Rani Mukerji returns as Shivani Roy in Mardaani 3
Rani Mukerji is back in the role of Shivani Roy, the tough, no-nonsense cop who became one of Bollywood’s most recognisable female action heroes. The announcement of Mardaani 3 has reignited interest in the crime-thriller franchise, which made a mark for its gritty storytelling and a strong central performance by Rani.
Fans are already talking about what the new chapter might bring—more intense investigations, high-stakes confrontations and the emotional grit that defines Shivani Roy. Rani’s portrayal in the earlier films set a high bar, and the industry is watching closely to see how the franchise evolves.
Industry tributes as Rani marks 30 years in cinema
This year also marks a milestone for Rani Mukerji: three decades on screen. The occasion has been met with warm tributes from colleagues, filmmakers and fans across social media and industry platforms.
- Peers and co-stars have praised her range—from powerful dramas to mainstream entertainers—calling out her consistency and commitment.
- Filmmakers and critics have highlighted her ability to carry complex, female-led narratives, noting that characters like Shivani Roy have helped broaden the scope for women in commercial cinema.
- Fans have celebrated with throwbacks to memorable performances, remembering movies that defined different phases of her career.
Rani’s long list of notable films—Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Black, Hum Tum and others—helps explain the outpouring of respect. Her transition into hard-hitting roles like Shivani has earned particular praise for changing audience expectations about women in action and thriller genres.
What YRF is planning for Mardaani 3
Yash Raj Films (YRF) appears to be positioning Mardaani 3 as a major release. The studio’s plans indicate a full-scale promotional campaign aimed at both domestic and international audiences. Key elements likely include:
- Wide theatrical release across India to target multiplex and single-screen circuits simultaneously.
- International rollout to reach important overseas markets where Hindi cinema has a strong following, such as the UK, US, Middle East, Australia and parts of Southeast Asia.
- Localized versions with subtitles and dubbed tracks to make the film accessible to non-Hindi audiences.
- High-profile premieres and press engagements to build buzz ahead of release — a tried-and-tested approach for big-studio launches.
- Integrated marketing across digital, television and outdoor channels to highlight Rani’s return and the film’s thriller credentials.
Global release and streaming outlook
YRF’s distribution muscle means Mardaani 3 is likely to get a simultaneous or near-simultaneous international release, giving the film longer legs overseas. For a franchise anchored by a strong lead like Rani, a wide international rollout helps tap into the Indian diaspora and global audiences drawn to female-led, high-octane thrillers.
After the theatrical window, the film will probably move to streaming platforms and pay-TV as part of a standard release cycle. Subtitled and dubbed versions will make it easier for non-Hindi viewers to discover Shivani Roy’s world, increasing the film’s global reach.
What to expect next
With the return of Shivani Roy and Rani Mukerji’s 30-year milestone creating headline-worthy momentum, expectations are high. Audiences can look forward to a tightly crafted crime drama, a strong marketing push from YRF and an international release strategy that aims to turn Mardaani 3 into a talking point well beyond India.
Keep an eye out for official release dates, trailers and promotional appearances—these will give the first real hints of the tone, scope and scale of Rani’s comeback as Shivani Roy.