Yash Raj Films has advanced the release of Rani Mukerji’s crime thriller ‘Mardaani 3’ to January 30, 2026, from its original February 27 slot. The makers unveiled a gripping new poster alongside the announcement, showcasing Rani as the indomitable cop Shivani Shivaji Roy on a high stakes mission. This move positions the film to capitalise on early year theatre footfalls.
The storyline centres on Shivani’s race against time to rescue multiple missing girls from sinister forces across the country. Rani reprises her acclaimed role in this third instalment of the franchise, directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra. The narrative promises a dark, brutal clash between Shivani’s unyielding pursuit of justice and entrenched evil.
A recently dropped trailer amplifies the intensity with gritty action sequences and tense investigations, highlighting the franchise’s focus on pressing social issues like child disappearances. Rani has described the edge of the seat thriller as her most violent outing yet in the series. The film features a strong ensemble including Anirban Bhattacharya, Neena Gupta and Jim Sarbh.
The ‘Mardaani’ series, launched in 2014, has cemented its status as Hindi cinema’s premier solo female led cop saga, tackling human trafficking and systemic crimes head on. Fans have hailed Rani’s return for blending raw power with emotional depth. The preponement signals Yash Raj Films’ confidence in the project’s mass appeal.
