In the rarefied universe of high-octane Bollywood actioners, few franchises have definitely placed its strong female lead as much at the forefront of proceedings than Yash Raj Films’ Mardaani series. Ever since it made its way to theatres in 2014, Rani Mukerji’s character of the fearless Senior Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy has become an epitome of relentless valour against human trafficking, cybercrimes and everything that’s wrong with our society.
With over ₹300 crore in combined box-office earnings and a National Film Award for Mukerji’s debut performance, the saga has not only entertained but ignited conversations on women’s safety and police valour. It is now nearly the end of 2025, and Mardaani 3 breaks cover from underproduction, promising to be a violent extension that fans desire: “dark… deadly… brutal”.
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, the film — which is scheduled to be released in theaters on February 27, 2026 — explores Shivani’s darkest case yet as she navigates action-packed drama with poignant social messages. Having shot throughout April, and with Mukerji’s recent homage to real-life officers, this installment comes at a vital point in the history of women-led cinema.
The Mardaani journey: From a debut that shook the foundations of Indian cinema
Backed by YRF, the Mardaani trilogy is built on a base of sheer power and female agency. Released in 2014, the original directed by Pradeep Sarkar saw Shivani taking on a child trafficker and went on to collect ₹80 crore worldwide and garner accolades for its no-holds barred portrayal of exploitation.
Mardaani 2 (2019), helmed by first-timer Gopi Puthran, raised the bar with a rapist psycho-killer villain (Vishal Jethwa), earning ₹55 crore and Mukerji a Filmfare Critics Award. Both films centered on underbelly crimes (trafficking in the first, serial killings in the second) and celebrated Shivani’s no-nonsense attitude.
| Film | Release Year | Director | Key Antagonist | Worldwide Gross (₹ Crore) | Awards Highlights |
| Mardaani | 2014 | Pradeep Sarkar | Human Traffickers | 80 | National Film Award (Best Actress – Rani Mukerji) |
| Mardaani 2 | 2019 | Gopi Puthran | Serial Killer (Vishal Jethwa) | 55 | Filmfare Critics Award (Best Actress) |
| Mardaani 3 | 2026 | Abhiraj Minawala | TBA (Cyber/Organized Crime) | TBA | TBA |
The series’ success lies in its authenticity: Mukerji’s rigorous training in martial arts and firearms, coupled with YRF’s commitment to solo female narratives, has made Mardaani Hindi cinema’s top-grossing such franchise.
As Mukerji reflected on its 10-year milestone in August 2024, “The love… is truly humbling. I’m looking forward to bringing back Shivani Shivaji Roy.” Mardaani 3 extends this legacy, arriving amid a surge in women-centric hits like Crew and Article 370.
Plot Intrigue: A “Dark, Deadly, and Brutal” Case That Tests Shivani’s Limits
Details remain tightly guarded, but teasers hint at Shivani tackling her toughest adversary: a shadowy network blending cyber threats with organized crime, echoing real-world escalations in digital exploitation.
Revealed on the first day of Navratri (September 22, 2025), the official motion poster shows Mukerji in her khaki avatar, badge shining bright with a tagline that reads: “The most difficult case of her career.” YRF refers to it as “a victory of good over evil,” perfectly suiting the festive atmosphere of justice.
Anticipate more hard – core action sequences — Mukerji trained in enhanced stunts for both hand-to – hand combat and high-octane chases we will also explore deeper into Shivani’s psyche.“Mardaani 3’s script, too, will be dark, deadly and brutal,” Mukerji teased in December 2024. “We have to live up to those expectations.”
Production began in April 2025 in Mumbai and other locations around the city, while look tests for antagonists had concluded by June; principal photography was underway from October – which recently included an awareness event tie-in for cyber safety where Mukerji took pause from filming to speak out regarding online security guidelines. The Holi 2026 slot (February 27) positions it for festive family audiences, dodging major clashes.
Rani Mukerji: Embodying Strength On and Off Screen
At 47, Mukerji is still the franchise’s beating heart, channelling everything that Shivani has, along with her fierceness and mom-ness (credit to life playing a mother to daughter Adira).
Her contributions are as gray as her slate assignments: From 2023’s confirmations of the project to Police Commemoration Day tributes on October 21, 2025, when she saluted officers’ “courage and selfless spirit,” Mukerji bridges reel and real heroism. “As a mother, I understand how crucial [cyber safety] is,” she shared during Cyber Awareness Month 2025, linking it to Mardaani 3’s themes.
Minawala, associate director on War 2, adds some newfound energy to it while Chopra’s production guarantees YRF polish in whatever he does. There are also casting rumours circulating somewhere out there is a hefty villain – possibly high-tech in some way to rival Jethwa’s archvillian – along with extra roles for new faces and local talent. Music by the Mardaani duo (Maynak Gupta & Shamir Tandon) offer anthems like “Mardaani Anthem.”
Production Buzz: From April Shoots to February Premiere
To be unveiled on the anniversary of Mardaani 2 (December 13, 2024), the film went on floors amidst much fanfare as fans woke up to its first look in the early hours of April 21, 2025. In September, YRF’s Navratri teaser took millions of views bringing Shavani fever to the fore.
The budget estimates are in the neighbourhood of ₹80-100 crore, banking on the series’ faithful fanbase and Mukerji’s pull—her 2025 slate involves a potential Mrs. acclaim upping the anticipatory scale.
Social media echoes the excitement: X users hail it as “women-led Bollywood’s next big bang,” alongside Ma Behan and Alpha, with posts like “Rani back in khaki—justice served!” trending post-teaser. Mukerji’s brief hiatus for the Cyber Awareness ceremony underscores the film’s societal pulse.
Why Mardaani 3 Resonates in 2025: Empowerment in a Changing Landscape
At a time when India is plagued by increasing online crimes (1.5 million plus such cases as per NCRB in 2024), and growing gender violence, Mardaani 3 feels relevant—amplifying a Shivani amidst chartbusters like Laapataa Ladies.
It punctures Bollywood’s male-dominated action cliche and demonstrates that movies featuring women can reign at the box office (Mardaani 2 outgrossed many of its peers). But: the stakes are high, such as they are – post-Pathaan YRF domination, this has to bring home the franchise’s grit without whittling down its edge.
With only four months left until it is released, Mardaani 3 isn’t just a sequel — it’s a call for action. As Mukerji gears up, one thing’s certain – Shivani Shivaji Roy returns fiercer to remind us that the real mardaani is in being brutally unapologetic while fighting for the meek. See it in theaters on February 27, 2026—because when the fighting gets dirty, it takes a supercop’s roar.