Mardaani 3 Trailer Evokes Delhi Crime; Mallika Prasad Villain

January 12, 2026

The official trailer of Mardaani 3, starring Rani Mukerji, was released on Monday, ramping up excitement for the upcoming action thriller. The film, part of the successful Mardaani franchise, was preponed to release on January 30, 2026, and the trailer gives audiences a first look at a gritty, high-stakes mission.

Rani Mukerji returns as Supercop Shivani Shivaji Roy, taking on another dangerous case involving missing young girls and a sinister criminal network. The intense visuals, fast-paced editing and bold portrayal of crime investigations have captured fans’ attention nationwide.

Fans Compare Trailer to Delhi Crime

Many viewers online have said that the Mardaani 3 trailer reminds them of the Delhi Crime Season 3 web series — another crime thriller that center’s on police work and human trafficking. The comparison stems from the tone and theme of confronting organized crime and rescuing victims, which is at the heart of both narratives.

While Delhi Crime Season 3 follows DCP Vartika Chaturvedi and her team tackling a human trafficking network, with Shefali Shah and Huma Qureshi in key roles, Mardaani 3 focuses on Shivani Roy’s pursuit of a new antagonist and a dark criminal enterprise.

Mallika Prasad Takes on Key Antagonist Role

In Mardaani 3, actress Mallika Prasad steps into a major villainous role, filling the narrative space once inhabited by past antagonists. Early reactions suggest her character delivers a chilling presence, making her a formidable adversary for Rani’s Shivani Shivaji Roy.

The film’s plot, as previewed in the trailer, sees Shivani racing against time to unravel a shadowy network behind the disappearances, blending emotional depth with suspense-driven action a signature of the Mardaani series.

Franchise Legacy and Expectations

The Mardaani franchise is known for strong female leads, smart storytelling and intense action. Rani Mukerji’s returns to the role after multiple years adds to the anticipation, particularly as fans also celebrate her 30 years in the film industry.

With Mardaani 3 promising a darker and more brutal storyline, audiences are eager to see how the narrative unfolds when the film hits theatres at the end of January.