Mardaani 3 Trailer Out: Rani Mukerji Returns as Shivani Shivaji Roy in Her Most Dangerous Mission Yet

Yash Raj Films has officially unleashed the trailer of Mardaani 3, and it packs a hard-hitting punch that reminds audiences why this franchise still matters. Released on January 12, 2026, the trailer marks the powerful return of Rani Mukerji as ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy, the fearless cop who refuses to look away when society’s darkest crimes surface. The film is set for a worldwide theatrical release on January 30, 2026, making it one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of the year.

This time, the stakes are higher and the scale wider. Mardaani 3 follows Shivani Roy, now operating with the National Investigation Agency (NIA), as she races against time to rescue 93 young girls who have gone missing within just three months. The trailer wastes no time establishing urgency—rapid cuts, grim visuals, and Rani’s steely resolve underline that this is not just another case, but a war against an invisible, deeply entrenched system.

In a major first for the franchise, Mardaani 3 introduces a female antagonist. Mallika Prasad steps into the role of Amma, a ruthless “beggar mafia” queenpin who controls an underground network built on exploitation and fear. The Shivani-versus-Amma face-off brings a fresh psychological edge to the narrative, shifting the conflict from brute force to ideology, control, and survival. The trailer hints at a chilling dynamic between two powerful women standing on opposite sides of morality.

Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, the film continues YRF’s commitment to socially conscious storytelling. Written by Aayush Gupta, the script appears rooted in realism, focusing on systemic crime rather than sensationalism. Supporting performances, including Janki Bodiwala in a pivotal role, add emotional depth to the rescue mission that drives the plot.

The release of Mardaani 3 holds special significance as it coincides with Rani Mukerji’s 30-year milestone in Indian cinema. From Raja Ki Aayegi Baarat to Black, Hichki, and the Mardaani franchise, Rani’s career has consistently leaned toward stories with purpose. Her portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy has become one of Bollywood’s most respected representations of a woman in uniform—calm, relentless, and morally unshakeable.

Originally slated for a February 27, 2026 release, the film was strategically preponed to January 30, giving it a clear theatrical window and amplifying its anniversary-year impact. Early reactions to the trailer have been overwhelmingly strong, with audiences praising its intensity, grounded action, and Rani Mukerji’s commanding screen presence.

With Mardaani 3, Yash Raj Films isn’t just delivering another sequel—it’s reinforcing a legacy. A legacy of fearless storytelling, of women-led narratives that don’t compromise on grit, and of cinema that dares to confront uncomfortable truths. As the trailer makes clear, Shivani Shivaji Roy isn’t done fighting—and this rescue mission may be her toughest yet.