Mumbai, April 21, 2025 – The Daily News Times
Bollywood’s fearless supercop, Shivani Shivaji Roy, is back, and she’s ready to deliver justice with unrelenting ferocity. Yash Raj Films (YRF) has officially announced that Mardaani 3, starring the powerhouse Rani Mukerji, will storm into theaters worldwide on February 27, 2026, just ahead of the vibrant Holi festival.
This strategic release date, aligning with Holi’s celebration of good triumphing over evil, sets the stage for what promises to be a gripping, blood-soaked clash between righteousness and malevolence.
The Mardaani franchise, Hindi cinema’s most iconic solo female-led series, has captivated audiences since its debut in 2014. The first film, directed by Pradeep Sarkar, tackled the harrowing issue of human trafficking, while Mardaani 2 (2019), helmed by Gopi Puthran, saw Shivani confront a ruthless psychopath.
Both films shattered box office records and earned critical acclaim, cementing the franchise’s cult status. Now, Mardaani 3 is poised to raise the stakes even higher, with Mukerji herself describing the film as “dark, deadly, and brutal.”
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, a YRF veteran known for assisting on blockbusters like Sultan and Tiger 3, Mardaani 3 marks his directorial debut. The screenplay, penned by Aayush Gupta (The Railway Men), promises a sharper, more intricate narrative that blends raw emotion, high-octane action, and searing social commentary.
While the plot remains tightly under wraps, rumors suggest the story will once again center on a national-level crime impacting women and children, with Shivani facing a chilling new villain.
YRF unveiled an electrifying first-look poster on April 21, featuring Mukerji as Shivani, clad in a black shirt, blue jeans, and boots, pointing a gun directly at the camera—a bold signal that she’s ready to take no prisoners. Fans flooded social media with excitement, with one X user declaring, “Rani ain’t playing. Criminals better take early retirement.”
Another wrote, “She’s brutal this time. My Rani is back!” The poster, shared by YRF’s official X handle, teased, “The countdown begins for #Mardaani3! On Holi, good will fight evil.”
Mukerji, who began shooting in June 2025 after rigorous physical training to enhance the role’s realism, expressed her deep connection to the character. “It’s always special to wear the police uniform and play a character that has only given me love,” she said. “I’m proud to essay this feisty cop again as a tribute to all the unsung, brave cops who work tirelessly to keep us safe.”
She added that the franchise carries a responsibility to meet audience expectations, promising that Mardaani 3 will deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
The film’s pre-production has been meticulous, with YRF locking key shooting locations in Mumbai, Delhi, and parts of North India. Auditions are underway to cast a formidable antagonist, a hallmark of the franchise’s storytelling, ensuring a worthy adversary for Shivani’s relentless pursuit of justice.
As Hindi cinema’s only major female-cop-led franchise, Mardaani has redefined the action genre, blending empowerment with unflinching portrayals of societal issues. With Mukerji’s commanding performance, Minawala’s fresh directorial vision, and YRF’s robust marketing, Mardaani 3 is poised to dominate the box office, potentially surpassing the opening records of Mukerji’s previous hits like Hichki.
Mark your calendars for February 27, 2026, when Shivani Shivaji Roy returns to fight evil in a blaze of glory. This Holi, prepare for a cinematic showdown that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
Myself Aditya and I am from Mumbai, India. As an intern, I joined the local news agency in Mumbai named “The Mumbai News”. Now I am working with various News Agencies and I provide them reports from Mumbai and other parts of India.
