YRF has officially confirmed the release of Mardaani 3, the highly anticipated continuation of the beloved Mardaani franchise, which will hit theaters in 2026. The announcement, made on the release anniversary of Mardaani 2, was accompanied by an eye-catching poster shared across social media platforms. This has sparked immense excitement among fans, who have been eagerly waiting to see the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy return to the big screen. The filming of the third installment is slated to begin in April 2025, marking a new chapter in the franchise’s evolution.
The official poster announcement carried the message: "The wait is over! #RaniMukerji is back as the fierce Shivani Shivaji Roy in #Mardaani3. In cinemas 2026 (sic)." This confirms the return of the indomitable Rani Mukerji as the protagonist, Shivani Shivaji Roy, a role that has become iconic over the years. The Mardaani series, known for its raw, intense portrayal of a woman cop tackling dangerous criminals, has garnered a loyal fan base since the release of the first film.
Rani Mukerji, who has become synonymous with the character of Shivani Shivaji Roy, expressed her excitement and enthusiasm for the upcoming project. She stated, "I’m thrilled to announce that we are starting shooting 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." These words highlight the deep respect Rani has for the role and the police force in general, underscoring her dedication to portraying Shivani in a way that honors real-life heroes.
The actress also spoke about the excitement surrounding the new script and how it will elevate the Mardaani experience for fans. She mentioned, "When we set out to make Mardaani 3, we were hoping that we could find a script that would take the experience of watching a Mardaani franchise film higher. I am really excited about what we have at hand, and I’m only hoping that the audience too feels the same after watching Mardaani 3 in theatres." The anticipation is palpable as Rani and the team aim to push the boundaries of the franchise, ensuring that the third installment is even more thrilling and impactful than its predecessors.
Acknowledging the immense success and love that the Mardaani films have received, Rani spoke about the responsibility she feels to meet the expectations of the fans. She said, "Mardaani is an extremely loved franchise, and we have a certain responsibility to deliver to the expectations that people have. We will do our best to live up to this. Mardaani 3 is dark, deadly and brutal. So, I’m intrigued to find out the response of the people towards our film. I hope they shower this film with the same amount of love that they have always given." The dark, gritty tone of the film suggests that the stakes will be higher, and Shivani’s character will face even greater challenges as she continues her fight for justice.
The Mardaani franchise, which began with the release of Mardaani in 2014, has established itself as a major success in the Bollywood thriller genre. The first film, which featured Rani Mukerji as a determined police officer taking on a human trafficking syndicate, resonated strongly with audiences due to its hard-hitting narrative and its stellar performance. The sequel, Mardaani 2, released in 2019, further solidified the franchise's reputation, with Rani’s portrayal of Shivani in the face of a ruthless serial killer being widely praised.
With both previous films achieving great box office success, Mardaani 3 is expected to raise the bar even higher. As fans eagerly await the start of filming in 2025 and the eventual release in 2026, there is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the direction of the story. The Mardaani films have consistently delivered strong female-centric narratives, and the third installment promises to continue this trend, offering a fresh, intense, and thrilling cinematic experience for moviegoers.
In addition to the action-packed plot, Rani's return to the role of Shivani Shivaji Roy is seen as a tribute to all the unsung heroes within the police force who work relentlessly to protect society. The Mardaani franchise has always been about empowering women, tackling real-world issues, and bringing attention to crimes that often go unnoticed. As the team gears up to start production in 2025, fans can expect the film to be a worthy continuation of a franchise that has always strived to shine a light on the importance of justice and women’s empowerment.
As Mardaani 3 prepares to take on the next chapter of its thrilling saga, Rani Mukerji and the makers are determined to give audiences a gripping and unforgettable cinematic experience. With a darker and more intense storyline, Mardaani 3 is sure to make waves when it arrives in cinemas in 2026.
