Get ready for a power-packed cinematic storm, because Rani Mukerji is back in uniform – fiercer, grittier, and more relentless than ever.

The third installment in the acclaimed Mardaani series has officially been announced, with Mardaani 3 locked in for a big-screen release on Friday, February 27, 2026. And fans already have reason to celebrate: Yash Raj Films (YRF) just dropped the explosive first look of Mukerji’s iconic character, Shivani Shivaji Roy – and it’s everything you hoped for and more.

A Strategic Release Date With Symbolic Timing

YRF isn’t just putting this out at any random time. The release date – February 27, 2026 – lands just ahead of Holi, which falls on March 4 that year. As one of India’s most celebrated festivals, Holi symbolizes the triumph of good over evil – a theme that mirrors the central conflict in the Mardaani universe. It's a smart move. The timing is poetic, really, aligning the film’s story arc with a cultural moment of color, justice, and victory.

In Mardaani 3, we’ll once again see Rani Mukerji don the khaki and take on the role of Shivani Shivaji Roy, the no-nonsense senior police officer who has never backed down from a fight – especially when innocent lives are at stake. While YRF is keeping the storyline tightly under wraps, the tone is already being teased as “dark, deadly, and brutal.” Mukerji herself has described it that way – a statement that promises a gripping narrative and high-octane drama.

A New Director Steps In

This time around, Mardaani 3 is being helmed by Abhiraj Minawala, marking an exciting new chapter for the franchise. While this may be his first time directing a Mardaani film, he’s no stranger to YRF or big-budget storytelling. Minawala has previously worked as an associate director on blockbusters like War 2 and has also been part of major productions such as Band Baaja Baaraat, Sultan, and Tiger 3. His experience working behind the scenes on some of Bollywood’s most high-energy films gives fans plenty of reason to feel optimistic about what he’ll bring to the Mardaani world.

The screenplay is in the hands of Aayush Gupta, whose name has been making waves after his stellar work on Netflix’s The Railway Men, another YRF-backed project that turned heads internationally. With Gupta penning the script, viewers can likely expect tight storytelling, layered characters, and a plot that doesn’t shy away from difficult questions or uncomfortable truths.

The Legacy of Mardaani

Since its debut in 2014, Mardaani has stood out as a bold and trailblazing franchise. The first film took audiences by surprise with its gritty realism, hard-hitting themes, and Mukerji’s unforgettable transformation into a tough-as-nails cop taking down a human trafficking ring. The sequel, Mardaani 2 (2019), raised the stakes even further with an even more sinister antagonist and a darker, more psychological storyline.

Over time, Shivani Shivaji Roy has become more than just a character – she’s a symbol of strength, fearlessness, and justice. At a time when female-led action thrillers are still few and far between in Indian cinema, Mardaani has consistently delivered on both content and conviction.

Rani Mukerji: The Heart of the Franchise

Much of the series’ success can be credited to Rani Mukerji’s unwavering dedication to the role. Her portrayal of Shivani is grounded, intense, and always compelling. She doesn’t play the role – she becomes it. There’s a weight to her performance, a quiet rage beneath the surface, and a constant sense that justice is not just her job, but her purpose.

Mukerji was last seen in 2023’s Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway, where she earned acclaim for her portrayal of a mother fighting against an entire nation to bring her children home. That film reaffirmed her ability to carry emotionally charged narratives, and now, with Mardaani 3, she’s returning to familiar territory – but with new battles to fight and fresh demons to face.

What to Expect

While we still don’t know who the main antagonist is or what case Shivani will be tackling this time, the buzz is already building. YRF has hinted at a “bloody, violent clash” between good and evil, promising plenty of adrenaline-pumping action and emotionally charged moments.

With the franchise’s track record, fans can expect sharp dialogues, intense confrontations, and an emotionally resonant journey that goes beyond just chasing criminals – it’s about confronting deeper societal issues, taking on systemic injustice, and standing firm when others would falter.

So mark your calendars and keep your eyes peeled. The queen in khaki is coming back, and Mardaani 3 looks ready to set the screen on fire. If you thought the previous films were intense, this one might just take things to an entirely new level.

February 27, 2026 – Shivani Shivaji Roy returns. And this time, she’s not holding back.