The wait for India’s most formidable female cop is almost over. Yash Raj Films (YRF) sent shockwaves through the industry today, January 10, 2026, by announcing that the third installment of the blockbuster franchise, Mardaani 3, will now arrive in theaters earlier than expected.
Originally slated for a late February release, the makers have officially preponed the film to January 30, 2026. Alongside the bombshell announcement, YRF released a chilling new poster that confirms the return of Rani Mukerji as the fearless and uncompromising Shivani Shivaji Roy.
The newly unveiled poster captures the high-stakes intensity that has become the hallmark of the Mardaani series. In the visual, Rani Mukerji stands at the center, sporting her iconic fierce gaze, with a group of children standing behind her. The word “MISSING” is prominently displayed across the top, hinting at the film’s central conflict.
The caption accompanying the post read: “She won’t stop until she rescues them all! #RaniMukerji is back as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in #Mardaani3. Rescue begins in cinemas near you on 30th Jan.”
Industry experts view the preponement as a strategic move by producer Aditya Chopra. By releasing on January 30, Mardaani 3 secures a clean two-week window at the box office before the arrival of other major February releases like Vishal Bhardwaj’s O Romeo.
While the first two films were directed by Pradeep Sarkar and Gopi Puthran respectively, Mardaani 3 sees a change in the director’s chair. Abhiraj Minawala, a YRF loyalist who previously assisted on massive hits like Sultan, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, and Tiger 3, takes over the directorial duties.
Minawala is reportedly bringing a “darker and more brutal” tone to the franchise. Sources close to the production suggest that the film leans heavily into the thriller genre, moving away from the cat-and-mouse chase of the second part toward a fast-paced, high-stakes rescue operation.
Rani Mukerji has previously described the third installment as the most “brutal” chapter in Shivani Shivaji Roy’s career. While Mardaani (2014) tackled human trafficking and Mardaani 2 (2019) explored the mind of a psychotic serial rapist, Mardaani 3 shifts the focus to a cross-country child abduction syndicate.
The script, penned by Aayush Gupta (the writer behind the acclaimed series The Railway Men), reportedly focuses on the first 48 hours of a kidnapping—a period known in law enforcement as the “Golden Hours.” The film aims to highlight the harrowing reality of missing children in India while providing the adrenaline-pumping action fans expect from the franchise.
For over a decade, Mardaani has stood as the gold standard for solo female-led action films in Bollywood. Rani Mukerji’s portrayal of the Senior Inspector has earned her both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Returning to the big screen after her National Award-winning performance in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway, Rani looks set to dominate the early 2026 box office. Joining her in a pivotal role is Janki Bodiwala, who recently impressed audiences in the thriller Shaitaan. Together, they are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the franchise’s exploration of women in the police force.
With the release date just weeks away, the marketing campaign for Mardaani 3 is expected to move into overdrive. Fans can anticipate a high-octane trailer within the next few days, showcasing the grit and physical transformation Rani has undergone for the role.
Unlike the previous installments, which were largely urban-centric, Mardaani 3 reportedly takes Shivani Roy into the heartlands of India, offering a more raw and grounded visual palette.
As the countdown to January 30 begins, Mardaani 3 is positioned not just as a movie, but as a cultural event that continues to hold a mirror to society’s darkest corners while celebrating the heroes who fight back.
