‘Even one girl affected is a failure’

bollywood star Rani Mukherjee “I am very pleased with the success ofMardani 3,” but the actor says the commercial milestone is secondary to the conversation the film sparked around crimes against women.

The series, which follows Mumbai supercop Sivani Shivaji Roy as he takes on predators who target women and children, has now spanned 12 years and seen three films, each dealing with a distinct social crime.

With “Mardaani 3” now the highest-grossing entry in the franchise, surpassing its predecessor’s INR71.7 billion ($7.8 million), Mukerji says the numbers are less important than the recognition they represent to her. “It is great to have achieved a hat-trick of hits with ‘Mardaani’, but that is not as important as discussing very important social issues that deserve the attention of all of us,” she says. “We will always ask that we tackle these crimes head on and not look away because it may not affect us.”

“When a girl is affected, targeted and attacked, it is a failure of our society that we fail to protect her,” Mukerji adds. “So, I hope that the conversation that the ‘Mardaani’ franchise has been creating over the years has resulted in us being more aware and paying more careful attention.”

Mukerji talks about what the franchise’s continued audience connection means to her. “I have always believed that ‘Mardaani’ is not just a film, but a voice – a voice for all women who refuse to be silenced. The love and success of ‘Mardaani 3’ feels very personal, because it tells us that the audience is not just watching someone like Shivani Shivaji Roy, they are standing with her for justice, for the victory of good over evil.”

As for the franchise’s remaining strength in a genre historically dominated by male stars, Mukerji acknowledges its unwavering theme. “It’s not just a cop series. It’s about confronting truths we often hesitate to see. The crimes we cover are uncomfortable, and movies have the power to hold that mirror up,” she says. “The most important thing is that the ‘Mardaani’ franchise symbolizes the idea that fear should never win. And as long as that message remains relevant, I think the franchise will continue to have a place in people’s hearts.”

“Mardaani 3” is directed and produced by Abhiraj Minawala. Aditya Chopra for india Yash Raj Films.