Rani Mukerji is set to don the police uniform once again as her iconic character Shivani Shivaji Roy returns in Mardaani 3. On Friday, Yash Raj Films (YRF) announced the third instalment of the popular franchise, which will begin filming in April 2025 and release in cinemas in 2026. While an exact release date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already created a buzz among fans.
The news was shared on the release anniversary of Mardaani 2, with YRF unveiling a teaser poster on social media. Their caption read: “The wait is over! #RaniMukerji is back as the fierce Shivani Shivaji Roy in #Mardaani3. In cinemas 2026.” The film will be produced by Aditya Chopra under the YRF banner and directed by Abhiraj Minawala, who has been mentored within the studio.
Rani Mukerji expressed her excitement about returning to the franchise:
“I’m thrilled to announce that we are starting shooting of Mardaani 3 in April 2025. It is always special to wear the police uniform and play a character that has only given me love. I’m proud to essay the character of this feisty cop again in Mardaani 3 as a tribute to all the unsung, brave, self-sacrificing cops who work tirelessly every single day to keep us safe.”
She added that the new film will raise the stakes:
“When we set out to make Mardaani 3, we were hoping that we’d find a script that would take the experience of watching a Mardaani franchise film higher. This instalment is dark, deadly, and brutal, and I’m intrigued to find out how people respond to it. I hope they shower this film with the same amount of love that they have always given.”
The script for Mardaani 3 has been penned by Aayush Gupta, known for The Railway Men. Director Abhiraj Minawala, currently working as associate director on War 2, will helm the project. Minawala has previously worked on YRF films such as Band Baaja Baaraat, Sultan, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, and Tiger 3.
The Mardaani Franchise
The Mardaani series began in 2014 with the release of the eponymous film, directed by Pradeep Sarkar. A box office success, it grossed ₹60 crore (approximately £588,000) and introduced audiences to Shivani Shivaji Roy, a fearless cop tackling cases of violence against women. The sequel, Mardaani 2 (2019), directed by Gopi Puthran, saw Shivani taking on a ruthless serial rapist and earned ₹67 crore (approximately £656,600). Both films were widely appreciated for their gritty storytelling and Rani’s powerful performance.
As Mardaani 3 gears up to return with even more intensity, fans of the franchise are eager to see what challenges lie ahead for Shivani Shivaji Roy. With its history of addressing critical social issues, the film promises to carry forward its legacy of impactful storytelling.