Rani Mukerji returned to the big screen in her iconic cop avatar once again as SSP Shivani Shivaji Roy with the release of Mardaani 3, which hit theatres on Friday. Marking her third outing as the fearless police officer, the Yash Raj Films production has opened to positive critical reception, particularly for Rani’s commanding performance. While the film faces tough competition at the box office, it has managed to put up a respectable fight in its opening days.
According to the latest figures reported by Sacnilk, Mardaani 3 earned ₹2.43 crore on its fifth day of release. With this, the total domestic box-office collection of the film has reached ₹22.18 crore. Although the weekday numbers indicate a gradual slowdown, the film continues to draw audiences, largely driven by word-of-mouth and Rani Mukerji’s powerful screen presence.
The film’s highest single-day collection so far remains ₹7.25 crore, which was recorded on its first Sunday. The strong Sunday turnout highlighted the franchise’s loyal fan base and the audience’s continued interest in socially driven crime dramas. However, Mardaani 3 is currently facing stiff competition from Sunny Deol’s Border 2, which has been dominating the box office with a massive two-week-long run, affecting the overall business of other releases.
Despite the competitive landscape, Mardaani 3 has carved out its own space, particularly among viewers who appreciate hard-hitting narratives rooted in social reality. The film has been praised for staying true to the franchise’s core themes—gritty realism, moral urgency, and an unflinching portrayal of crimes against women.
Following the release, Rani Mukerji reacted to the warm reception and shared a deeply moving statement that resonated widely. Reflecting on the film’s intent, she said that if Mardaani 3 has disturbed audiences or made them uncomfortable, then it has succeeded in its purpose. She emphasized that discomfort is often the first step toward meaningful change.
Rani further highlighted that girls do not need sympathy, but protection, courage, and voices that speak up for them. She stressed that cinema alone cannot bring change, and that transformation must begin at home, in schools, and on the streets. According to her, real progress starts when sons are taught respect, daughters are empowered with confidence, and society stands up for girls who are unable to defend themselves. Her statement reinforced the film’s central message and underscored why the Mardaani franchise continues to remain relevant.
Written by Aayush Gupta, Mardaani 3 also stars Janki Bodiwala and Mallika Prasad in key roles. The story follows SSP Shivani Shivaji Roy as she investigates a deeply disturbing case involving the mysterious disappearance of 93 young girls over a span of just three months. As the investigation unfolds, Shivani uncovers a complex web of crime that challenges both her professional resolve and emotional strength.
The Mardaani franchise began in 2014 with the release of the first film, directed by the late Pradeep Sarkar. The sequel, Mardaani 2, was helmed by Gopi Puthran and further cemented Rani Mukerji’s image as one of Hindi cinema’s most compelling portrayals of a female cop. With Mardaani 3, the franchise continues its legacy of spotlighting crimes that demand urgent social attention.
While box-office numbers may fluctuate amid competition, Mardaani 3 stands tall as a film driven by purpose, performance, and a powerful message—proving once again that Shivani Shivaji Roy is more than just a cinematic character; she is a voice for change.
