Rani returns to police beat in 'Mardaani 3'

Film will be helmed by fresh talent

India's iconic Mardaani franchise is set to return to the big screen with the much-anticipated third instalment, and it's bringing new faces along for the ride, reported Variety. Bollywood powerhouse Rani Mukerji will reprise her role as the fierce and fearless police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy, but this time, she's joined by fresh blood in the creative team.

Aayush Gupta, who made waves with Netflix's international hit The Railway Men, will be penning the screenplay, while Abhiraj Minawala—currently an associate director on War 2—is set to direct. Production kicks off in April 2025, marking the franchise's first entry since Mardaani 2 in 2019.

"I'm thrilled to announce that we are starting the shooting of Mardaani 3 in April 2025," said Rani in an official statement. "I'm proud to essay the character of this feisty cop again in Mardaani 3 as a tribute to all the unsung, brave, self-sacrificing cops who work tirelessly every single day to keep us safe." The actor, known for her dedication to the role, promises that the upcoming instalment will be "dark, deadly and brutal," with a deep sense of responsibility to meet the high expectations of fans.

"We were hoping that we find a script that would take the experience of watching a Mardaani franchise film higher," she added. "I am really excited about what we have at hand, and I'm only hoping that the audience too feels the same after watching Mardaani 3 in theatres."

Under YRF head Aditya Chopra's leadership, Minawala and Gupta are being recognised as rising talents within the studio's ranks. Minawala's impressive credits include Band Baaja Baaraat, Sultan, and Tiger 3, while Gupta joins the project fresh off the international success of The Railway Men, which marked his debut as a screenplay writer.

The Mardaani films, which began in 2014, have been celebrated for their unapologetically bold portrayal of women in law enforcement, with Rani's character at the heart of it all. The first film introduced Shivani Shivaji Roy, a tough-as-nails cop who takes on the gritty underworld to rescue a kidnapped girl. The success of the first instalment led to the release of Mardaani 2, where Shivani faces off against a sadistic serial killer. In both films, Rani's character defies convention and stereotypes about women in positions of authority.