Rani Mukerji To Star In Dhoom 4, YRF's Next Spy-Verse Film? Mardaani 3 Actor Says, 'I Have...'

For over two decades, Yash Raj Films (YRF) has been one of Hindi cinema’s most influential studios. But, under the vision of Aditya Chopra, it has evolved into a creator of interconnected cinematic universes. What began as a knack for blockbuster storytelling matured into a strategic world building exercise, first with the adrenaline charged Dhoom films and later with the massively popular YRF Spy Universe. But will his wife and actress, Rani Mukerji, be a part of these cinematic universes?

At a recent event where Karan Johar interviewed Rani Mukerji, the filmmaker recalled asking the actress if she would be seen in either of the cinematic universes. Rani Mukerji’s witty reply left Karan Johar impressed. The filmmaker recounted, “I remember asking you, ‘Rani, he has a spy verse, he has a Dhoom verse, when are you in his universe?’ And you turned around and said, ‘Darling, I have my own.'”

Rani Mukerji was talking about the Mardaani films, which YRF also backs. Karan Johar said, “You were absolutely right. Mardaani is your female led cop verse. It’s the first… we talk about the Singham verse, spy verse and the horror comedy verse. But you have been leading a female cop verse."

Karan Johar mentioned, “This is part three, which is releasing… and you’ve led it silently and strongly… never made a big deal about it. Part three, in this time, which is led by so much testosterone and alpha male energy. You’ve been showing that in this verse forever."

Mardaani 3 Trailer

The makers of Rani Mukerji’s hard hitting cop franchise, Mardaani, recently unveiled the trailer of its third instalment, bringing back the actor as the relentless and fearless IPS officer Shivani Shivaji Roy. Staying true to the franchise’s uncompromising tone, Mardaani 3 promises another disturbing, socially relevant narrative that places Shivani at the centre of a race against time.

This time around, Shivani is seen joining the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and taking charge of a chilling case involving the kidnapping of two young girls. As Shivani digs deeper into the investigation, the case spirals into something far more sinister. The trailer reveals a nationwide human trafficking network run by an elderly woman named Amma, played by Mallika Prasad.

The film will be out in theatres on January 30.

What makes the Mardaani franchise stand apart is its refusal to glamorize crime or soften its impact. Instead, the films confront harsh realities head on, forcing audiences to engage with uncomfortable truths. Rani Mukerji’s portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy has always been rooted in restraint and resolve, avoiding exaggerated heroics while delivering quiet authority. This grounded approach has helped the franchise earn credibility among viewers who appreciate realism over spectacle.

Unlike many cinematic universes driven by crossover appeal, Mardaani has thrived by staying focused on its core character and theme. Each film expands Shivani’s world not through guest appearances or flashy tie ins, but through deeper emotional and ethical stakes. This consistency has allowed the series to grow organically, building trust with audiences over time rather than chasing trends.

Rani Mukerji’s remark about having her own universe also highlights a larger shift within mainstream Hindi cinema. Female led narratives are no longer positioned as exceptions or niche projects. With Mardaani, YRF backed a story that placed a woman at the center of action driven storytelling without diluting her strength or complexity. The success of the franchise has quietly challenged long held assumptions about what audiences will support.

As Mardaani 3 gears up for release, expectations are high not because of spectacle, but because of its promise to remain honest and fearless. The introduction of a villain like Amma suggests a layered conflict that moves beyond conventional antagonists. If the earlier films are any indication, the third installment is likely to continue the franchise’s tradition of prioritizing substance over noise.

In an era dominated by loud cinematic universes and aggressive marketing, Mardaani stands as proof that restraint, purpose, and conviction can be just as powerful. Rani Mukerji may not be stepping into the Spy Universe or the Dhoom Universe, but her presence anchors a universe that has carved its own identity, one defined by grit, conscience, and quiet strength.

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Rani Mukerji, Mardaani 3, Yash Raj Films, Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar, Hindi cinema, Bollywood news, female led films, IPS Shivani Shivaji Roy, upcoming Bollywood movies