The trailer for Mardaani 3, directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced under Yash Raj Films, dropped earlier this month and has already racked up over 100 million views across platforms. Starring Rani Mukerji reprising her iconic role as the no-nonsense cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, this third installment in the franchise promises to be the darkest and most brutal yet, diving headfirst into the horrors of child trafficking. Clocking in at around 3 minutes, the trailer is a high-octane mix of suspense, raw emotion, and gritty action that feels like a natural escalation from the previous films, but with higher stakes and a formidable female antagonist.
Mardaani 3 Plot
The story picks up with Shivani being pulled into the National Investigation Agency (NIA) without any downtime, as an urgent kidnapping case explodes in Bulandshahr. Two young girls have vanished without a trace, but it quickly escalates revealing 93 girls aged 8 to 11 from impoverished families have gone missing in just three months. This isn’t a isolated incident; it’s tied to a massive child trafficking ring operated by the beggar mafia in Kusumpur, Delhi.
At the center is the ruthless “Amma,” a powerful and merciless woman who has abducted at least 1,000 children over time, supplying girls for exploitation and even haggling over their “price” like commodities (bumping it from 2 lakh to 10 lakh per body). Shivani’s mission is clear: target Amma, set up checkposts at city exits, raid every corner, and rescue the girls before it’s too late.
Corruption within the police force adds layers of betrayal, with officers taking cuts from the mafia, and the threat turns personal when Amma gets a tip-off about Shivani’s home address. It’s a violent clash between justice and evil, emphasizing themes of exploitation, female empowerment, and the fight against systemic rot.
Mardaani 3 Trailer Review
Diving into the YouTube trailer itself, it’s a masterclass in building tension right from the opening countdown: “1, 2, 3, 4, 5. I’m coming,” paired with chilling cries of “Shut your mouth! Leave me!” that set a haunting tone. The visuals are stark and unflinching dark urban underbellies, shadowy mafia dens, and frantic raids that capture the chaos of Delhi’s underbelly. Key scenes include Shivani storming into NIA briefings, demanding lists of missing girls, and barking orders like “Hang our informers upside down. The scum will talk,” showcasing her unyielding determination. Amma’s introduction is terrifying: luring kids with false promises like “Ever seen the sea? Amma will show it to you!” while a eerie lullaby (“O sweet sleep! Sleep peacefully in my lap”) plays over abduction montages, adding a layer of psychological horror.
The action sequences hint at brutal confrontations Shivani declaring, “You’re unlucky you crossed a cop who doesn’t take a cut. But cuts people like you,” during a face-off with a corrupt officer, and commands to “Bury them. Be discreet” underscoring the no-mercy vibe. The music by John Stewart Eduri amps up the urgency with pulsating beats during raids, while the sound design repetitive “Come, come, come” chants and victim screams heightens the emotional gut-punch. It’s gritty and realistic, avoiding over-the-top Bollywood flair for a more grounded, web-series-like intensity, which some might see as a double-edged sword.
Rani Mukerji looks phenomenal, channeling Shivani’s fire with lines like “I swear. They’ll regret their existence,” hinting at a career-defining performance that’s both emotionally and physically demanding. Mallika Prasad as Amma steals scenes with her menacing presence, making this a rare woman-vs-woman showdown that’s fresh and intimidating. The editing is sharp, but the trailer does feel a tad long, revealing major plot beats (like the trafficking scale and personal threats) that might spoil surprises for some viewers.
Overall, this trailer is a banger, high on drama, thrills, and social relevance, proving the franchise is evolving by addressing real-world atrocities like child exploitation without pulling punches. It’s not just another cop drama; it’s a call to arms, and if the film delivers on this promise, it could be Rani’s most intense outing yet. With a U/A 16+ certificate and a runtime of 2 hours 10 minutes, expect a traumatizing ride when Mardaani 3 hits theaters on January 30, 2026.
Rating the trailer: 4/5 gripping, but save some mystery for the screen.
Follow Bing Maverick for more reviews like this.
