The box office trajectory of Mardaani 3, starring the formidable Rani Mukerji, took a significant and encouraging leap on its ninth day, specifically Saturday, February 7, 2026. After a relatively quiet second Friday where the film earned approximately 1.85 crore, the hard-hitting action thriller witnessed a robust growth of nearly 80%, netting a solid 3.5 crore on its second Saturday.
This surge in collections is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mardaani franchise and the specific “word-of-mouth” momentum that Rani Mukerji’s portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy consistently generates.
By the end of its ninth day, the film’s total domestic net collection stood at approximately 30.50 crore, effectively crossing the psychological 30 crore mark and setting the stage for a strong finish to its second weekend.
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, this third installment takes a “darker, deadlier, and more brutal” turn as Shivani Roy investigates a harrowing child-trafficking syndicate in the heart of Delhi. This plot has resonated deeply with urban audiences despite the crowded theatrical window.
The performance of Mardaani 3 is particularly noteworthy given the intense competition it faces from the war epic Border 2, which has been dominating a massive chunk of the screen count and audience attention.
Despite this “patriotic wave” and the release of newer titles like Vadh 2, the Rani Mukerji-led film managed to record an overall Hindi occupancy of 20.49% on Saturday, with footfalls peaking significantly during the night shows at nearly 30%. This trend highlights a clear preference for the film in major metropolitan hubs like Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi-NCR, where the franchise has traditionally performed well.
For instance, Pune recorded a standout occupancy of over 31%, signaling that the “tough cop” narrative remains a major draw for family audiences and female viewers in these regions. The film’s ability to grow in its second week—a feat often difficult for sequels—suggests that it is benefiting from a lack of high-stakes competition in the mid-budget thriller genre this month.
Comparative Analysis of the Mardaani FranchiseFilmRelease YearFirst Week (Nett)Lifetime Collection (India Nett)Mardaani201422.87 cr35.65 crMardaani 2201928.05 cr47.35 crMardaani 3202626.30 cr30.50 cr (as of Day 9)As the film moves into its second Sunday, trade analysts are projecting another healthy jump, with estimates suggesting a potential 4 crore haul, which would push the total closer to the 35 crore lifetime of the original 2014 Mardaani.
While it still has some distance to cover to match the 47.35 crore benchmark set by Mardaani 2, the controlled budget and strong non-theatrical recoveries—including lucrative OTT and satellite deals—ensure that the project is on its way to being a commercial success for Yash Raj Films. The critical reception has been largely positive, praising Mukerji’s “sheer authority” on screen and the film’s refusal to treat sensitive crimes as mere spectacles.
Even as it faces the upcoming Valentine’s Day weekend releases like O Romeo, Mardaani 3 appears to have carved out its own niche. The “Saturday jump” has not only stabilized the film’s run but has also reaffirmed that Shivani Shivaji Roy remains one of the most bankable and respected female characters in modern Indian cinema. With a worldwide gross already exceeding 50 crore, the film is proving that grit and social relevance can still hold their own against the heavy-duty masala blockbusters of the season.
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