Rani Mukerji Returns Fierce in Mardaani 3 First Look: Set for a Holi 2026 Release

Language: Hindi
Genre: Crime Thriller, Action Drama
Starring: Rani Mukerji
Production: Yash Raj Films

The Tigress is Back: First Look of Mardaani 3 Unleashed

After a long wait and much anticipation, the fearless Shivani Shivaji Roy is all set to storm the big screens once again. On April 21, the makers unveiled the first look of Rani Mukerji from Mardaani 3, sending fans into a frenzy. Dressed in her signature no-nonsense cop avatar, Rani looks fierce, focused, and ready for yet another high-octane battle between justice and crime.

The poster promises a darker, more intense chapter in the Mardaani franchise—an emotional and action-packed face-off that’s set to hit theatres during Holi 2026. The symbolic timing couldn’t be better, as the festival represents the victory of good over evil—perfect for a story centered around a courageous cop taking on brutal criminals.

Mardaani: A Franchise That Redefined Female-Led Action in Bollywood

Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani franchise has carved a unique space in Indian cinema. It broke stereotypes by presenting a female protagonist not as a romantic interest or supporting character—but as a strong, relentless lead taking on real-world crimes.

🔸 Mardaani (2014)

Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, the first installment introduced us to Shivani Shivaji Roy, a senior inspector with the Mumbai Crime Branch. The plot revolved around child trafficking, and Rani’s performance earned her immense critical acclaim. Gritty and grounded, Mardaani wasn’t just a commercial success—it became a cultural moment for female representation in action thrillers.

🔸 Mardaani 2 (2019)

The sequel, directed by Gopi Puthran, took the intensity up a notch. This time, Shivani faced off against a young psychopathic rapist and killer. The cat-and-mouse chase kept audiences on the edge of their seats, and once again, Rani Mukerji’s fierce portrayal stood out.

With both films garnering acclaim for their realistic narratives, socially relevant themes, and strong performances, Mardaani has become one of Bollywood’s most respected female-led franchises.

What to Expect from Mardaani 3

While plot details are still under wraps, insiders hint that Mardaani 3 will be the most gripping installment yet. The stakes are higher, the enemy more menacing, and Shivani’s resolve stronger than ever.

The film is expected to explore another pressing social issue—one that pits Shivani against a violent and ruthless antagonist in a deadly game of morality, courage, and law. If the first look is anything to go by, the film promises brutal confrontations and emotional turmoil, set against the backdrop of a system struggling to protect its people.

Rani Mukerji shared her excitement last year about returning to this role:

“It’s been a while since I donned the cop uniform and paid tribute to the women police force of our country. I’m truly proud of what the Mardaani franchise represents.”

Why Holi 2026 is the Perfect Release Window

The makers have slated Mardaani 3 for a theatrical release on February 27, 2026, coinciding with the vibrant festival of Holi. It’s a strategic and symbolic move—Holi, after all, is the celebration of triumph, a perfect metaphor for Shivani’s battles against crime and corruption.

Releasing during a major festival also ensures mass visibility and a wide audience reach, much like the previous installments that turned into box office successes.

Rani Mukerji: A Legacy of Strength and Substance

Rani Mukerji, one of Bollywood’s most versatile and respected actresses, has continually broken barriers through powerful roles. With Shivani Shivaji Roy, she gave Indian cinema one of its most iconic female characters—tough yet vulnerable, relentless yet grounded.

Her portrayal in Mardaani 3 is expected to take this legacy forward with even more grit, realism, and cinematic flair.

Final Thoughts: The Hype is Real

The first look of Mardaani 3 has reignited excitement among fans of intelligent action dramas. With its strong feminist backbone, socially conscious storytelling, and an unbeatable lead in Rani Mukerji, the third chapter of the franchise promises to be a knockout.

We can’t wait to see what kind of evil Shivani takes on next—and how she’ll rise above it once again.

Are You Ready for Mardaani 3?

Tell us what you think of the first look! And stay tuned for more updates, trailers, and behind-the-scenes scoops.