Mardaani 3 Trailer Review (2026): Rani Mukerji Back as Shivani Shivaji Roy in a Dark & Brutal Crime Thriller
Fans of gritty Bollywood thrillers finally got what they were waiting for — the official Mardaani 3 trailer dropped, and it promises one of the most intense chapters yet in this successful franchise. After the first two parts became cult classics for bold storytelling and a powerful female lead, expectations were sky-high — and from the first look, this third instalment appears ready to deliver.
Released by Yash Raj Films, the trailer shows Rani Mukerji reprising her iconic role as ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy, now facing an unprecedented and chilling case that pushes her to the edge. This review breaks down the trailer highlights, expectations, the antagonist’s role, and what audiences can look forward to.
Trailer Overview — A Dark and Relentless Mission
The Mardaani 3 trailer picks up the narrative with a harrowing premise — scores of young girls have gone missing in just a few months, and Shivani is brought back to chase the truth behind these disappearances. Clocking in at around three minutes, the trailer wastes no time showing intense investigation sequences, gritty action scenes, and emotional turmoil as the fearless cop races against time.
Early glimpses reveal that this chapter isn’t just another cat-and-mouse chase. The stakes are higher, the villain more sinister, and the subject matter even more disturbing, giving this installment a deeper social edge compared to its predecessors.
New Villain: Amma — A Ruthless Threat
One of the most striking aspects of the trailer is the introduction of a novel antagonist — a powerful female crime boss known as “Amma”, portrayed by Mallika Prasad. Unlike the earlier villains in the franchise, Amma isn’t merely a brute force; she runs an organised crime ring with calculated ruthlessness.
In the trailer, she’s shown commanding a beggar mafia network implicated in human trafficking — a chilling angle that pushes the story into more realistic and unsettling territory. This shift from typical male antagonists to a formidable female villain adds freshness and narrative complexity to the film’s arc.
Performance & Character Development
Rani Mukerji’s portrayal of Shivani has always been the backbone of the Mardaani series, and this trailer continues to highlight her raw determination, moral grit, and unflinching courage. Her presence remains grounded and commanding without relying on over-the-top theatrics, showing the kind of nuanced performance that fans have come to expect.
Many scenes suggest that this isn’t just a thriller with action sequences. It’s a story about emotional resilience, psychological warfare, and the sacrifices law enforcement officers make daily. Scenes of interrogations, chase sequences, and tension-filled standoffs set the tone for what could be a very compelling crime drama.
Trailer Highlights Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Rani Mukerji as ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy |
| Antagonist | Amma (Mallika Prasad) |
| Core Theme | Missing girls, human trafficking, crime investigation |
| Tone | Dark, gritty, intense |
| Release Date | January 30, 2026 (confirmed theatrical release) |
Social & Fan Reactions
Almost immediately after the trailer dropped online, fans and casual viewers took to social media with varied reactions. Many praised the raw intensity and gripping storyline, while some hinted that the tone feels reminiscent of other real-crime series, especially in how it tackles child trafficking narratives.
Nonetheless, fans of the franchise are excited to see Shivani’s unrelenting pursuit of justice, and the darker tone has sparked considerable buzz as the release date approaches.
Final Verdict — Trailer Review Summary
Overall, the Mardaani 3 trailer delivers on expectations for fans of crime thrillers and the franchise. With strong performances, especially from Rani Mukerji and the introduction of a chilling antagonist, this instalment looks poised to push the boundaries of Bollywood’s crime genre. The intense visuals, emotional depth, and socially relevant theme signal a film that’s both entertaining and meaningful — a balance that the series has maintained throughout its run.
For audiences craving edge-of-your-seat drama and a return of one of Bollywood’s most memorable female cops, Mardaani 3 might just be the crime thriller of 2026.
