Bollywood star Rani Mukerji is thrilled with the success of ‘Mardaani 3’, but says the commercial milestone is secondary to the buzz the film has generated over crimes against women.
The series, which follows Mumbai super cop Shivani Shivaji Roy as she confronts predators targeting women and children, has been running for 12 years now and has produced three films, each dealing with a different social crime.
With “Mardaani 3” currently the highest-grossing film in the series, surpassing its predecessor with 717 billion rupees ($7.8 million) worldwide, Mukerji says the numbers don’t matter to her, more than the recognition they represent. “It’s great to have scored a hat-trick with ‘Mardaani’, but it’s not as important as us trying to discuss a very important social issue that deserves attention,” she says. “There is always a call to tackle crimes like this head on and not look away because it may not affect us.”
“Even if one girl was victimized, targeted and attacked, it is a failure of our society that we were not able to protect her,” Mukherji added. “So I hope that because of the conversations that the ‘Mardaani’ series has generated over the years, we can become more aware, more careful and attentive.”
Reflecting on what the series’ continued connection with viewers has meant to her, Mukherji said, “I have always believed that ‘Mardaani’ is more than just a film, it is a voice – the voice of every woman who refuses to be silenced.’ 3’s love and success feels very personal because it teaches the audience not only that they are watching the journey of someone like Shivani Shivaji Roy, but that they are standing with her for justice and for the victory of the good fight.
In a genre historically dominated by male stars, Mukherji credits the series’ staying power to its unflinching subject matter. “This is more than just a police series. It’s a story that confronts us with truths we’re often reluctant to look at. The crimes we cover are unpleasant, but movies have the power to hold up a mirror to them,” she says. “Most importantly, the Mardaani series represents the idea that fear should never win. And as long as that message remains meaningful, I think the series will continue to find a place in people’s hearts.”
‘Mardaani 3’ is directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra for India’s Yash Raj Films.
