden Tobacco factory in Vile Parle.
We’ve learnt that the unit spent a week at the venue, filming several sequences with the leading lady. This week, the shoot shifted to Yash Raj Studios in Andheri, where some of the cop drama’s fight sequences are set to be filmed.
A source tells us, “Abhiraj has lined up some pivotal action scenes for this leg. The portions being shot now are critical to the narrative. While Mardaani [2014] and its 2019 sequel tackled subjects of human trafficking and sexual assault respectively, the topic of the third edition hits closer home.”
The makers are tight-lipped about the actor playing the antagonist in the early 2026 release.
My character in Mardaani is not an action heroine who is kicking 10 villains-Rani Mukerji
8:20 AM
Rani says Mardaani 3 will follow the franchise’s realistic and gritty treatment, unlike Bollywood’s masala cop offerings
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 24, 2023)
It has been a good year for Rani Mukerji, who enjoyed a hit in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. The actor is now looking forward to 2024 that will see her reprise the role of a tough-as-nails cop for Mardaani 3. At a time when Bollywood has cop and spy franchises, Mukerji is proud to be the only female actor with a cop franchise under her belt.
“I never thought it would become so successful when I did the first part with Pradeep da [Sarkar, director]. Mardaani happened because we all, as a nation, collectively felt angry, sad and helpless because of the Nirbhaya case. The film was born out of those emotions. Then we received so much love that we got a great idea for the second one as well,” she recalls.
Even as she is eager to face the camera as ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy, Mukerji reveals that Mardaani 3’s script has yet to be finalized. But she promises that it will be realistic, unlike other cop movies that have larger-than-life protagonists who can single-handedly beat countless men to pulp.
“Even the third part will be raw, gritty and close to reality. Mardaani is known for its realism. My character is not a larger-than-life, action heroine who is kicking 10 villains, sending them up in the air. Shivani behaves like a real cop; you won’t see a real cop doing somersaults and kicking in the air.”
After the post-pandemic lull, Mukerji is grateful that the Hindi film industry got back on its feet in 2023, churning out blockbusters like Pathaan, Gadar 2: The Katha Continues, Jawan and Animal. “People are enjoying going back to the theatres, and it’s a great time for the industry as we can take risks again and make films without having the fear that audiences won’t come.”
The theatrical success of her mid-sized film, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, proved that audiences are seeking not only visual spectacles, but also content-driven offerings. “I choose my movies instinctively. It’s not necessary that a good content-driven film will get an audience in the times that we were releasing it, so there was always a fear. But we went in with our gut instinct, [we knew] it was an important story that had to be told.”
Rani Mukerji's Mardaani 3 to go on floors in 2024
9:09 AM
Third edition of Mardaani expected to kick off in 2024 with actor reprising her role of a cop set to tackle pressing issues
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 16, 2023)
Her much-acclaimed act showcasing a mother’s desperate fight to win custody of her children in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway behind her, Rani Mukerji Chopra is set to train attention to her next, Mardaani 3. Filming for the actioner, produced by her husband Aditya Chopra, is likely to kick off next year.
A source close to the production house confirms that the developments are underway. “This franchise is commercially successful. Rani is loved in the role of IPS officer Shivani Shivaji Roy, and her popularity is one of the reasons behind the creators’ decision to go ahead with Mardaani 3. She has been sitting with writer-director Gopi Puthran to crack the concept. He is writing the story and the screenplay, and may direct it as well. The film will take the tale of cop Shivani forward, with Jisshu reprising the role of her husband. The team plans to shoot across international locales as Shivani has to travel across the world to solve a new crime.”
The last two editions were directed by Pradeep Sarkar and Puthran respectively. While the first one revolved around human trafficking, the second followed a psychopath. “Mardaani 3 will also dabble in a universal issue that women can relate to.”
I hope the writers develop Mardaani 3's script fast-Rani Mukerji
8:38 AM
With Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway behind her, Rani Mukerji says she is eager to reprise her role of a tough cop in Mardaani 3
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; March 28, 2023)
Rani Mukerji may be winning praise for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, but she believes in looking ahead. The actor is already itching to face the camera for her next. So, what’s in the pipeline? Mukerji hopes to reprise the role of Shivani Shivaji Roy, the tough-as-nails cop who is at the centre of the Mardaani franchise.
“I hope the writers develop the sequel fast. I’ve had many people asking me when Mardaani 3 will come. But I have always maintained that a film is driven by a script. If the script is not exciting, there is no point [making a franchise],” says the actor, who fronted Mardaani in 2014. Its success spawned a sequel, helmed by Gopi Puthran, in 2019.
While she keeps her fingers crossed for the cop thriller’s third instalment, Mukerji is pleased with the audience’s response to Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Ashima Chibber’s directorial venture, which offers a retelling of Sagarika Chakraborty’s long battle against Norwegian authorities for the custody of her two children, holds a special place in her heart. “I felt good about doing the film. The last time I felt this strongly was during Black [2005].”
The legal drama, she says, represents what she seeks in a film at this stage. After a 27-year career that is dotted with successful movies and awards, the actor says she gravitates towards brave stories. “I have to feel a connection with [the subject]; the character needs to be celebrated. Just like Debika [her character in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway] needs to be celebrated for her determination and perseverance. To fight a country, question its legal systems, and stick by one’s beliefs takes guts. That is the kind of role I want to do.”
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