Mardaani 3 Box Office Day 1: Rani Mukerji Starrer Earns Rs 2 Crore Despite Strategic Release Model
The highly anticipated third installment of the Mardaani franchise, starring Rani Mukerji, has hit theaters with a somewhat underwhelming opening day collection. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, Mardaani 3 managed to mint approximately Rs 2 crore in ticket sales on its first day of release, January 30, 2026.
Slow Start Despite Extensive Promotion
Despite lead actor Rani Mukerji conducting extensive press tours and promotional activities leading up to the release, the film's initial numbers have fallen short of expectations. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Mardaani 3 garnered Rs 1.16 crore in advance ticket sales before its theatrical debut. By the time of publication, the film had collected an additional Rs 41 lakh at the box office, bringing the total to around Rs 2 crore for opening day.
Affordable Pricing Strategy Fails to Boost Numbers
In a strategic move, production house Yash Raj Films opted for an unconventional release model for Mardaani 3. Rather than pursuing a traditional multiplex-heavy approach, the makers implemented a strategy involving limited screens and affordable ticket pricing aimed at maximizing occupancy rates. The film employed a flat pricing model with tickets ranging from Rs 260 to Rs 340, significantly lower than typical blockbuster pricing.
This model previously proved successful for YRF's 2025 release Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri, which went on to become one of the year's biggest hits with Rs 329 crore net domestically. However, the same approach appears to be yielding mixed results for the Mardaani franchise's latest entry.
Limited Screen Shows and Show Timing Restrictions
Adding to the strategic release approach, Mardaani 3 has implemented strict limitations on daily screenings. While films backed by major production houses typically aim for 10-15 shows per day, Mardaani 3 has capped this number at just 6 shows daily, regardless of screen count. In theaters with only two screens, the film is scheduled exclusively for post-3 PM screenings.
As of opening day, Mardaani 3 had 5,024 shows scheduled across the country, with the National Capital Region leading with 624 shows.
Franchise History and Opening Day Comparisons
The Mardaani franchise has historically demonstrated solid performance at the box office. The original 2014 film, directed by Pradeep Sarkar, earned Rs 35.56 crore net against a reported budget of Rs 20 crore, with an opening day collection of Rs 3.4 crore. The 2019 sequel improved upon these numbers, making Rs 47 crore net on a Rs 30 crore budget and opening with Rs 3.8 crore on its first day.
In comparison, Mardaani 3's approximately Rs 2 crore opening day collection represents a significant drop from its predecessors, despite the franchise's established fan base and Rani Mukerji's star power.
Weekend Prospects and Cast Details
With the weekend approaching, industry analysts anticipate that evening and night shows may bring improved figures for Mardaani 3. The film's performance over Saturday and Sunday will be crucial in determining whether the strategic release model can gain momentum.
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, Mardaani 3 features Rani Mukerji in the lead role, supported by Mallika Prasad and Janki Bodiwala. The film continues the story of fearless police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy, though the makers have kept plot details largely under wraps.
The underwhelming opening day numbers come despite meticulous planning behind the release strategy, suggesting that the affordable pricing model alone may not be sufficient to guarantee box office success, even for established franchises with star-studded casts.
