The success of Mardaani 3 has sparked a wider conversation about representation and storytelling in Indian cinema, with Rani Mukerji expressing heartfelt gratitude to audiences for supporting the film and its larger message. Reflecting on its box office performance, she emphasised that the film’s achievement carries significance beyond commercial success. At a time when mainstream narratives often focus on dominant male protagonists to drive ticket sales, the reception of Mardaani 3 demonstrates that audiences are equally invested in stories led by strong female characters.
Rani Mukerji acknowledged that the current cinematic landscape tends to favour larger-than-life masculine portrayals, often associated with the “alpha male” archetype. However, the response to Mardaani 3 suggests that there is space for diverse storytelling where women lead not just emotionally but also commercially. She noted that the film’s journey indicates a shift in audience expectations and proves that women-led narratives are capable of standing alongside traditional hero-centric projects.
According to her, this milestone represents more than financial performance. It sends a broader signal to filmmakers and industry stakeholders that meaningful content anchored by a compelling female protagonist can resonate widely. Rather than being perceived as a risk, investing in such stories can open new creative and commercial possibilities. The response to Mardaani 3 reflects an evolving audience appetite for narratives that place women at the centre of action-driven plots without positioning them as secondary to male counterparts.
At the heart of the film is Shivani Shivaji Roy, a character who continues to evolve in both scale and responsibility. Rani Mukerji highlighted that Shivani was never conceived as a “female version” of a conventional hero but as a fully realised protagonist defined by integrity, courage, and empathy. Her journey in the third instalment takes on a new dimension as she joins the National Investigation Agency and leads a critical investigation involving the kidnapping of two young girls. What begins as a seemingly isolated case soon unravels into a far-reaching network of organised crime.
As Shivani delves deeper into the investigation, the narrative exposes a disturbing nationwide human trafficking operation. The trail leads to an elderly woman known as Amma, portrayed by Mallika Prasad, who emerges as a central figure orchestrating these activities. The plot further expands to reveal connections with a beggar mafia operating under the guise of vulnerability, shedding light on the complexities of crime hidden within seemingly ordinary social realities.
The film also features Janaki Bodiwala in a pivotal role, adding further depth to the storyline. Written by Aayush Gupta and directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the project brings together a creative team committed to blending gripping storytelling with social relevance. Backed by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner, the film continues the franchise’s legacy of addressing challenging themes through the lens of investigative drama.
Rani Mukerji expressed hope that the industry recognises the significance of this moment and becomes more open to backing stories centred on women. The strong audience response indicates readiness for narratives where female protagonists take charge of complex situations and drive the story forward with conviction. Through Shivani Shivaji Roy’s journey, Mardaani 3 reinforces the idea that heroism is not defined by gender but by values and actions.
As discussions around representation continue to evolve, the film’s impact lies in its ability to challenge established norms while reaffirming the commercial viability of women-led cinema. With its blend of emotional depth and investigative intensity, Mardaani 3 stands as a reminder that stories led by women can resonate widely and leave a lasting mark on both audiences and the industry.