Yash Raj Films has officially announced that Rani Mukerji will be reprising her iconic role as the tenacious cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in the upcoming third installment of the ‘Mardaani’ series. The announcement coincides with the 10th anniversary of the film franchise, which first captured audiences in 2014.
In a video tribute shared on social media, YRF highlighted memorable scenes of Rani from the first two ‘Mardaani’ films. The post read, “A decade of #Mardaani and a new chapter begins… Honoring the indomitable #ShivaniShivajiRoy and the enduring spirit of #Mardaani. Thank you for your unwavering love and support for our franchise. We are inspired to bring you more… #RaniMukerji.”
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The original ‘Mardaani,’ which premiered in 2014, surprised many by becoming a sleeper hit, earning around ₹31.4 crores at the domestic box office. The film was widely praised for its compelling portrayal of a strong female police officer taking on the dark world of human trafficking.
Rani expresses her deep appreciation for the journey the Mardaani films have taken her on, saying, “I’m incredibly proud of what the Mardaani franchise represents. It’s a series that continues to give back, and the affection and respect I’ve received through this role are truly humbling.”
Explaining her deep connection with the character, Rani shares why Shivani Shivaji Roy holds a special place in her heart. “Shivani Shivaji Roy is undoubtedly my favorite character to have played on screen. She’s a bold, unyielding force who stands firm for justice, regardless of the challenges. In a genre traditionally dominated by men, she breaks barriers and shows that women, too, can lead from the front.”
Earlier today, Yash Raj Films hinted at the next installment in the Mardaani series, sparking excitement across the internet. Rani, thrilled to step back into the role, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “I can’t wait to bring Shivani Shivaji Roy back to the big screen. It’s been some time since I last wore the cop uniform, and I’m eager to once again honor the brave women of our police force.”
Reflecting on the real-life inspiration behind her role, Rani adds, “Every woman in law enforcement works tirelessly to ensure the safety of our families. Playing Shivani has always been my way of saluting these courageous women. I’m excited to bring her back, and I hope audiences will continue to shower her with the same love they’ve given over the past 10 years.”
The franchise has seen two formidable villains so far, with Tahir Raj Bhasin and Vishal Jethwa delivering chilling performances in the first and second films, respectively. The sequel, ‘Mardaani 2,’ introduced Vikram Singh Chauhan, Avneet Kaur, and Anchal Sahu to the franchise.
While Pradeep Sarkar directed the inaugural film, the sequel was helmed by Gopi Puthran. Both movies were produced by Yash Raj Films, known for backing strong, character-driven narratives.
Rani Mukerji, who has been a stalwart in Indian cinema, was last seen in Ashima Chibber’s ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.’ The film, which also starred Anirban Bhattacharya, Neena Gupta, and Jim Sarbh, is based on the real-life ordeal of an Indian couple who faced the heart-wrenching experience of having their children taken away by Norwegian authorities in 2011.
As fans eagerly await more details about ‘Mardaani 3,’ the return of Rani Mukerji as Shivani Shivaji Roy promises another gripping and intense chapter in the beloved franchise.
