Mardaani 3 (Hindi), produced by Yash Raj Films and headlined by Rani Mukerji, has solidified its place as a powerhouse franchise. The film, released on January 30, has officially surpassed its predecessors to become the highest-grossing installment in the franchise.
It recently crossed the Rs 50 crore mark at the domestic box office and reached a global total of Rs 75 crore. This financial success comes at a unique time when "alpha-male" characters typically dominate the theatrical landscape. With four weeks in theaters, the film has earned Rs 61.09 crore gross in India and Rs 13.92 crore overseas. As it faces little competition in the coming two weeks, Mardaani 3 is expected to continue its steady run.
Rani Mukerji is grateful. In a statement, she expressed deep gratitude for how the audience has connected with the film. She noted that while industry conversations often center on male-led action (in the age of KGF, Pushpa and Dhurandhar), this success proves that female-led stories have a dedicated audience. The actress said she hopes the film's performance encourages the industry to produce more projects of this nature.
Her character is layered. Rani Mukerji explained that Shivani Shivaji Roy was never intended to be a female version of a male hero, something the layman might think is the case. Known for romantic roles in the 1990s and the early 2000s, she described the character in Mardaani 3 as a hero defined by integrity and empathy who stands as an equal to her male counterparts. According to the actress, the strong audience response shows that viewers are ready for narratives where women lead both emotionally and commercially.
She believes the film’s success sends a message to the industry that purposeful content with a female protagonist can stand shoulder to shoulder with traditional hero-driven films. The franchise has now maintained its popularity for over 12 years. "Rani Mukerji does not miss a beat, picking up seamlessly from where she left off in Mardaani 2. She embodies Shivani’s no nonsense persona with complete conviction," a review by Hindustan Times opined, praising her performance.
The film marks an entry into Rani Mukerji's filmography in her 30th year. "She delivers a power-packed, unblemished star turn that should rank among the finest of her 30-year acting career," the NDTV review of Mardaani 3 opined.
Starring Janki Bodiwala as Constable Fatima Anwar, Mallika Prasad, Jisshu Sengupta and others, it is produced by Aditya Chopra, the actress' husband.
