Mumbai: With the release of Mardaani 3 scheduled for January 30, the film has begun generating strong buzz across the industry and among audiences alike. The recently released trailer has drawn praise from several actors, and the latest to join the list is actor Kalyani Priyadarshan, who took to social media to express her admiration for both the trailer and Rani Mukerji’s enduring career.
Kalyani Priyadarshan, known for her work across Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu cinema, reshared the Mardaani 3 trailer on her Instagram story and described it as powerful and impactful. Though she admitted she was “a little late to the party,” the actor said she felt compelled to share her appreciation after watching the preview.
Kalyani lauds Rani Mukerji’s career journey
In her Instagram story, Kalyani praised Rani Mukerji’s consistency and choice of strong narratives over the decades. “A little late to the party. But had to say this. Trailer looks… (fire emojis). What a journey maam #RANIMUKERJI. 30 years of finding interesting stories to tell. Can’t wait to watch the movie on Jan 30,” she wrote.
Her words struck a chord with fans of the franchise, many of whom echoed similar sentiments about Rani Mukerji’s evolution as an actor and her ability to headline female-led films in mainstream Hindi cinema. Rani, who made her debut in the mid-1990s, has carved out a unique space for herself with performances that blend commercial appeal with social relevance.
Industry appreciation pours in
Kalyani Priyadarshan is not the only actor to have praised the Mardaani 3 trailer. Earlier, Anushka Sharma had also shared the trailer on her social media handles, congratulating Rani Mukerji on her continued success. “Congratulations, Rani. I’ve always admired your work and the grace you bring to everything you do. So excited to see all that’s ahead for you,” Anushka wrote, adding heart and sparkle emojis to her message.
The appreciation from fellow actors has further amplified interest in the film, with many noting that Mardaani remains one of the few long-running Hindi film franchises led by a female protagonist without diluting its core theme.
A franchise built on social relevance
Mardaani 3 marks the third instalment in the popular franchise that began in 2014. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the film continues the story of IPS officer Shivani Shivaji Roy, played by Rani Mukerji. The character has become synonymous with fearless law enforcement and a strong moral compass, resonating with audiences over the years.
The screenplay and dialogues for the third instalment have been written by Aayush Gupta, who has also collaborated with Deepak Kingrani and Baljeet Singh Marwah on the story. The film features Rani Mukerji alongside Janki Bodiwala and Mallika Prasad in key roles.
According to the makers, Mardaani 3 revolves around the disappearance of young girls, once again tackling a hard-hitting and uncomfortable social issue. The franchise has consistently focused on crimes against women and children, aiming to spark conversations rather than offering easy resolutions.
Rani Mukerji on the message behind ‘Mardaani 3’
Speaking recently in an interview, Rani Mukerji emphasised that Mardaani is more than just a successful franchise for her. “Mardaani is an important film with important social messaging; it is not just a franchise. It is about making people uncomfortable, to make them realise that we should be speaking about this issue more often,” she said.
She added that the realities faced by women in society have not changed significantly since the first film released over a decade ago. “I want to keep coming back with this message as the reality for women has still not changed from the time we made Mardaani in 2014,” Rani noted, underlining her commitment to using cinema as a platform for awareness.
Expectations ahead of release
With the trailer receiving positive feedback from audiences and the film fraternity alike, expectations are high for Mardaani 3. The franchise has built a reputation for combining gripping storytelling with strong performances, and viewers are keen to see how the latest chapter expands Shivani Shivaji Roy’s journey.
The film’s January 30 release places it at the start of the year’s theatrical calendar, and trade observers believe it could draw significant footfall, particularly among viewers seeking meaningful, issue-driven cinema.
Conclusion
As Mardaani 3 gears up for its release, the praise from actors like Kalyani Priyadarshan and Anushka Sharma highlights the respect Rani Mukerji commands within the industry. With its promise of a compelling narrative and a socially relevant theme, the film is poised to continue the legacy of a franchise that has consistently challenged norms and amplified important conversations through mainstream cinema.