Mumbai, April 21: Yash Raj Films has officially locked in the release date for one of its most anticipated crime thrillers — Mardaani 3. The third chapter of the powerful, female-led action franchise is set to storm theatres on Friday, February 27, 2026, just ahead of the Holi festivities.
Accompanying the announcement, the studio dropped a fiery first look of Rani Mukerji as Senior Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy — the fearless and relentless cop who has become a symbol of justice in Indian cinema. The teaser caption read: “The countdown begins for #Mardaani3! On Holi, good will fight evil as Shivani Shivaji Roy returns to the big screen on February 27, 2026.”
As the only female-cop-led franchise in Indian film history, Mardaani has carved a unique legacy, blending social grit with gripping storytelling. Rani Mukerji had previously hinted that Mardaani 3 will push boundaries with a darker, more intense narrative — describing it as an “edge-of-the-seat thriller” that is “dark, deadly, and brutal.”
This installment promises a visceral face-off between justice and malevolence, as Shivani takes on a ruthless adversary in what’s being touted as her most dangerous mission yet.
Produced by Aditya Chopra, Mardaani 3 marks a new chapter in the franchise, with fresh creative energy fueling its direction. The script is penned by Aayush Gupta, known for his acclaimed work on The Railway Men, while direction is helmed by Abhiraj Minawala, currently serving as Associate Director on War 2.