Rani Mukerji's Mardaani 3 Gets Early Release with Significant CBFC Edits
Bollywood powerhouse Rani Mukerji is poised to make a triumphant return to the silver screen, reprising her iconic role as the formidable Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3. This highly anticipated installment marks the next chapter in Yash Raj Films' acclaimed action-thriller franchise, promising another gripping narrative of justice and resilience.
Surprise Release Date Change
In an unexpected development that has thrilled fans, the makers have advanced the film's theatrical release. Originally scheduled for February 27, Mardaani 3 will now storm cinemas on January 30, delivering Rani's much-awaited comeback nearly a month earlier than planned. With censor formalities already completed, the stage is perfectly set for this cinematic event.
Comprehensive CBFC Guidelines and Modifications
According to detailed reports from Bollywood Hungama, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has implemented several crucial guidelines for Mardaani 3. The certification process involved multiple layers of scrutiny to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Key dialogue and content alterations mandated by the board include:
- Inclusion of explicit drug disclaimers to address substance-related content
- Replacement of the term 'bachhi' with 'ladki' in specific contexts
- Age verification requirements for actors in scenes depicting sexual violence
- Modification of visuals showing physical violence against a girl
- Substitution of the word 'wh**e' with 'trader' in English subtitles
- Muting of derogatory remarks directed at maternal figures
- Replacement of phrases referring to sexual organs with appropriate alternatives
- Removal or substitution of language negatively referencing the Government of India
Additional Scene Changes and Clarifications
The CBFC's directives extended beyond dialogue modifications to encompass broader narrative elements. Filmmakers were required to:
- Remove references to certain countries from specific scenes
- Provide clarification regarding dialogues spoken by kidnappers in the film
- Include informational text about child and women trafficking to enhance awareness
Following implementation of these changes, Mardaani 3 received its official U/A 16+ certificate on January 14. The initial censor certificate listed the film's runtime as 137.07 minutes, equivalent to 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 7 seconds.
Voluntary Cuts and Final Runtime Adjustment
In a proactive move demonstrating the makers' commitment to responsible filmmaking, the production team returned to the CBFC approximately ten days after receiving certification to implement voluntary cuts. This additional editing process resulted in:
- Modification of 14 individual scenes through trimming or complete removal
- Cut durations ranging between 9 and 59 seconds per scene
- An overall reduction of 6 minutes and 30 seconds from the original runtime
The CBFC approved these voluntary changes on January 23, establishing the final runtime at 130.37 minutes, which translates to 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 37 seconds. This refined version represents the cinematic experience audiences will witness when Mardaani 3 hits theaters later this month.
The combination of regulatory requirements and voluntary modifications has shaped a film that balances creative vision with social responsibility, setting the stage for what promises to be one of Bollywood's most significant releases in the action-thriller genre.
