Rani Mukerji has returned to the big screen as the formidable Shivani Shivaji Roy, and her latest case has opened to a steady stream of audiences. Mardaani 3, the much-anticipated third instalment of Yash Raj Films’ crime thriller franchise, collected an estimated Rs 3.80 crore net on its first day in India. This opening, described by trade analysts as “decent” and “steady,” matches the Day 1 performance of its 2019 predecessor, Mardaani 2, signalling a consistent fan base for the serious-toned series.
The film’s release is a dual celebration: it marks the return of a beloved character and coincides with Rani Mukerji completing 30 years in the Indian film industry. Facing direct competition from the second-week run of the mega-hit Border 2, Mardaani 3‘s ability to carve out its own space and attract audiences is the first sign of a film that relies more on strong storytelling and a powerful performance than sheer commercial spectacle.
Day 1 Breakdown: A Closer Look at the Numbers
The reported Rs 3.80 crore comes from early estimates by industry tracker Sacnilk. While some outlets have reported a slightly lower figure of Rs 3.48 crore, the consensus points to the 3.80 crore mark, placing it on par with Mardaani 2‘s opening.
A more telling metric than the total sum is the occupancy trend throughout the day. The film started modestly with an 8.97% occupancy in morning shows. However, this figure saw a healthy climb as the day progressed—reaching 14.78% in the afternoon, 17.13% in the evening, and jumping to 31.14% for night shows. This rising curve suggests positive word-of-mouth from early viewers, a crucial factor for the film’s weekend performance.
Geographically, the film performed strongest in the Mumbai circuit, followed by Delhi-NCR and Mysore. This urban-centric pattern is traditional for the franchise, which has historically found its core audience in metropolitan centers.
Mardaani 3 vs. The Franchise and the Competition
Understanding Mardaani 3‘s opening requires two comparisons: one with its own franchise history and another with the current box office landscape.
Franchise Comparison: Holding Its Ground
- Mardaani (2014): Opened at Rs 3.44 crore.
- Mardaani 2 (2019): Opened at Rs 3.80 crore.
- Mardaani 3 (2026): Opened at Rs 3.80 crore.
By matching Mardaani 2, the third instalment becomes the biggest opener in the franchise, albeit by a slim margin. It’s important to view this through the lens of a changed market. As analysts note, the theatrical market for serious, non-masala films is weaker today than in 2019. When adjusted for inflation, Mardaani 2‘s opening would be significantly higher in today’s terms. Therefore, matching the nominal value is considered a fair achievement in the current climate.
Box Office Competition: David vs. Goliath
The real challenge for Mardaani 3 was never its predecessors, but the juggernaut already in theatres: Border 2. The Sunny Deol-led patriotic war drama was in its second week but remained a dominant force. On its 8th day, Border 2 earned approximately Rs 11 crore, nearly three times Mardaani 3‘s opening day.
This competition directly impacted screen count. Border 2 was running on close to 5,000 screens nationwide, while Mardaani 3 had a more limited release with around 2,300-2,400 shows. For instance, in Delhi-NCR, Border 2 had 1,273 shows compared to Mardaani 3‘s 526. Despite this disparity, Mardaani 3 managed to record higher morning occupancy than Border 2 on its first day, a small but symbolic victory for the female-led thriller.
The Bigger Picture: Story, Significance, and Sustainability
The Mardaani series has built its reputation on tackling hard-hitting social issues. The first film dealt with human trafficking, and the second focused on crimes against women. Mardaani 3 continues this tradition, with Superintendent Shivani Shivaji Roy investigating the disappearance of 93 young girls over three months, uncovering a chilling criminal network.
Rani Mukerji’s performance has been widely praised, with reviews highlighting her as the film’s unwavering backbone. Director Abhiraj Minawala and writer Aayush Gupta have crafted a narrative that, according to critics, “foregoes levity in favour of stark visuals” to match the emotional weight of its subject.
For the film to be a commercial success, the opening day is just the starting point. The key will be its weekend growth. Mardaani 2 followed its Rs 3.80 crore opening with an Rs 18 crore weekend and a lifetime domestic total of around Rs 46 crore. Trade circles are now watching to see if Mardaani 3 can mirror or exceed that trajectory. A significant advantage working in its favour is a controlled production budget. Reports indicate the film was made cost-effectively, which lowers the box office threshold needed for profitability and strengthens its position for non-theatrical recoveries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the total worldwide collection for Mardaani 3 on Day 1?
Early estimates suggest that along with the approximately Rs 3.80 crore net in India, the film earned about Rs 2.50 crore from overseas markets. This puts its global first-day total around Rs 6-7 crore.
2. How does Mardaani 3‘s opening compare to other recent female-led films?
Mardaani 3‘s opening is respectable within its niche. It opened higher than Kareena Kapoor’s The Buckingham Murders (Rs 1.15 crore) and Yami Gautam’s Haq (Rs 1.75 crore). However, it opened lower than Yami Gautam’s Article 370 (Rs 5.9 crore) and Alia Bhatt’s Jigra (Rs 4.25 crore). It also outperformed Rani’s own recent films like Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, which opened at Rs 1.27 crore.
3. Is Mardaani 3 the final film in the franchise?
There has been no official announcement from Yash Raj Films or the creators declaring Mardaani 3 as the final chapter. The consistent opening shows the audience is still invested in Shivani Shivaji Roy’s journey, so future instalments remain a possibility.
4. Why is this release special for Rani Mukerji?
This film marks Rani Mukerji’s 30th anniversary in the Indian film industry. Returning as her iconic cop character to headline a major franchise film is a powerful testament to her enduring star power and commitment to roles that drive social conversation.
A Steady Start for a Story That Matters
Mardaani 3‘s box office journey has begun not with a explosive boom, but with a steady, determined stride—much like its protagonist. In a marketplace crowded with spectacle, its value lies in its conviction. It proves there is still a dedicated audience for a well-made thriller led by a powerhouse performer, even when the themes are grim and the competition is fierce.
The real test begins now. If the strong evening occupancies and positive critical response translate into solid word-of-mouth, Mardaani 3 has the potential to show sustained legs over the weekend and beyond. Its success would be a win not just for a beloved franchise, but for the idea that mainstream Hindi cinema has room for serious, women-led narratives that entertain while they provoke thought.
