Rani Mukerji Roars Back in ‘Mardaani 3’ Amid Bollywood’s Growing Credibility Crisis
Amidst this environment of “deception” and “orchestrated hype,” Mardaani 3 seeks to maintain its standing by focusing on unyielding justice and raising awareness for critical social issues.
RMN Stars Bollywood Desk
New Delhi | January 21, 2026
Yash Raj Films has officially heightened the anticipation for Mardaani 3 with the release of its latest track, “Babbar Sherni,” featuring Rani Mukerji in her iconic role as the fierce cop Shivani Shivaji Roy. The film, which is set to hit theaters worldwide on January 30, 2026, follows Roy in a high-stakes race against time to rescue 93 missing girls.
The new anthem, “Babbar Sherni,” is described by Mukerji as a “powerful sonic embodiment of the film’s soul”. Composed and produced by Sarthak Kalyani with lyrics by Shruti Shukla and a rap segment by Dee MC, the song serves as a tribute to female strength and the resolve to bring about societal change. Mukerji stated that the track is an “emotional and ideological extension” of her character, channeling “courage and quiet rage” into a rallying cry for women who refuse to back down.
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Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, the Mardaani franchise remains India’s only successful female-led franchise and the only one centered on a female police officer. This third installment continues the series’ commitment to socially relevant storytelling; while previous films confronted human trafficking and serial rapists, the new chapter dives into another “dark and pressing societal reality”.
However, the excitement surrounding this blockbuster release is tempered by a severe credibility crisis currently engulfing Bollywood. The industry is reportedly struggling with a shift toward a “pay-to-play ecosystem,” where genuine critical discourse has been replaced by paid reviews and manipulated narratives.
Experts estimate that 70-80% of all film reviews are now paid for, facilitated by PR firms that offer “rate cards” to filmmakers. These marketing packages, which can cost between five million and 50 million rupees, guarantee orchestrated hype through positive social media engagement and artificial online trends.
Furthermore, the industry faces accusations of exploiting India’s political climate to ensure financial returns. Some recent films have been criticized for prioritizing divisive themes—such as anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim sentiments—over creative merit to appeal to specific demographics.
Amidst this environment of “deception” and “orchestrated hype,” Mardaani 3 seeks to maintain its standing by focusing on unyielding justice and raising awareness for critical social issues.
