Rani Mukerji Returns as Fearless Cop in ‘Mardaani 3’: First Look Unveiled and Release Date Locked for 2026

After winning hearts with her fiery performance in the first two installments, Rani Mukerji is all set to don the uniform once again as the tough-as-nails cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3. The first look of the much-anticipated film has been officially unveiled by Yash Raj Films (YRF), creating an instant buzz across social media platforms. With the announcement of the release date, fans are already marking their calendars for what promises to be a powerful cinematic experience.

A Glimpse of Fierce Authority: First Look Revealed
On April 15, 2025, YRF took to Instagram to drop the first look poster of Mardaani 3, giving audiences a spine-chilling peek into what lies ahead. Rani Mukerji, now 47, looks sharper, bolder, and even more formidable than before. Dressed in a rugged black shirt and blue denims with solid black boots, she exudes steely determination as she points a gun directly at the viewer—a striking reminder that she’s back to take down the darkest corners of crime.

The caption that accompanied the reveal read, “The wait is over! #RaniMukerji is back as the fierce Shivani Shivaji Roy in #Mardaani3. In cinemas 2026.” That one line sent the internet into a frenzy, with fans flooding the comment section in anticipation of another adrenaline-pumping installment.

Release Date and Strategic Symbolism
Mardaani 3 is slated to hit theatres on February 27, 2026, just days ahead of Holi, which falls on March 4, 2026. The choice of release date is far from coincidental. Holi, the vibrant Indian festival of colors, also symbolizes the ultimate victory of good over evil. Drawing a parallel to Shivani Shivaji Roy’s relentless fight against criminal forces, the film’s timing reflects the central theme of justice prevailing over brutality.

The third installment promises to showcase Shivani locked in a violent showdown with powerful and deeply sinister adversaries—an intense and emotional narrative arc that viewers can already sense from the tone of the poster and promotional material.

Rani Mukerji Speaks: A Darker, More Ruthless Chapter
In a press interaction following the release of the first look, Rani Mukerji opened up about what fans can expect from Mardaani 3. She described the film as “dark, deadly, and brutal”—a stark indicator that this time, the narrative is diving even deeper into the psychological and emotional stakes involved in her fight for justice.

Shivani Shivaji Roy has always been portrayed as a no-nonsense, ethical, and intuitive police officer, but Mardaani 3 appears to take that image to new, grittier levels. Rani hinted that her character in this film will be even more intense, as she faces criminals who are far more dangerous and morally twisted than any she has previously encountered.

The Internet Reacts: Rani’s Return Sparks Frenzy
Fans wasted no time expressing their excitement, admiration, and support. Within minutes of the poster reveal, thousands of comments and shares poured in. A few comments that stood out include:

“This one franchise is far, far better than all Salman and Ranbir movies.”

“Wow, what a look. Rani is slaying it and how.”

“She is brutal this time. My Rani is back.”

“Rani ain’t playing. Criminals better take early retirement.”

Many users also praised YRF for continuing to invest in women-led action thrillers—something still relatively rare in Indian cinema. Several film critics noted how Mardaani has paved the way for stronger female-led narratives in Bollywood.

A Look Back: The Evolution of Shivani Shivaji Roy
Rani Mukerji first introduced audiences to Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani (2014), where she took on child trafficking kingpins in a taut and grounded thriller. The character was instantly applauded for her grit, realism, and empathy—traits that stood out in a genre dominated by male action heroes.

In Mardaani 2 (2019), the stakes rose higher as Shivani faced a young, psychopathic serial killer who preyed on women. The psychological depth of the sequel earned Rani even more praise, with critics lauding her ability to balance rage, vulnerability, and control.

Now, in Mardaani 3, we see Shivani further evolved—not just older and wiser, but also more seasoned and emotionally layered. With greater awareness of the darkness that exists in the world, her methods and mindset appear to be tougher than ever before.

The Team Behind the Film
Mardaani 3 will be directed by Abhiraj Minawala, making his major directorial debut. Though relatively new in the director’s seat, Minawala brings with him experience from working as an assistant director on blockbuster YRF films like Tiger 3, Sultan, and Gunday. His experience with high-octane sequences and emotional storylines makes him a fitting choice to carry forward the Mardaani legacy.

The film is produced by Aditya Chopra under the YRF banner, ensuring a level of polish and scale that fans have come to expect from the franchise. The music, background score, and production design are also expected to reflect the darker, more brutal tone of the storyline.

Cultural Relevance and Social Impact
Beyond the entertainment factor, the Mardaani series has always had a strong social undercurrent. Whether it’s child trafficking, gender-based violence, or systemic flaws in the justice system, each film has used its plot as a mirror to societal issues.

Rani’s character—bold, unrelenting, and unapologetically just—has inspired many, especially women and young girls, by representing strength that isn’t defined by muscle but by courage and conviction. With Mardaani 3, the franchise is expected to once again raise awareness while delivering heart-pounding action.

What to Expect: Themes and Tone
While the plot of Mardaani 3 remains under wraps, early reports suggest that the film will explore the psychological warfare between Shivani and a new kind of criminal adversary—someone operating not just outside the law, but beneath its very foundation.