Box Office Performance Overview
Mardaani 3, starring Rani Mukerji as the formidable police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy, has completed its inaugural week of theatrical release, amassing
a total domestic net collection of Rs 26.30 crore. The film, released on January 30, 2026, opened to a Rs 4 crore collection on its first day. While the opening weekend saw a positive trend, with Sunday collections reaching Rs 7.25 crore, the subsequent weekdays witnessed a noticeable dip in earnings. This gradual slowdown indicates a struggle to maintain audience interest beyond the initial days, a concern for a film that was expected to perform strongly. The daily breakdown reveals a consistent decline from Rs 4 crore on Day 1 to an estimated Rs 1.85 crore on Day 7, highlighting the challenges in sustaining momentum.
Plot and Critical Reception
The narrative of Mardaani 3 is set in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, and centers on the alarming disappearance of two young girls: Ruhani, the daughter of an Indian diplomat, and Jhimli, the daughter of a domestic worker. Their vanishing act triggers the involvement of NIA officer Shivani Shivaji Roy. As Shivani delves deeper into the investigation, she unearths a vast and sinister criminal network responsible for the abduction of 93 girls, predominantly from underprivileged backgrounds, within a three-month period. These girls were aged between 8 and 9 years old. Despite the gripping storyline and strong performances, particularly from Rani Mukerji, the film has reportedly struggled to replicate the box office success of its predecessors, Mardaani (2014) and Mardaani 2 (2019).
Production and Cast Details
Mardaani 3, with an estimated production budget of Rs 60 crore, marks Rani Mukerji's return to the acclaimed franchise as the resolute cop Shivani Shivaji Roy. Sources suggest that Mukerji commanded a fee of ₹7 crore for her role in this installment. The film also features Mallika Prasad in the pivotal role of the main antagonist, Amma, and Janki Bodiwala in another significant character. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced under the banner of Aditya Chopra, the film aimed to captivate audiences with its intense plot and strong lead performances. However, its box office performance has been less robust compared to earlier installments.
