Rani Mukerji Returns as Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3

On the first day of Navratri—an occasion that celebrates the strength and power of the divine feminine—Yash Raj Films dropped the fierce new poster for Mardaani 3, and it’s everything fans were hoping for. Rani Mukerji is back as the no-nonsense, justice-driven cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, and this time, the franchise promises its most brutal installment yet. The film is all set to hit cinemas on 27 February 2026, just days ahead of Holi—a symbolic release date echoing the festival’s themes of good triumphing over evil.

Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, Mardaani 3 is not just another sequel—it’s a cultural event. The Mardaani franchise, launched in 2014, carved a niche for itself as one of Indian cinema’s rare female-led action thrillers, and remains one of the most successful solo-woman-driven series in Bollywood history. With each installment, Rani Mukerji’s Shivani has grown fiercer, more layered, and more relentless in her pursuit of justice.

While plot details remain tightly under wraps, early buzz describes the third installment as “dark, deadly, and brutal”—a bold tone that signals a deepening of the franchise’s commitment to realism and grit. And with the real-world backdrop of increasingly complex and dangerous crimes against women and children in India, Mardaani 3 isn’t just a film—it’s a timely reflection of the world we live in.

Strategically releasing just before Holi on March 4, the film rides high on symbolism, aligning Shivani’s mission with the spirit of the festival—the ultimate battle of light over darkness. For fans of hard-hitting narratives and powerful female protagonists, Mardaani 3 is shaping up to be one of 2026’s must-watch films.