Rani Mukerji’s much-anticipated crime thriller Mardaani 3 has opened to a steady response at the Indian box office, collecting over ₹3 crore on its first day of release. While the opening numbers may not be explosive, trade analysts believe the film has laid a solid foundation, driven by strong brand recall of the Mardaani franchise and Rani Mukerji’s powerful screen presence as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy.
The film, which released across a wide number of screens on Friday, witnessed decent occupancy in metropolitan cities, especially during evening and night shows. Urban centres such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Pune, Bengaluru, and Kolkata reported encouraging footfalls, with multiplex audiences showing particular interest. Single screens in smaller towns recorded a relatively slower start, though collections picked up gradually as the day progressed.
Mardaani 3 marks Rani Mukerji’s return to one of her most celebrated roles, a character that has come to symbolise grit, justice, and female-led action in mainstream Hindi cinema. The franchise, known for tackling hard-hitting social issues and crime narratives, has built a loyal audience over the years. This familiarity appears to have worked in the film’s favour, helping it cross the ₹3 crore mark despite limited pre-release hype.
Trade experts note that the opening day figures are in line with expectations for a serious, content-driven thriller that does not rely heavily on song-and-dance elements or mass entertainment tropes. Unlike big-budget action spectacles, Mardaani 3 caters to viewers who prefer intense storytelling and realistic performances, which often translates into steady growth over the weekend rather than a massive opening.
Early audience reactions have been largely positive, with many praising Rani Mukerji’s commanding performance and the film’s tense narrative. Social media buzz suggests that viewers have connected with the emotional depth of the story and its treatment of crime and justice. Critics, too, have highlighted the film’s sharp writing and grounded approach, factors that could contribute to strong word-of-mouth in the coming days.
The makers are now banking on the Saturday and Sunday collections to push the film into a healthier position. With positive reviews and minimal competition from other major releases, Mardaani 3 is expected to see a noticeable jump over the weekend. If the upward trend continues, the film could comfortably cross the ₹10–12 crore mark by the end of its opening weekend.
From a business perspective, the film’s controlled budget works in its favour. Being a mid-scale production, Mardaani 3 does not require blockbuster numbers to be deemed successful. A consistent run at the box office, supported by strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewership, could ensure profitability over time.
For Rani Mukerji, the film reinforces her standing as one of the few leading actresses capable of carrying a franchise on her shoulders. Her portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy has once again reminded audiences of the power of well-written female-led narratives in Hindi cinema.
As Mardaani 3 heads into its crucial weekend phase, all eyes will be on how the collections grow. A steady rise could firmly establish the film as another successful chapter in the franchise and reaffirm audience appetite for intense, socially relevant thrillers led by strong performances.
