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Yash Raj Films has unveiled the trailer of Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3, the latest chapter of this blockbuster female-led franchise of Hindi cinema. Mardaani stands tall as the biggest solo female-led franchise in Hindi cinema, having garnered immense love and critical acclaim for over a decade. The franchise has attained cult status among cine-lovers and remains India’s only female cop-led film universe that is successful theatrically.
Now in its third instalment, Mardaani 3 sees Rani Mukerji reprise her iconic role as the fearless and uncompromising cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, who is in a race against time to rescue scores of unaccounted-for missing girls of India. This time, Shivani will take on a merciless, evil, powerful woman as the antagonist in a violent and brutal fight for justice for innocent lives. The role is being played by Mallika Prasad. Janaki Bodiwala of Shaitaan fame also enters the Mardaanifranchise to play a pivotal role. Mardaani 3 has been written by Aayush Gupta of The Railway Men fame—one of the finest web series ever in Hindi. Deepak Kingrani and Baljeet Singh Marwah have co-written the story.
Following the unanimously-loved poster drop, which received an overwhelming response for this insanely loved Rani Mukerji franchise, the trailer increases the excitement.
The trailer of Mardaani 3 has also created buzz for its chilling antagonist, Amma, portrayed by Mallika Prasad. In the past 24 hours, netizens have reacted with a range of emotions from fear to hate for Amma with online reactions highlighting her menacing screen presence and the intensity with which Mallika Prasad embodies the mastermind behind a brutal human-trafficking network, setting up a gripping face-off with Shivani. People have praised the raw, unsettling portrayal of Amma, admiring the depth and psychological edge the character brings to the story.
Talking about all the love she has been receiving Mallika says, “Mardaani 3 stands as one of the most defining experiences of my career. Amma is evil yet holds a fierce spirit. It was a privilege to bring her to life. Roles like these demand that you shed comforts, sit with your own shadows, and stand in a truth larger than yourself. Amma challenged me in ways I did not anticipate. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process, and I am most grateful for the opportunity.”
She adds, “My heartfelt thanks to Abhiraj, for his trust, his gentle manner, and unwavering vision. My deep gratitude to YRF and Mr. Aditya Chopra, whose faith in me and in the script made it easy to build a character like Amma with such freedom. I thank Shanoo Sharma, who is one of the key reasons I am here. The entire cast offers exceptional talent, discipline, and generosity. I feel honored to stand alongside them. Above all, my respect goes to the crew. Their commitment and level of excellence lifts the entire narrative.”
Their unwavering warmth made going to the set every day an absolute joy, she said adding “I am so proud to be part of this team. The Mardaani franchise has a powerful legacy of confronting uncomfortable truths and pushing conversations forward, and I feel honored to be part of that journey. Rani Mukerji is brilliant in her portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy as she brings to light, yet again, the real women out there in the world fighting unimaginable crimes. These unsung heroes are the reason I explore the darkness in Amma with conviction.”
Mallika noted that she is grateful that the character of Amma allows her to explore the complexity of a woman who inhabits the dark underbelly of the world.
“I am so glad that the script and Abhiraj moved away from an easy, simplistic, black and white telling of this story, giving the character of Amma depth and dimension. The response to the trailer has been overwhelming, and I am truly humbled by the curiosity and excitement Amma has already sparked,” she added. “To everyone who has sent messages, shared their reactions, or embraced the intensity of the trailer—thank you. Your energy fuels us. I cannot wait for audiences to step into Amma’s world, to meet her in all her contradictions, and to experience the fire that drives her. She is not what she seems… and that’s where her power lies.”
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, Mardaani 3 delves into another dark and brutal reality of our society, further strengthening the franchise’s legacy of impactful, issue-based storytelling. It is scheduled to release in theatres worldwide on January 30, with the release being brought forward instead of the usual postponement for multiple reasons. It is also likely to be the only release the actress will have in 2026 when she completes 30 years in cinema: her debut film, Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat, was released in 1996.
Interestingly, each film has given us a solid performer in the negative role—Taher Raj Bhasin in Mardaani and Vishal Jethwa (who is now one of the protagonists in the Oscar nominee, Homebound in Mardaani 2.
