YRF announces the release date of its much-anticipated crime thriller Mardaani 3, promising an intense Holi clash between good and evil as Rani Mukerji reprises her iconic role in the only female-led cop franchise in Indian cinema.
📍 Mumbai | April 21, 2025
Yash Raj Films (YRF) has officially confirmed that Mardaani 3, the third chapter in its gritty crime thriller franchise, will hit theatres on February 27, 2026, just ahead of the Holi weekend. The announcement comes with the first electrifying look of Rani Mukerji as the indomitable Senior Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy.
“The countdown begins for #Mardaani3! On Holi, good will fight evil as Shivani Shivaji Roy returns to the big screen,” read the studio’s post.
👮♀️ The Return of Indian Cinema’s Fiercest Female Cop
With Mardaani, Rani Mukerji broke new ground, leading India’s only female-cop-led action franchise. In Mardaani 3, she once again dons the khaki as a fearless force of justice.
Earlier, Rani described the third instalment as:
“An edge-of-the-seat thriller… dark, deadly, and brutal.”
🧨 What to Expect from Mardaani 3
The new film will reportedly feature a violent and emotionally charged confrontation between Shivani’s moral strength and a new, sinister antagonist. As with previous instalments, the film is expected to weave together suspense, emotional grit, and a pulse-pounding narrative.
🎬 New Team Behind the Legacy
- Produced by: Aditya Chopra
- Directed by: Abhiraj Minawala (currently Associate Director of War 2)
- Written by: Aayush Gupta (The Railway Men)
This marks a generational collaboration between YRF’s seasoned leadership and rising creative talent, aiming to take the Mardaani legacy forward with renewed intensity.
📅 Release Timing
Set for release on Friday, February 27, 2026, the film is strategically positioned to tap into the Holi holiday box office surge, making it one of the most anticipated theatrical releases of early 2026.
📌 Tags:
Mardaani 3, Rani Mukerji, Shivani Shivaji Roy, YRF, Yash Raj Films, Aditya Chopra, Bollywood, Indian Female Cop Franchise, Aayush Gupta, Abhiraj Minawala, War 2, Indian Thriller Films, Mardaani Sequel, Holi Releases