Rani Mukerji is all set to reprise her role as the fearless and determined cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3, marking another thrilling chapter in the acclaimed crime thriller franchise. Ever since the official announcement of the film in August 2024, fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on the highly anticipated sequel. With Rani's powerful portrayal of a no-nonsense police officer who takes on some of the most ruthless criminals, the Mardaani series has become one of the most celebrated women-led franchises in Indian cinema.
Director Abhiraj Minawala has now kickstarted the pre-production phase of Mardaani 3, and as per a report by Mid-Day, extensive work is underway to ensure the film lives up to the legacy of its predecessors. The filmmakers are currently engaged in detailed look tests for key characters while fine-tuning the screenplay to create a gripping and socially relevant narrative. With crime thrillers gaining widespread popularity in Bollywood, the expectations surrounding Mardaani 3 are incredibly high. Reports suggest that the film's shooting schedule is set to commence by June 2025, with various locations being scouted to give the film a raw and authentic feel.
Rani Mukerji, who has always been deeply connected to the Mardaani franchise, expressed her excitement about returning as Shivani Shivaji Roy. The actress, known for her powerful screen presence and compelling performances, spoke about how special this franchise is to her. “I’m truly proud of my Mardaani franchise. It is a franchise that keeps on giving. The love, adulation, and respect that I have received from Mardaani is truly humbling. I’m looking forward to bringing back Shivani Shivaji Roy on the big screen soon. It’s been a while since I have donned the cop uniform and played tribute to the women police force of our country,” she shared in a statement.
The idea of Mardaani 3 had been in discussion for quite some time, with Rani confirming back in 2023 that she was eager to take on the role once again. “I’m excited to see how Mardaani 3 shapes up! I am crossing my fingers because I would love to play the part of Shivani once again,” she had stated. Now that the film is officially in development, fans are thrilled to see what the next chapter holds for Shivani Shivaji Roy.
The Mardaani franchise, which began in 2014 with Mardaani, introduced audiences to Rani Mukerji’s fierce and dedicated police officer character, who took on a ruthless child trafficking ring. The film was widely praised for its intense storyline, realistic portrayal of crime, and Rani’s powerful performance. The success of Mardaani led to a sequel, Mardaani 2, which hit theaters in 2019. The second installment saw Shivani Shivaji Roy tackling a young and merciless serial rapist, further cementing the franchise’s reputation for shedding light on real-world issues while delivering edge-of-the-seat thrills. Both films were massive box office hits, drawing praise from critics and audiences alike.
With Mardaani 3, expectations are soaring as fans anticipate yet another gripping, action-packed narrative. While details about the film’s plot remain under wraps, speculations suggest that it will once again take on a socially relevant crime, continuing its tradition of highlighting the dark realities of society. Rani Mukerji’s portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy has resonated strongly with audiences, and her return to the role is expected to be met with great enthusiasm.
As the film gears up for production, industry insiders believe that Mardaani 3 will push the boundaries of crime thrillers in Bollywood, offering audiences a hard-hitting cinematic experience. With Rani Mukerji leading the charge and Abhiraj Minawala at the helm, Mardaani 3 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2025. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how Shivani Shivaji Roy tackles a new challenge, and with the franchise’s reputation for intense storytelling and strong performances, the film is expected to be another major success.
