Actor Rani Mukerji is basking in the success of her latest release, Mardaani 3, and has taken the moment to reflect on the larger social impact of the Mardaani franchise. For the actor, the series has always been more than just a commercial entertainer — it represents a voice for women who refuse to be silenced.
Speaking about the overwhelming response to the third installment, Rani shared that the love and appreciation the film has received feel deeply personal. According to her, audiences are not merely watching the journey of Shivani Shivaji Roy on screen but are standing alongside her in the fight for justice and the triumph of good over evil. The character, a fearless and determined police officer, has become symbolic of resistance against crime and injustice.
Rani emphasised that the franchise stands for courage and the resilience that women embody every single day. For her, the box office performance is secondary to the conversations the films spark. “I am grateful, humbled, and more determined than ever to continue telling stories that matter,” she expressed, underlining her commitment to meaningful cinema.
With Mardaani 3, the franchise has achieved what she calls a “hat-trick” of hits. Yet, Rani believes that commercial success is not the most significant achievement. Instead, she values the fact that the films consistently bring pressing social issues into mainstream discussion. Each installment has tackled crimes that are disturbing and uncomfortable, but necessary to confront.
She pointed out that even if a single girl is targeted or harmed, it reflects a collective failure of society. For Rani, the message of Mardaani has always been a call to action — a reminder not to look away from crimes simply because they may not directly affect us. She hopes that over the years, the conversations generated by the franchise have made audiences more aware, attentive and responsible.
Explaining why the series continues to resonate with viewers, Rani said it addresses subjects that are real, urgent and deeply relevant. While the films may appear to be cop dramas on the surface, she believes they go beyond the conventions of the genre. According to her, the franchise is not merely about thrilling chases or high-stakes investigations; it is about confronting truths that society often hesitates to face.
She highlighted cinema’s power to hold up a mirror to reality. The crimes depicted in the Mardaani films are not fictional exaggerations but reflections of issues that demand attention. By presenting them through a strong female protagonist, the franchise reinforces the idea that fear should never overpower justice.
For Rani, the emotional core of the series lies in empowerment. Shivani Shivaji Roy is not portrayed as invincible but as someone driven by conviction and empathy. That combination, she believes, has helped audiences connect with the character across all three films. The consistency of that message — that courage can challenge even the darkest realities — has ensured the franchise’s lasting appeal.
The actor also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with portraying such a character. Over the years, she has received messages from women who felt inspired by Shivani’s strength. Those reactions, she said, reaffirm her belief that storytelling can influence attitudes and spark dialogue.
As Mardaani 3 continues its successful run, Rani remains focused on the broader purpose behind the franchise. For her, its enduring popularity proves that audiences are willing to engage with difficult themes when they are presented with honesty and conviction.
She concluded by saying that as long as the message — that fear should never win — remains relevant, the Mardaani franchise will continue to find a place in people’s hearts. More than a film series, it stands as a reminder that justice requires courage, awareness and collective responsibility.