After taking the stage by storm with her breakout performance in Shaitaan, Janki Bodiwala is not resting on what she has already achieved. The emerging star has now officially joined Rani Mukerji in Mardaani 3, the third part of YRF’s edgy cop franchise that isn’t afraid to get gritty, just like its leading character. And this time, the badge is shared.
Rani Mukerji Is Back. And She’s Not Alone.
With the intent of taking the franchise in a new direction with Mardaani 3, Rani Mukerji is back as Shivani Shivaji Roy, the spunky police officer who gave audiences on-screen bravado and a deeper meaning of the spirit of policing. However, she is adding a fresh face this time around and will not be carrying the case alone.
With a new purpose, Janki Bodiwala slides in as a young, dynamic police officer in the film — a new recruit, with the hope to add a new life to the story. This represents a generational leap of the Mardaani universe with the chaos of policing and mentorship in a story that is expected to further address another pressing social emergency.
Sources close to the production have advised that Janki’s casting was cemented a week after her performance in Shaitaan impressed both Rani and Aditya Chopra.
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, With a Release Date set for Holi 2026
The film is looking to premiere in theatres on Holi 2026, and from trade sources, YRF is spending substantial cash on action choreography, emotional grit, and a good, tight, well-told story to really raise the stakes for this edition.
What Janki Brings to the Beat
Janki Bodiwala may be new to the Hindi film space, but her run in Shaitaan—that still stood firm beside Ajay Devgn—illustrates she can hold her own among the heavyweights. In Mardaani 3, expect her to derive her character’s origin from a raw, reactive, and immediately fight-aligned character parallel to Shivani Shivaji Roy.
This is not to say this casting a sidekick. This is creating a handover in spirit—an extension of the cop universe headed by women who don’t flinch when the fire doors open.
YRF Expanding Slate – All Aboard for 2026
Adding Mardaani 3 to Yash Raj Films’ already hit-laden slate, we have:
- Saiyara (hitting doors July 18, 2025)
- War 2 (August 14, 2025)
- Alpha (hitting doors December 25, 2025)
- And yes, the whispers of Pathaan 2 and Dhoom 4 are all primed to make the venue burst.
But prior to all the shiny sheen, Mardaani 3 will also hold form to YRF’s most socially aware and performance-driven entry—a gritty show to get lost amid the spectacle from all the tent poles.
BoxOfficeWorldwide Verdict:
Janki Bodiwala joining the Mardaani universe isn’t just a victory in casting—it’s an indication. YRF is banking on new, ferocious female energy and pain point stories. As Holi 2026 arrives, this badge will stand for even more bite.
