The anticipation around Rani Mukerji Mardaani 3 is steadily building, and the film has now crossed one of its most important milestones. After a detailed review, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has officially granted the film a U/A 16+ certificate, following a series of crucial edits. With this clearance, the film is all set for its theatrical release, much to the excitement of fans who have been waiting to see Shivani Shivaji Roy return to the big screen.
Known for its bold storytelling and strong social messaging, the Mardaani franchise has never shied away from uncomfortable truths. Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3 continues this legacy, but not without making a few responsible adjustments to meet certification guidelines.
Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3 Cleared by CBFC With U/A 16+ Rating
According to certification details finalized on January 14, Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3 has been approved with a U/A 16+ certificate. The final runtime of the film is 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 7 seconds. While the CBFC appreciated the film’s strong intent and socially relevant subject, it recommended several changes to ensure the content remained suitable for a wider audience.
The U/A rating allows teenagers above 16 to watch the film under parental guidance, ensuring the movie retains its hard-hitting nature without being restricted to adult-only viewers.
Why CBFC Asked for Crucial Edits in Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3
Dialogue and Language Changes
One of the main areas flagged during certification was the film’s dialogue and subtitles. Since Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3 deals with sensitive topics like kidnapping, trafficking, and organized crime, the CBFC advised certain word replacements to soften the language without diluting the message.
Some of the key dialogue-related edits include:
The Hindi word “bachhi” was replaced with “ladki” in specific scenes
In English subtitles, the word “whore”* was changed to “trader.”
Explicit references to sexual organs and abusive slang were replaced with neutral terms
Lines perceived as negative references to the Government of India were modified to maintain neutrality
These changes played a major role in ensuring Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3 received a U/A certificate instead of an ‘A’ rating.
Visual and Contextual Modifications
Apart from language, the CBFC also reviewed the film’s visual content. A scene involving physical violence against a girl was altered to reduce its graphic impact. While the emotional weight of the scene remains intact, the visuals were adjusted to make them less disturbing.
Because the film touches on sexual exploitation, the makers were also required to submit age proof of actors involved in sensitive scenes. This confirmed that no minors were used during the filming of such sequences.
In addition, references to specific countries were removed from certain scenes to avoid diplomatic concerns. The filmmakers also submitted a written clarification regarding a dialogue spoken by the kidnappers, helping smooth the certification process for Rani Mukerji Mardaani 3.
Mardaani 3 Trailer: Shivani Shivaji Roy Joins the NIA
The release of the Mardaani 3 trailer has already generated strong reactions online. The trailer reveals a significant shift in Shivani Shivaji Roy’s journey. This time, Rani Mukerji’s character is seen joining the National Investigation Agency (NIA), expanding the scale of the investigation like never before.
A Chilling Case at the Core
The story revolves around the kidnapping of two young girls, which leads Shivani into the dark and disturbing world of an organized beggar mafia. What initially appears to be a local crime soon uncovers a much larger network exploiting vulnerable people under the guise of poverty.
This darker, more complex narrative reinforces why Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3 required careful scrutiny and crucial edits before certification.
Social Awareness Remains Central to Rani Mukerji Mardaani 3
True to the franchise’s roots, Rani Mukerji Mardaani 3 goes beyond being a crime thriller. One of the most important additions requested by the CBFC was the inclusion of informational slides on child and women trafficking.
These segments aim to educate viewers by highlighting real-world issues, statistics, and awareness messages related to trafficking. The move strengthens the film’s social impact and aligns with the Mardaani series’ long-standing mission of using cinema as a tool for awareness.
Why the U/A 16+ Certificate Matters
The U/A 16+ rating is significant because it allows the film to reach a broader audience while maintaining its raw and realistic tone. An adult-only certificate could have limited the film’s reach, especially among younger viewers who are old enough to understand the seriousness of the subject.
By granting Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3 a U/A certificate, the CBFC has ensured that the film remains impactful, responsible, and accessible.
Rani Mukerji Mardaani 3: Key Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Rani Mukerji |
| Character | Shivani Shivaji Roy |
| Organization | National Investigation Agency (NIA) |
| Release Date | January 30, 2026 |
| Runtime | 137 minutes |
| CBFC Certificate | U/A 16+ |
The Powerful Legacy of the Mardaani Franchise
Since 2014, the Mardaani franchise has earned a reputation for fearless storytelling. The first film exposed human trafficking, while Mardaani 2 tackled crimes committed by juveniles. Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3 continues this tradition by exploring the organized crime behind begging rackets and exploitation.
Rani Mukerji’s portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy has consistently stood out for its realism. She plays a cop driven by intelligence, empathy, and moral conviction rather than exaggerated action sequences. Her transition to the NIA in this film signals a story that operates on a much larger scale.
Final Verdict on Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3
As the release date draws closer, excitement around the film continues to grow. Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3 getting a U/A certificate from the CBFC after crucial edits ensures that its powerful message remains intact while meeting certification standards.
With its release now set for January 30, audiences can expect a gripping blend of intense investigation, emotional depth, and social awareness. Packed with strong performances and a hard-hitting narrative, Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3 stands poised to be one of the most impactful Hindi films of the year.