The wait is finally over. Yash Raj Films has officially dropped the Mardaani 3 trailer, and the internet is already buzzing. Ten years after the first film redefined the “cop-universe” for women in Bollywood, Rani Mukerji is back in her most gritty, uncompromising avatar yet as ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy.
This is the third installment and it’s directed by Abhiraj Minawala. As per the trailer, the film can be the darkest and most tactical mission in the franchise’s history.
Mardaani 3 Plot: A Chilling Reality
The Mardaani 3 trailer wastes no time diving into a terrifying statistic: 93 girls have gone missing in just three months. What starts as a series of kidnappings in Delhi/NCR quickly reveals a much larger, more sinister web. Shivani Shivaji Roy finds herself up against a national-level beggar mafia that exploits the most vulnerable for profit.
Meet the New Villain: Amma (Mallika Prasad)
Every Mardaani film is defined by its antagonist, and Mardaani 3 introduces Amma, played with chilling composure by Mallika Prasad. Unlike the impulsive young villains of the previous films, Amma is a “Queenpin.” She claims to have the entire system in her pocket.
The highlight of the trailer is a high-stakes face-off where Shivani shuts down Amma’s attempt at bribery.
And, The Mardaani 3 dilaogues comes:
“Honge wardi bechne waale… teri badkismati ki tu us ek se bhid gayi jo tujh jaison se ‘cut’ nahi leti, tujh jaison ko ‘kaat’ ke rakh deti hai!”
What Makes the Mardaani 3 Trailer Different?
Written by Aayush Gupta (The Railway Men) and directed by Abhiraj Minawala, Mardaani 3 elevates the franchise with several key elements:
- Cinematic Realism: The trailer uses a desaturated, earthy color palette, moving away from “Bollywood gloss” to a documentary-style urgency.
- Systemic Conflict: The script explores “the rot within,” as Shivani battles not just the mafia, but also corrupt officers (the “Phoolans”) on Amma’s payroll.
- Tactical Action: The stunts are grounded and realistic, focusing on police raids and tactical maneuvers rather than over-the-top heroics.
- Janki Bodiwala’s Entry: Joining the cast as a young, dynamic cop, Janki Bodiwala (of Shaitaan fame) represents a “generational leap,” providing a fresh perspective to Shivani’s seasoned mentorship.
Read More: OMG 3 Movie: Akshay Kumar and Rani Mukerji End 30-Year Wait to Tackle Hard-Hitting Women’s Issues
Why Mardaani 3 is Trending
- The Return of Rani: Marking her 30th year in cinema, Rani Mukerji’s performance looks physically and emotionally demanding.
- Realistic Tone: Written by Aayush Gupta (The Railway Men), the script promises a grounded, research-backed look at child trafficking.
- Social Impact: The film continues the franchise’s legacy of highlighting the “quiet strength” of the Indian police force.
Mardaani 3 Release Date & Cast Details
YRF has surprised fans by preponing the Mardaani 3 release date with a Poster. Instead of late February, the film will now hit theaters earlier to capitalize on the Republic Day weekend momentum.
| Feature | Details |
| Release Date | January 30, 2026 |
| Director | Abhiraj Minawala |
| Starring | Rani Mukerji, Janki Bodiwala, Mallika Prasad |
| OTT Platform | Expected on Netflix (Post-theatrical) |
More About Mardaani 3 Trailer
Mardaani 3 is poised to be a landmark in Indian crime-thrillers. It successfully evolves the franchise from a cat-and-mouse chase into a systemic takedown of a disturbing social reality. By focusing on the beggar mafia, it is a topic rarely explored with this level of research. This Rani Mukerji new movie goes beyond entertainment into the realm of impactful, issue-based storytelling.
The film is set to dominate the box office on January 30, 2026, . It will spark much-needed conversations about child safety and systemic corruption.
Watch the Trailer Here:
FAQs:
Q: Who is the villain in Mardaani 3?
A: The main antagonist is Amma, the cold-blooded leader of a national beggar mafia, played by the acclaimed Mallika Prasad.
Q: When is Mardaani 3 releasing?
A: The Mardaani 3 film’s release has been preponed! It will now hit theaters on January 30, 2026, moving up from its original February date.
Q: Is Janki Bodiwala in the movie?
A: Yes! Janki Bodiwala (famous for Shaitaan) plays a pivotal role as a young, reactive cop working alongside Rani Mukerji.
Q: Who directed Mardaani 3?
A: This Rani Mukerji film is directed by Abhiraj Minawala, who previously assisted on YRF blockbusters like Sultan and Tiger 3.
Q: What is the case Shivani Roy is solving this time?
A: Shivani is investigating the mysterious disappearance of 93 girls (aged 8–11) who have been kidnapped across the country within a span of three months.
Q: Will Mardaani 3 be available on OTT?
A: While the initial release is strictly theatrical, it is expected to stream on Netflix a few months after its cinema run, following the typical YRF release pattern.
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