Veteran Bollywood star Rani Mukerji, who has completed nearly three decades in cinema, has spoken candidly about her journey with the Mardaani franchise and the inspiration behind her fearless on-screen alter ego, Shivani Shivaji Roy, as the third installment gears up for release.
‘I’ve seen how lonely courage can be’
“I’ve seen how lonely courage can be,” Rani said, reflecting on the sacrifices and quiet resilience of those in uniform.
“Shivani Shivaji Roy is not a character I switch off when the camera cuts. I carry her with me. Because through her, I’ve seen what it really means to serve. I’ve seen how lonely courage can be,” she added.
A tribute to India’s police force
Expressing her deep respect for the police, Rani said the Mardaani franchise is her personal salute to the force.
“I have immense respect for the cops of our country who show up every day — quietly, without complaints, without medals, serving our country and protecting us silently. Mardaani is my tribute to them, and I feel proud to see audiences shower so much love on the police force,” she said.
Dedicating Mardaani 3 to women officers, she added, “To my brothers and sisters in the police force, especially the women, who are judged more, questioned more, and still stand taller than fear, this film exists because of you.”
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Response to the trailer
Rani said the overwhelming response to the Mardaani 3 trailer reassures her that audiences continue to stand up against social injustice.
“Your incredible response tells me that, as a country, we still have a strong conscience. We feel anger when something is wrong and pride when someone stands up to protect the helpless,” she said, thanking fans for holding the franchise close to their hearts.
Why Mardaani is personal for Rani
For the actor, Mardaani goes beyond being just another successful franchise.
“Shivani Shivaji Roy lives in my heart. Through her, I’ve witnessed courage that doesn’t shout, strength that doesn’t seek applause, and bravery that comes at a very personal cost,” Rani said.
“Mardaani has never just been a film for me — it’s a feeling and a responsibility. It has defined my journey in cinema.”
Revisiting Mardaani (2014)
Released in 2014, Mardaani introduced audiences to Shivani Shivaji Roy, a tough and compassionate police officer fighting human trafficking. The film was widely praised for its hard-hitting narrative and Rani’s restrained yet powerful performance, setting a new benchmark for female-led cop dramas in Hindi cinema.
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The impact of Mardaani 2 (2019)
Mardaani 2 took the franchise to darker territory, tackling crimes against women and child abuse. The film received critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling and social relevance, with Rani’s portrayal earning widespread appreciation for its emotional depth and moral strength.
What Mardaani 3 promises
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, Mardaani 3 once again delves into a brutal and disturbing social reality, continuing the franchise’s legacy of issue-driven storytelling. The film places Shivani Shivaji Roy at the centre of another intense battle against crime, reinforcing the themes of justice, courage and accountability.
Release date
Mardaani 3 is scheduled to release in theatres worldwide on January 30.