Rani Mukerji returned to the big screen as the fearless Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3, which premiered on January 30, 2026. Celebrating the film’s first week, the actress hosted a special screening on Friday night, attended by a mix of industry veterans and rising stars.
The event’s highlight was a rare appearance by legendary actress Rekha, who was seen sharing a warm moment with Ahaan Panday. Other attendees included Huma Qureshi, Saqib Saleem, Vishal Jethwa (the chilling antagonist from Mardaani 2), and Keerthy Suresh. Director Siddharth P. Malhotra, who worked with Rani in Hichki, took to social media to praise her performance, stating she “rules every frame.”
Box Office & Critical Reception
Despite facing stiff competition from big-budget sequels like Border 2, Mardaani 3 has managed to maintain a steady hold. After a week in theaters, the film has netted approximately ₹26.55 crore in India, with a worldwide gross reaching nearly ₹39 crore.
| Milestone | Collection (India Net) |
| Opening Day | ₹4.00 crore |
| Opening Weekend | ₹17.25 crore |
| Week 1 Total | ₹26.55 crore |
Critics have widely praised Rani Mukerji’s consistency in the role, though some noted that the plot—centering on a sinister child trafficking racket involving 93 missing girls—follows a somewhat predictable franchise formula. However, the introduction of a new, formidable female antagonist has been hailed as a fresh change of pace.
Meet the New Antagonist: ‘Amma’
A significant departure for the franchise is the casting of Mallika Prasad as Amma, the series’ first primary female villain. Prasad, a seasoned theater artist and National School of Drama alumna, has received acclaim for her “creepy supervillain vibes” and the psychological edge she brings to the role of a ruthless human trafficking kingpin.
Movie Details
- Director: Abhiraj Minawala
- Producer: Aditya Chopra (Yash Raj Films)
- Cast: Rani Mukerji, Mallika Prasad, Janki Bodiwala, Jisshu Sengupta
- Release Date: January 30, 2026
- Genre: Action / Crime / Thriller