The
trailer of Mardaani 3 has taken the internet by storm, increasing excitement around Rani Mukerji’s return as cop Shivani Shivaji Roy while also introducing audiences to a terrifying new antagonist. Yash Raj Films unveiled the trailer yesterday, and within hours, conversations shifted from the familiar strength of Shivani to the unsettling presence of Amma, the villain portrayed by Mallika Prasad. Known for crafting some of Bollywood’s most disturbing antagonists, that also help the actor blow up, the Mardaani franchise once again appears to have delivered a character that leaves a lasting impact.
Amma aka Mallika Prasad on fan reaction to Mardaani 3 trailer
In the last 24 hours, social media reactions have ranged from fear to outright hatred for Amma, with viewers praising Mallika Prasad’s chilling performance. Responding to the overwhelming reaction, Mallika Prasad opened up about stepping into the role. She said, “Mardaani 3 stands as one of the most defining experiences of my career. Amma is evil yet holds a fierce spirit. It was a privilege to bring her to life. Roles like these demand that you shed comforts, sit with your own shadows, and stand in a truth larger than yourself. Amma challenged me in ways I did not anticipate. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process, and I am most grateful for the opportunity.”
Expressing gratitude to the team, she added, “My heartfelt thanks to Abhiraj, for his trust, his gentle manner, and unwavering vision. My deep gratitude to YRF and Mr. Aditya Chopra whose faith in me and in the script made it easy to build a character like Amma with such freedom. I thank Shanoo Sharma, who is one of the key reasons I am here.”
Mallika praises Mardaani 3 co-stars
Mallika also praised her co-actors and crew, saying, “The entire cast offers exceptional talent, discipline, and generosity. I feel honoured to stand alongside them. Above all, my respect goes to the crew. Their commitment and level of excellence lifts the entire narrative. Their unwavering warmth made going to the set every day an absolute joy! I am so proud to be part of this team. The Mardani franchise has a powerful legacy of confronting uncomfortable truths and pushing conversations forward, and I feel honoured to be part of that journey. Rani Mukerji is brilliant in her portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy as she brings to light, yet again, the real women out there in the world fighting unimaginable crimes. These unsung heroes are the reason I explore the darkness in Amma with conviction.”
She concluded by reflecting on the complexity of her character. “I am grateful that the character of Amma allows me to explore the complexity of a woman who inhabits the dark underbelly of our world. I am so glad that the script and Abhiraj moved away from an easy, simplistic, black and white telling of this story - giving the character of Amma depth and dimension. The response to the Mardaani 3 trailer has been overwhelming, and I am truly humbled by the curiosity and excitement Amma has already sparked. To everyone who has sent messages, shared their reactions, or embraced the intensity of the trailer—thank you. Your energy fuels us. I cannot wait for audiences to step into Amma’s world, to meet her in all her contradictions, and to experience the fire that drives her. She is not what she seems… and that’s where her power lies. Mardaani 3 releases in cinemas worldwide on January 30.”Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, Mardaani 3 continues the franchise’s tradition of hard-hitting, socially relevant storytelling. Following the earlier films’ exploration of human trafficking and violent crime, the third installment promises to confront yet another grim reality when it releases worldwide on January 30, 2026.