{{Short description|2026 Indian film by Abhiraj Minawala}} {{Use Indian English|date=January 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Infobox film | name = Mardaani 3 | image = Mardaani 3 Film poster.jpg | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = Abhiraj Minawala | writer = Aayush Gupta | story = {{Plainlist| *Aayush Gupta *Deepak Kingrani *Baljeet Singh Marwah }} | producer = Aditya Chopra | starring = {{Plainlist| *Rani Mukerji *Janki Bodiwala *Jisshu Sengupta *Mallika Prasad }}Prajesh Kashyap | cinematography = Artur Żurawski | editing = Yasha Ramchandani | music = '''Songs:'''<br/>Sarthak Kalyani<br/>'''Score:'''<br/>John Stewart Eduri | studio = Yash Raj Films | distributor = Yash Raj Films | released = {{film date|df=yes|2026|1|30}} | runtime = 129 minutes<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 February 2026|access-date=20 January 2026|title=Mardaani 3|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/mardaani-3-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmta5mzyx|website=British Board of Film Classification}}</ref> | country = India | language = Hindi | budget = {{INR|60}} crore<ref>{{Cite web|title='Mardaani 3' box office collection Day 4: Rani Mukerji's cop drama FAILS to impress audience; earns just Rs 2.15 crore|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/mardaani-3-box-office-collection-day-4-rani-mukerjis-cop-drama-fails-to-impress-audience-earns-just-rs-2-15-crore-on-first-monday/articleshow/127873749.cms|website=Times of India|date=4 February 2026|access-date=4 February 2026}}</ref> | gross = {{est}} {{INR|78.17}} crore<!-- Remember to update access-date in citation as well. --><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mardaani 3 Box Office Collection|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/mardaani-3/box-office/|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=30 January 2026|access-date=15 March 2026}}</ref> }}
'''''Mardaani 3''''' ({{Translation|Manly 3}}) is a 2026 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films. A sequel to the 2019 film ''Mardaani 2'' and the third instalment in the ''Mardaani Trilogy'', it stars Rani Mukerji in the lead role, alongside Janki Bodiwala and Mallika Prasad. The narrative follows police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy as she investigates the case of 93 young girls who have gone missing under mysterious circusmtances in just three months.
''Mardaani 3'' was theatrically released on 30 January 2026, and received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics.<ref name=":1" />
== Plot == In Bulandshahr, Ruhani, the daughter of Indian Diplomat Sahu, is abducted while playing hide-and-seek with Jhimli, the daughter of a domestic help. When Jhimli attempts to intervene, she is abducted as well. Meanwhile, in the Sundarbans, SSP Shivani Shivaji Roy dismantles a women and drug trafficking operation. Impressed by her work, Sahu recommends Shivani to lead the investigation into Ruhani’s disappearance, while also announcing a public ransom of ₹2 crore.
The kidnappers initially hand the girls over to Amma, the powerful leader of a beggar mafia network, but later take Ruhani to extort the ransom directly. Despite Shivani overseeing the exchange, the criminals evade using a prerecorded video call to deceive the police. One gang member is captured and reveals links to Amma’s organisation. Shivani discovers that 93 girls aged eight to nine from impoverished families have gone missing in three months, leading her to suspect that Ruhani was abducted after being mistaken for a poor child.
Following leads, the police track two of Amma’s enforcers to Treta Trust, a rehabilitation centre run by Ramanujan, who claims to work against beggar mafias. The enforcers are killed in an encounter while attempting to murder him. Soon after, Amma intimidates Shivani by breaking into her home. A raid on Prince Lodge results in a shootout where the kidnappers are killed, and Ramanujan is sent to rescue Ruhani. He instead murders her, revealing himself to be a mole within the police force working for Amma. Amma then threatens Shivani, who vows to rescue Jhimli.
Shivani is removed from the case by senior officials, but continues investigating unofficially. She finds one missing girl in a hospital, terminally ill with advanced cervical cancer, who dies shortly after revealing that several girls were nearly burned alive. Shivani links a symbol in the girl’s drawings to Treta Trust and uncovers Ramanujan’s past as a child abducted by Amma and raised within her network. Shivani arrests Ramanujan and Amma, but due to lack of evidence and manipulation by Ramanujan, he is released, Shivani is suspended, and a key witness dies in custody. Ramanujan, Amma, and accomplice Fatima flee to Colombo.
Shivani forms an independent team and pursues them overseas with Sahu’s support. It is revealed that the girls were abducted to be used as test subjects in illegal experiments involving a mutated HPV virus intended to accelerate cervical cancer drug trials. Girls deemed unsuitable were killed to avoid detection, explaining Ruhani’s murder. Shivani captures Amma and confronts Ramanujan in Colombo, revealing that Fatima was planted as an informant. Amma is killed during an escape attempt, and Ramanujan’s operation is thwarted. Shivani ensures the rescued girls are repatriated.
In the aftermath, Shivani injects Ramanujan with the same virus used on the victims, leaving him to die slowly while in custody. She is reinstated into the police force, awarded the President’s Medal, and granted leadership of a special task force with operational autonomy. Jhimli is reunited with her father, and Sahu finds closure.
== Cast == {{colbegin}} * Rani Mukerji as SSP Shivani Shivaji Roy IPS * Janki Bodiwala as Constable Fatima Anwar * Mallika Prasad as Amma * Jisshu Sengupta as Dr. Bikram Roy, Shivani's husband * Prajesh Kashyap as Ramanujan ** Somansh Singh Dangwal as young Ramanujan * Indraneel Bhattacharya as Ambassador Sahu * Mikhail Yawalkar as Inspector Balwinder Singh Sodhi * Digvijay Rohidas as Jafar * Jimpa Sangpo Bhutia as Jimpa * Avanee Joshi as Ruhani, Sahu's daughter * Diorr Varghese as Jhimli * Jaipreet Singh as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency * Naved Aslam as Home Secretary Vijender Sahani * Aurobindo Bhattacharjee as ASP, Delhi Police * Roopangi Vanvari as Smita, Sahu's wife * Pawan Kumar Singh as Caretaker Monu * Dhananjay Singh as Inspector General, Uttar Pradesh Police * Shashie Verma as Station House Officer, Lodhi Colony Station * Kuldeep Singh as Sub Inspector Ahmed * Shashank Shende as Aslam * Rushad Rana as Prajapati * Mahesh Ginnilal as Lallan * Deepak Kamboj as Bilal * Vicky Kanadi as Munna * Aeklavya Tomer as KD * Adesh Pandit as Pinku * Sukumar Tudu as Bengali Boss * Jeffery Goldberg as Mr. Wyland {{colend}}
== Production ==
=== Development === Yash Raj Films officially announced the project on 13 December 2024, with Rani Mukerji confirmed to reprise her role as Shivani Shivaji Roy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 December 2024 |title=Mardaani 3: Rani Mukerji returns as supercop Shivani Shivaji Roy in 'dark, deadly, brutal' part 3, set for 2026 release |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/mardaani-3-rani-mukerji-returns-as-supercop-shivani-shivaji-roy-in-dark-deadly-brutal-part-3-yash-raj-films-101734071060015.html |access-date=25 January 2026 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Abhiraj Minawala was roped in to direct the film, replacing Gopi Puthran, the writer and director of ''Mardaani 2''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 February 2026 |title=Rani Mukerji and Director Abhiraj Minawala Collaborated on Mardaani 3 'As Parents' |url=https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/bollywood/mardaani-3-director-abhiraj-minawala-rani-mukerji-authenticity-article-153607261 |access-date=13 February 2026 |website=Zoom TV |language=en}}</ref> Mallika Prasad was cast as the antagonist, becoming the first female villain in the franchise.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 January 2026 |title=Who is Mallika Prasad, the RUTHLESS villain 'Amma' in Rani Mukerji's 'Mardaani 3'? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/who-is-mallika-prasad-the-ruthless-villain-amma-in-rani-mukerjis-mardaani-3/articleshow/126482149.cms |access-date=12 January 2026 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Janki Bodiwala was cast in a pivotal role.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=24 April 2025 |title=Janki Bodiwala to join Rani Mukerji in Mardaani 3 |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/janki-bodiwala-join-rani-mukerji-mardaani-3-report/ |access-date=11 January 2026 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref>
=== Filming === Principal photography began in March 2025 and concluded in November 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=27 February 2025 |title=Rani Mukerji gears up for Mardaani 3, shooting begins in June |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/rani-mukerji-gears-mardaani-3-shooting-begins-june/ |access-date=23 January 2026 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref> Filming took place primarily in Delhi and Mumbai,<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 June 2025 |title=#ByInvitation: 'I feel Delhi has so much character, it has so much to give', says Rani Mukerji |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rani-mukerji-reflects-on-the-unique-charm-of-delhi-while-shooting-mardaani-3/articleshow/121924318.cms#:~:text=It%20was%20incredibly%20special%20to,this%20beautiful%20city%20once%20again. |access-date=2 January 2026 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mardaani 3: Rani Mukerji films key action sequences at YRF|url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/mardaani-3-cop-rani-mukerji-films-key-action-sequences-shivani-shivaji-roy-23521122|website=Mid Day|date=17 April 2025|access-date=30 January 2026|language=en}}</ref> with additional scenes shot in Haryana, Noida, Pondicherry, and Colombo.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}
== Music ==
{{Infobox album | name = Mardaani 3 | type = Soundtrack | artist = Sarthak Kalyani | cover = | alt = | released = 20 January 2026 | recorded = 2025 | venue = | studio = | genre = Feature Film Soundtrack | length = {{Duration|m=3|s=11}} | label = YRF Music | language = Hindi | producer = Sarthak Kalyani | misc = {{External media | audio1 = {{YouTube|NTYEcHUf5bg|Babbar Sherni Video Song}}}} }}
The single track "Babbar Sherni" was released on 20 January 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-01-20 |title='Babbar Sherni' song from Rani Mukerji's 'Mardaani 3' out now |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/babbar-sherni-song-from-rani-mukerjis-mardaani-3-out-now/articleshow/126780438.cms |access-date=2026-02-09 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
{{Track listing | headline = Track listing | total_length = 3:11 | extra_column = Singer(s) | title1 = Babbar Sherni | extra1 = Sarthak Kalyani, Dee MC | lyrics1 = Shruti Shukla | music1 = Sarthak Kalyani | length1 = 3:11 }}
== Release ==
=== Theatrical === ''Mardaani 3'' was theatrically released on 30 January 2026.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=10 January 2026 |title=Mardaani 3 preponed to January 30, 2026; Rani Mukerji returns as Shivani Roy in darkest chapter yet |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/mardaani-3-preponed-january-30-2026-rani-mukerji-returns-shivani-roy-darkest-chapter-yet/ |access-date=11 January 2026 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref> It was initially scheduled to release on 27 February 2026, coinciding with the Holi weekend, before being preponed.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=21 April 2025 |title=Mardaani 3 to release on February 27, 2026 in the Holi week; makers release EXPLOSIVE first look of Rani Mukerji |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/exclusive-mardaani-3-release-february-27-2026-holi-week-makers-release-explosive-first-look-rani-mukerji/ |access-date=21 April 2025 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref>
=== Home media === The post-theatrical digital streaming rights of the film were acquired by Netflix.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 January 2026 |title='Mardaani 3' OTT release announced: When and where to watch Rani Mukerji's cop thriller action film after its theatrical release on January 30 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mardaani-3-ott-release-announced-when-and-where-to-watch-rani-mukerjis-cop-thriller-action-film-after-its-theatrical-release-on-january-30/articleshow/127387716.cms#:~:text=As%20per%20the%20same%20OTTPlay,starting%20from%20midnight%20for%20subscribers. |access-date=26 January 2026 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The film began streaming on Netflix from 27 March 2026.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nyayapati |first1=Neeshita |title=Mardaani 3 OTT release: When and where to watch Rani Mukerji's cop thriller |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/mardaani-3-ott-release-when-to-watch-rani-mukerjis-cop-thriller-on-netflix-101774508940611.html |access-date=26 March 2026 |work=Hindustan Times |date=26 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>
== Reception ==
=== Box office === ''Mardaani 3'' grossed {{INRConvert|5.95|c}} worldwide on its opening day.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mardaani 3 Box Office: Film Emerges as Rani Mukerji's third all-time highest opening day grosser|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/mardaani-3-box-office-film-emerges-rani-mukerjis-third-time-highest-opening-day-grosser/|date=31 January 2026|access-date=31 January 2026|language=en|first=|last=|website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> In its first week, the film grossed {{INRConvert|38.94|c}} worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=6 February 2026 |title=Mardaani 3 has an impressive Week 1 show at the box office, set to have a long run given incredible love from audience |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/mardaani-3-impressive-week-1-show-box-office-set-long-run-given-incredible-love-audience/ |access-date=6 February 2026 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref>
=== Critical response === ''Mardaani 3'' received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|60|6.4|10|access-date={{RT data|access date}}}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mardaani 3 {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mardaani_3 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |language=en}}</ref>
A critic from ''Bollywood Hungama'' gave 3.5 out of 5 stars, describing the film as a powerful, intense, and hard-hitting thriller that stays true to the sole of the franchise. The review highlighted Mukerji's performance, the direction, screenplay, background score, and technical aspects, but criticised the twists in the second half.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mardaani 3 Movie Review: MARDAANI 3 is a powerful, intense, and hard-hitting thriller|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/mardaani-3/critic-review/mardaani-3-movie-review/mardaani-3-is-a-powerful-intense-and-hard-hitting-thriller/|date=30 January 2026|access-date=30 January 2026|language=en|first=|last=|website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> Saibal Chatterjee of ''NDTV'' gave 3.5 out of 5 stars, writing, "Rani Mukerji delivers a power-packed, unblemished star turn that should rank among the finest of her 30-year acting career".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/mardaani-3-review-rani-mukerji-and-mallika-prasad-shine-in-a-sharp-crime-thriller-3-5-stars-10913601|title=Mardaani 3 Review: Rani Mukerji And Mallika Prasad Shine In A Sharp Crime Thriller|date=30 January 2025|access-date=30 January 2025|website=NDTV}}</ref> Vineeta Kumar of ''India Today'' gave 3 out of 5 stars, praising the cast performances, action sequences, and background score, but felt that no part of the film matches the raw impact of the first film.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mardaani 3 review: Rani Mukerji stands her ground in a system where life is cheap|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/mardaani-3-review-rani-mukerji-stands-her-ground-in-a-system-where-life-is-cheap-2860365-2026-01-30|website=India Today|date=2026-01-30|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en|first=Vineeta|last=Kumar}}</ref> Dhaval Roy of ''The Times of India'' gave 3.5 out of 5 stars, writing, "Mardaani 3 isn't without flaws, but it still holds as a solid franchise outing anchored by Rani Mukerji's performance".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mardaani 3 Movie Review: Rani Mukerji is still fierce in this solid sequel that stays true to its legacy|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/mardaani-3/movie-review/127796120.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en|date=2026-01-30}}</ref> Rishabh Suri of the ''Hindustan Times'' gave 3 out of 5 stars, praising Mukerji's performance and the pacing, but criticised the narrative.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mardaani 3 review: Rani Mukerji keeps you seated in a thriller which isn't the sharpest entry in the franchise|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/mardaani-3-review-rani-mukerji-keeps-you-seated-in-a-thriller-which-isn-t-the-sharpest-entry-in-the-franchise-101769765801438.html|website=Hindustan Times|date=2026-01-30|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en}}</ref> Lachmi Deb Roy of ''Firstpost'' gave 4 out of 5 stars, praising the performances of Rani Mukerji and Mallika Prasad.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/mardaani-3-movie-review-what-a-powerful-performance-by-rani-mukerji-she-simply-killed-it-13974254.html|title='Mardaani 3' Movie Review: Not just Rani Mukerji, Mallika Prasad's performance as 'amma' is terrific!|date=30 January 2026|access-date=30 January 2026|website=Firstpost}}</ref>
Shaschi Chaturvedi of ''News18'' gave 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising the cast performances, writing, and technical aspects, however felt there was scope to sharpen the script.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/movies/reviews/mardaani-3-review-rani-mukerji-speaks-for-every-unheard-voice-in-this-hard-hitting-drama-ws-l-9867038.html|title=Mardaani 3 Review: Rani Mukerji Speaks For Every Unheard Voice In This Hard-Hitting Drama|date=30 January 2026|access-date=30 January 2026|website=News18}}</ref> Shubhra Gupta of ''The Indian Express'' gave 2 out of 5 stars, writing, "Rani Mukerji can't do much with the degree of over-writing and predictable plot-points".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mardaani 3 movie review: Rani Mukerji returns, but familiarity dulls the impact|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/mardaani-3-movie-review-rani-mukerji-returns-but-familiarity-dulls-the-impact-10503139/|website=The Indian Express|date=2026-01-30|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en}}</ref> Rahul Desai of ''The Hollywood Reporter India'' wrote, "Mardaani 3 isn't a bad film. It's just not very good, fresh, surprising or smart. It coasts through on hot air, releashed emotions, and predictable commentary. In other words, it's more of a producer-driven template than a director-and-writer fuelled one".<ref>{{Cite web|title='Mardaani 3' Movie Review: One Plus Two Does Not Equal Three|url=https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/reviews/theatrical/mardaani-3-movie-review-one-plus-two-does-not-equal-three-in-rani-mukerji-actioner|website=The Hollywood Reporter India|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en|date=2026-01-30}}</ref>
== Controversy == According to reports, the film was allegedly linked to a publicity stunt involving claims of "800 missing children in Delhi", coinciding with the film's release.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=6 February 2026 |title=YRF breaks silence on Mardaani 3 being linked to Delhi's missing girls report |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/mardaani-3-yrf-denies-claims-of-sensationalising-delhi-missing-girls-case-2864323-2026-02-06 |access-date=10 February 2026 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> The Delhi Police stated, "After certain clues, we learned that publicity regarding the increasing number of missing girls in Delhi was being spread in exchange for money. Creating panic for profit will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken against those involved".<ref>{{cite web |title=Mardaani 3 has no connection with viral ‘800 girls missing’ in Delhi claims, YRF issues statement: ‘We are a 50 years old company’ |url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/no-link-between-mardaani-3-and-viral-800-people-missing-in-delhi-claim-yrf-issues-statement-1770449141117 |website=Wion |language=en|date=7 February 2026|access-date=7 February 2026}}</ref> However, these claims were denied by Yash Raj Films.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-06 |title=Mardaani 3: Yash Raj Films denies sensationalising 800 missing girls data after accusations of paid promotion |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/mardaani-3-yash-raj-films-denies-sensationalising-missing-girls-data-after-accusations-of-paid-promotion-101770376666329.html |access-date=2026-02-10 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == *{{IMDb title|tt27673536}} *{{Bollywood Hungama movie|id=mardaani-3}} *{{Rotten Tomatoes|mardaani_3|Mardaani 3}} Category:2026 Hindi-language films Category:2026 Indian films Category:2026 films Category:2026 action thriller films Category:Fictional portrayals of police departments in India Category:Films about women in India Category:Films shot in Mumbai Category:Films shot in Delhi Category:Indian action thriller films Category:Indian sequel films Category:Yash Raj Films films Category:Films set in Delhi Category:Delhi Police Category:Films shot in Sri Lanka Category:Fictional portrayals of the Delhi Police Category:Films shot in Puducherry Category:Indian feminist films Category:Indian police films Category:Films about child trafficking in India Category:Films about human trafficking in India