Rani Mukerji Returns in Yash Raj Films’ Mardaani 3

Rani Mukerji Returns in Yash Raj Films’ Mardaani 3

Filmmakers are positioning Mardaani 3 as a “bloody, violent clash”. Rani Mukerji confirmed the intense tone, describing the upcoming thriller as “dark, deadly and brutal”.

RMN News Entertainment Desk
September 23, 2025

Mumbai: Yash Raj Films (YRF) has officially announced the theatrical release date for the highly anticipated third installment of its female-cop franchise, Mardaani 3. Starring Rani Mukerji who reprises her iconic and “unanimously loved role” as the daredevil police officer, Shivani Shivaji Roy, the film is set to hit cinemas on Friday, February 27, 2026.

The announcement of the third chapter confirms the return of Mukerji as the selfless cop who fights tirelessly for justice. The Mardaani series, which includes massive hits Mardaani (2014) and Mardaani 2 (2019), holds the distinction of being India’s biggest and only female cop franchise.

YRF marked the occasion by unveiling a new poster for the film, which immediately sets up the impending “epic battle between good and evil”. The poster drop was accompanied by the powerful devotional chant of Aigiri Nandini, which celebrates Maa Durga’s power when she kills the demon Mahisasura. This hints at the massive challenge facing Shivani, suggesting she will need all her resolve to solve a brutal case and will put her life at risk.

The previous films in the series have consistently struck a chord with audiences due to their hard-hitting narratives, which serve as an eye opener for society, forcing audiences to acknowledge the “heinous crimes that are committed every day in our country”. This third installment promises to escalate the intensity, aiming to be even “darker and grittier,” providing audiences with a more edge-of-the-seat theatrical experience.

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Filmmakers are positioning Mardaani 3 as a “bloody, violent clash”. Rani Mukerji confirmed the intense tone, describing the upcoming thriller as “dark, deadly and brutal”.

The film’s release date, February 27, 2026, is significant as it coincides with the auspicious Holi festival, which symbolises the triumph of good over bad.

Mardaani 3 will be directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra. Minawala was groomed by YRF, having been empowered to assist on major productions such as Sultan, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, and Tiger 3.

Mukerji expressed her enthusiasm for returning to the role, stating that it is always special to wear the police uniform. She added that she is proud to essay the character of this feisty cop again “as a tribute to all the unsung, brave, self-sacrificing cops who work tirelessly every single day to keep us safe”.