The wait for one of Bollywood’s most powerful female-led franchises is finally over. On Monday, January 12, 2026, Yash Raj Films (YRF) unleashed the high-octane trailer for Mardaani 3, sending shockwaves through social media. Rani Mukerji returns to her career-defining role as ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy, and this time, the stakes have never been more harrowing.

The third installment of the gritty cop drama promises a narrative that is darker, more psychological, and far more ruthless than its predecessors.

A Sinister Disappearance: 93 Girls Missing

The trailer wastes no time in establishing a sense of urgency and dread. The plot centers on a terrifying wave of abductions that has gripped the city. Within a window of just three months, 93 young girls—all between the ages of eight and 11—have vanished without a trace.

As the city plunges into panic, Shivani Shivaji Roy is brought in to lead the investigation. Unlike the previous films that focused on human trafficking and psychopathic stalking, Mardaani 3 delves into the shadowy underworld of organized street crime. Shivani’s "no-holds-barred" interrogation techniques are back, but even she seems visibly shaken by the scale of this operation.

Meet the New Antagonist: The Rise of "Amma"

In a brilliant casting twist, the franchise introduces its first female antagonist. Breaking away from the "villainous youth" trope of the first two films, Mardaani 3 pits Rani Mukerji against Amma, portrayed by the talented Mallika Prasad.

Amma is not a typical gangster; she is the mastermind behind a sophisticated beggar-mafia network. Operating under the guise of poverty and invisibility, she orchestrates a system where young girls are kidnapped and forced into a life of crime and exploitation. The trailer highlights the chilling contrast between Amma’s maternal name and her predatory nature, making her perhaps the most formidable foe Shivani has ever faced.

Gritty Realism and a Race Against Clock

Directed by Gopi Puthran, the film maintains the franchise’s signature visual style—raw, handheld cinematography and a muted color palette that reflects the grim reality of the subject matter. The trailer depicts a high-stakes race against time, as every passing hour makes the recovery of the 93 girls less likely.

Fans have already taken to social media to praise Rani Mukerji’s commanding presence. At 47, the actress looks more formidable than ever, embodying the physical and emotional exhaustion of a cop who carries the weight of a city's safety on her shoulders.

Release Date and Expectations

Following the immense success of Mardaani (2014) and Mardaani 2 (2019), which together grossed over 110 crore at the Indian box office, expectations for the third part are sky-high. With a release scheduled for March 13, 2026, the film is expected to be a major pull for audiences seeking hard-hitting, socially relevant cinema.
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