'Mardaani 3' Movie Review and Release Live Updates: Rani Mukerji starrer off to a slow start at box office; earns Rs 2 crore in advance ticket sales

Rani Mukerji has opened up about parenting and raising a strong, independent child, saying that she wants her daughter Adira to always be happy, no matter what she chooses to do in her career.

During an interview with IANS, when Rani engaged in an impactful conversation with women officers of the Delhi Police. Rani was asked by a police personnel if she wants Adira to be an actress like her, the 47-year-old, whose latest release is ‘Mardaani 3’ said that her daughter is currently learning taekwondo. Rani said “At the moment, she is learning taekwondo. She is becoming strong and empowered. In the future, whatever she chooses to do, I will always support her.”

Emphasising the importance of happiness and empowerment, the actress shared that as a woman, daughter, sister and mother, she believes a happy individual naturally spreads happiness to those around them, which is all she wishes for her daughter. “Because apart from being a woman, I am also a daughter, a sister, and a mother. I truly believe that when we are happy, we are able to keep the people around us happy as well. That’s why I want my daughter Adira to always be happy, no matter what she chooses to do,” said Rani.

Mallika Prasad isn't your everyday Bollywood celebrity. She's an experienced theatre performer, actor, director, and teacher with deep roots in acting studies. Born in Bengaluru, she trained a lot at the National School of Drama in Delhi and then studied performance creation at Goldsmiths University in London. Her work covers Kannada movies, indie films, web series, and plays. She has gained fame for picking roles full of real emotion instead of shallow drama. She also directs short films and helps new actors, earning her quiet respect in the industry.

An X (formerly Twitter) user praised ‘Mardaani 3’ for living up to franchise expectations, lauding Rani Mukerji’s powerful performance and the gripping second half. They highlighted strong support from Mallika Prasad and Janki Bodiwala, engaging twists, and called it a solid entertainer despite a slightly underdeveloped villain backstory.

A reviewer took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts on ‘Mardaani 3’, calling it a decent watch that tackles a major social issue head-on. According to the reviewer, the film unapologetically exposes the darker side of the system and society, with several scenes that can leave viewers numb or angry, especially those who are emotionally sensitive.

Praising director Abhiraj Minawala, the reviewer noted that he delivers a fairly solid narrative with an emotional punch. Some sequences are described as deeply heart-wrenching and impactful, with appreciation for bringing such a sensitive subject to the big screen.

The reviewer also highlighted Rani Mukerji’s performance, stating that she is as dependable as ever. Terming her the soul of the Mardaani franchise, the reviewer added that the role fits her perfectly and it’s hard to imagine anyone else stepping into the character.

'Mardaani 3', which hits theatres today, is the third part of the Rani Mukerji-led franchise. While 'Mardaani' exposed the grim realities of human trafficking, 'Mardaani 2' explored the disturbing psyche of a serial rapist who challenged the system. 'Mardaani 3' reportedly delves into another dark and brutal reality of our society, further strengthening the franchise’s legacy of impactful, issue-based storytelling.

The first instalment of the Mardaani franchise was released in 2014. It featured Rani, Jisshu Sengupta, Tahir Raj Bhasin, and Anant Vidhaat Sharma in supporting roles. The second instalment, directed by Gopi Puthran, hit the big screens in 2019.

Bollywood star Rani Mukerji, who is all geared up to be seen reprising the role of Shivani Shivaji Roy in the third instalment of “Mardaani”, said that wearing the police uniform for the third time feels nothing short of a privilege and an honour.

Expressing her excitement about returning to the much-loved character, Rani shared that portraying a woman in uniform comes with deep responsibility.

Rani told IANS: “I think it's a huge privilege and a huge honour for me to be playing one of them, a woman in uniform. Because of their life struggles, their stories, the challenges that they face in their day-to-day life, and the kind of crimes that they solve, I think they are extraordinary.”

She highlighted the extraordinary lives of Indian female police officers, their daily struggles, personal sacrifices, and the challenging crimes they tackle day in and day out. “So, through Shivani Shivaji Roy's character, I can portray that and show it to the world, what Indian female officers are doing day in and day out,” she adde

Rani was recently honoured with the Vande Mataram Puraskar, the West Bengal Governor’s Award of Excellence. Expressing her gratitude, Rani shared, “Today, my heart is filled with a kind of emotion that is difficult to put into words. Winning the Governor’s Award of Excellence, the Vande Mataram Puraskar, on my 30th year in cinema feels incredibly humbling. This honour is not just a recognition of my work—it feels like a homecoming, a warm hug from West Bengal, my roots. I only hope I have done you proud and will continue doing so. Though my journey as an actor unfolded largely in Hindi cinema, my roots have always been deeply, unmistakably Bengali”.

Ahead of the release of her highly-awaited crime drama "Mardaani 3", actress Rani Mukerji graced the special programme organized by the National Commission for Women called “Voices of Grace and Grit”.

Speaking during the occasion, Rani stated that throughout her career, she has portrayed characters largely dedicated to women and women-centric narratives.

She further pointed out that in today's time, women are successfully leading institutions and shaping society. Rani added that even the Hon’ble President of India is a woman today.

The 'Hichki' actress also stressed that women are fully capable of managing both their professional aspirations and family responsibilities with balance and determination.

Sharing Rani's sentiment, Hon’ble Chairperson Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar stated that the concept of “mother’s guilt” has no place in today’s progressive society. She added that women should take pride in their multiple roles and leadership capabilities.

Actor Ranbir Kapoor is showering praise for 'Mardaani' star Rani Mukerji, hailing her three-decade-long journey in Indian cinema.

Ranbir Kapoor, who worked with Rani Mukerji in his debut film 'Saawariya', also weighed in on his experience working with her, calling her "one of the greatest ever actors".

Speaking to Variety, the 'Animal' star shared, "It is really amazing to see the entire industry come forward to celebrate 30 years of her iconic legacy," referring to the recent applause that Rani Mukerji has received with the upcoming release of 'Mardaani 3'.

Reflecting on his debut film with the National Award-winning actor, Ranbir added, "I have always felt that Rani is one for the ages, one of the greatest ever actors in India and someone who has defined our industry through her work. Her choice of projects and roles has shaped how women are portrayed on the screen today. Rani is the co-star of my first film 'Sawaariya' and she is the first person who told me that if I worked hard, I would go a long way. I will never forget that interaction because it gave me so much confidence when I needed it the most."

Noting that he has been "bowled over by her grace, charm, and brilliance", having seen her closely as a person, Ranbir Kapoor went on to describe Rani Mukerji as an "entertainer who has dedicated her life to make people happy."

"I don't have words to describe the impact her films have had on me," he added.

Actress Rani Mukerji sat down with filmmaker and her longtime friend Karan Johar for a heart-to-heart conversation as she marked 3 decades in the Indian film industry.

Celebrating the milestone moment, KJo took to the Stories section of his official Instagram handle and dropped a couple of photos with Rani, who looked as graceful as ever in a beautiful saree. Karan accompanied her in a blue velvet jacket, paired with black pants.

The 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' maker expressed his excitement for Rani's forthcoming crime drama, "Mardaani 3".

"With my dearest Rani!!! Celebrating her 30 years and hearing up for MARDAANI 3!!! A proud franchise of a solid star and artist!," read the text on one of the stills.

Rani Mukerji said that Mardaani is not just a franchise for her, adding, “Shivani Shivaji Roy lives in my heart. Through her, I’ve witnessed courage that doesn’t shout, strength that doesn’t seek applause, and bravery that comes at a very personal cost and I’m inspired by her.”

“Mardaani has never just been a film for me—it’s a feeling, a responsibility. It is deeply humbling to experience so much love for a film and a franchise that is part of my existence and has defined my career in cinema."

Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, Mardaani 3 delves into another dark and brutal reality of our society, further strengthening the franchise’s legacy of impactful, issue-based storytelling.

With the love pouring in for her work in the third instalment of Mardaani, Rani Mukerji dedicated it to the Indian police force by saying, “To my brothers and sisters in the police force, especially the women, who are judged more, questioned more, and still stand taller than fear, this film exists because of you.”

“This film is my way of celebrating the entire police force, especially the women officers who lead with strength, compassion, and fierce integrity.”

Rani says the response to the trailer is a testament that, as a country, we are always ready to raise our voice against social crimes.

She says, “Your incredible response and love for Mardaani 3 trailer tells me that we, as a country, have a strong conscience. That we still feel anger when something is wrong and pride when someone stands up to protect the helpless. Thank you for holding Mardaani 3 so close to your hearts.”

Rani Mukerji, who has clocked three decades in the journey of acting, opened up about her journey with the “Mardaani” franchise and the inspiration behind her fearless character, Shivani Shivaji Roy.

“I’ve seen how lonely courage can be,” Rani said, reflecting on the challenges and dedication of those in uniform.

“Shivani Shivaji Roy is not a character I switch off when the camera cuts. I carry her with me. Because through her, I’ve seen what it really means to serve. I’ve seen how lonely courage can be,” Rani said.

She added: “I have immense respect for the cops of our country who show up every day — quietly, without complaints, without medals, serving our country and protecting us silently. Mardaani franchise is my salute to them and I feel so happy and proud to see the people of my country pour so much love for the police force.”

Rani Mukerji, known for her role in the 'Mardaani' franchise, described her film 'Mardaani 3' as a story that highlights "women empowerment" and "hope".

Mardaani 3 is the third instalment in the Mardaani franchise, which centres on Rani Mukerji's fearless cop role, who strives to curb crime in her city, especially against women.

While speaking to ANI, Rani called 'Mardaani 3' an important film that can help raise awareness among women while also promoting women's empowerment.

"When we watch this content, our awareness will increase. This is the story of women's empowerment, to give strength to women. This film is made to give hope, and I want every girl, every woman, to watch this film and get inspired," said Rani Mukerji.

Ever since the trailer of Rani Mukerji's upcoming action entertainer "Mardaani 3" was released, not just the netizens but members of the film fraternity also could not help but express their excitement for the sequel.

Most recently, actress Sonam Kapoor gave a shout-out to Rani, calling her 'the greatest ever' in Indian cinema.

"Rani you are one of the greatest ever in Indian cinema. You are a G.O.A.T for me, and I don't know how many actors and girls across our country."

Wishing Rani all the best for "Mardaani 3", Sonam added, "Your hunger and your passion are truly, truly incredible. It feels amazing to have seen you work so closely and seen you spread so much joy.. You are going to kill it with Mardaani 3! Rooting for you always! (red heart emoji)."

Today, when Rani looks back at her journey, she says she doesn’t “count box-office numbers or awards first. I count moments – standing under rain for a shot, laughing between takes, crying after a difficult scene, and feeling that quiet satisfaction when a performance truly connects.:

“Thirty years later, my love for cinema is still the same, perhaps deeper, certainly calmer, and infinitely more grateful. It is incredibly special to mark my 30th year in cinema with Mardaani 3 – a franchise that allows me to salute the spirit of today’s women and also the resilience of the Indian police force, especially the women who serve the nation.”

Rani, who is celebrating thirty years in films, said that she has always been drawn to women who challenge the world around them, from Bunty Aur Babli and No One Killed Jessica to Mardaani.

She said Mardaani holds a special place in her heart, as the character of Shivani Shivaji Roy represents quiet strength and the power of telling uncomfortable but hopeful stories.

“Mardaani in particular holds a special place in my heart. Shivani Shivaji Roy is not loud heroism – she is quiet strength. Through her, I discovered how powerful it is to tell stories that make people uncomfortable, but also hopeful.”

As she completed three decades in Hindi cinema, actress Rani Mukerji said that she never came into films with a master plan and that even today, she still carries the nervousness of that young girl standing in front of the camera for the first time, hoping she belonged.

Looking back, the actress shared a letter on the Instagram handle of Yash Raj Films talking about how she entered films without a master plan or long-term ambitions.

“Thirty years… When I say that out loud, it feels unreal but it also tells me that if you do something that you love from the bottom of your heart, time flies and you are left hungry for more.”

“Thirty years ago, I stepped onto a film set with no grand plan of becoming an actress. It wasn’t a dream I chased – it was something that found me. A young girl, drawn into cinema almost by chance, hesitant at first… and yet, somewhere between instinct and vulnerability, I fell in love with the craft.”

She said that cinema has a strange way of freezing emotions.

“Somewhere inside me, I am still that nervous girl standing in front of the camera for the first time, hoping I wouldn’t forget my lines, hoping I belonged. I didn’t come into films with a master plan. I came with curiosity, fear, and a deep love for stories, for the exploration of the human mind through characters.”

Recalling her debut with Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat in 1997, Rani said the film taught her an early and lasting lesson that cinema is not about glamour first, but responsibility. Playing a woman fighting for dignity so early in her career shaped the actor she would go on to become.

“When I did Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat, I was barely aware of what a “career” in cinema would look like. I only knew that acting made me feel alive. That film taught me my first big lesson: cinema is not about glamour first – it is about responsibility. Playing a woman fighting for dignity so early in my journey shaped the actor I would become.”

Rani Mukerji had earlier revealed that the edge-of-the-seat thriller is going to be ‘dark, deadly and brutal’ and it had immediately piqued curiosity amongst netizens, the fans of the star and the franchise.

Mardaani 3 is directed by Abhiraj Minawala and has been produced by Aditya Chopra. While Mardaani (first film) tackled the grim realities of human trafficking, Mardaani 2 explored the chilling mind of a psychotic serial rapist who dared to challenge the system. Mardaani 3 is delving into a dark, brutal reality of our society, continuing the franchise’s legacy of gripping, issue-based storytelling.

Mardaani along with Rani Mukerji also starred Mardaani stars Rani Mukerji as Shivani Shivaji Roy, Tahir Raj Bhasin as the antagonist Walt, Jisshu Sengupta as Dr. Bikram Roy, Anil George as Vakeel, and Priyanka Sharma as Pyaari.

Yash Raj Films’ on January 10, advanced the release date of their movie 'Mardaani 3' to January 30, 2026.

The makers are pegging this film to be a bloody, violent clash between Shivani’s goodness vs sinister evil forces as she begins an extraordinary race against time hunt to rescue scores of missing girls of the country.

For the uninitiated, Mardaani is said to be the biggest solo female-led franchise in Hindi cinema that has garnered love and acclaim for over 10 years now.

The blockbuster franchise that is said to be the only female cop franchise of India, in its third instalment will see Rani Mukerji yet again reprise the role of a daredevil cop, Shivani Shivaji Roy, who selflessly fights for justice.