Mardaani 3 Set for January 2026 Release with Intense New Villain
The highly anticipated Bollywood action-thriller Mardaani 3 is officially scheduled to hit theaters on January 30, 2026, promising to deliver a darker and more intense chapter in the successful franchise. Rani Mukerji returns as the formidable Shivani Shivaji Roy, but it's the chilling new antagonist that has captured audience attention through the recently released trailer.
Rani Mukerji Explains Casting Process for Key Villain Role
In an exclusive interview with New Indian Express, Rani Mukerji opened up about the casting process for the film's central villain, Amma, played by theater artist Mallika Prasad. The veteran actress revealed that while multiple stakeholders are involved in casting decisions, the final approval always rests with producer Aditya Chopra.
"I don't think he casts on the basis of who these people are and where they come from," Rani explained about Chopra's approach. "Apart from him, there is also Shanoo (casting director Shanoo Sharma), the director, and me. It has to be bang on for everybody."
Why Mallika Prasad Was the Perfect Choice for Amma
Rani Mukerji specifically praised Mallika Prasad's selection for the pivotal role, emphasizing that suitability mattered more than background. "For Mallika, I think it was just her demeanor. She really fit like a glove into the part of Amma," she stated.
The actress highlighted Prasad's theatrical background as a significant advantage: "She is also a very accomplished theatre artist, so that really added to the whole thing." According to Rani, Amma's menace in the film stems not from overt aggression but from restraint, intelligence, and psychological control.
Evolution of Villains in the Mardaani Franchise
The Mardaani series has consistently featured compelling antagonists that challenge the protagonist:
- Mardaani (2014): Tahir Raj Bhasin as the ruthless kidnapper
- Mardaani 2 (2019): Vishal Jethwa as the tech-savvy serial predator
- Mardaani 3 (2026): Mallika Prasad as Amma, a calculating "beggar-mafia queen"
With Amma, the franchise takes a significant turn toward a more sophisticated criminal mastermind who operates a vast child trafficking network, raising the stakes considerably.
Plot Details and Cast of Mardaani 3
In this third installment, Shivani Shivaji Roy has joined the National Investigation Agency and investigates the mysterious disappearance of over 90 young women. Each clue she uncovers draws her deeper into Amma's hidden criminal empire, setting up a high-stakes confrontation between the determined officer and the cunning villain.
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the film features an impressive ensemble cast including:
- Rani Mukerji as Shivani Shivaji Roy
- Mallika Prasad as Amma
- Janki Bodiwala in a key supporting role
- Jisshu Sengupta returning to the franchise
- Anil George and Priyanka Sharma in significant parts
The production promises to maintain the franchise's reputation for socially relevant storytelling while escalating both the action sequences and psychological tension. As one of the most awaited Hindi films of 2026, Mardaani 3 aims to deliver both entertainment and commentary on serious societal issues through its gripping narrative.
