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EYE ON BOLLYWOOD FEBRUARY 27, 2026 | The Indian Eye 34

‘Mardaani 4’ Only When

the Story Demands It: Abhiraj Minawala

on Expanding a Powerful Franchise

After the success of ‘Mardaani 3’, the makers signal openness to a fourth

chapter—if the script lives up to the legacy.

OUR BUREAU
up in the first film. My job was to en-
Mumbai sure every character, even those ap-
pearing briefly, was given equal im-
irector Abhiraj Minawala has portance so the story moves forward
opened up about his jour-
Dney with Mardaani 3 and the organically,” he said.
The film’s reception appears to
possibility of taking the acclaimed
franchise forward with a fourth in- have validated that effort. Minawala
described the audience response as
stalment, making it clear that the fu-
ture of Shivani Shivaji Roy depends overwhelming.
“No one can decide the success
entirely on the strength of the story. of a film. Content and audience are
Following the success of
Mardaani 3, Minawala said the team the kings. I have received many di-
rect messages from viewers thanking
is open to continuing the journey of me for making such a film. That was
the fearless cop portrayed by Rani unexpected and very motivating,” he
Mukerji. However, he emphasised added.
that the franchise will only move
ahead when a script worthy of its leg-
acy is in place. The franchise’s strength also
Speaking to reporters, Minawa- lies in Rani Mukerji’s command-
la said, “‘Mardaani 4’, I think, should
be made. More films should be made. ing portrayal of Shivani. Actor
‘Mardaani’ 1 and 2 empowered us to Vishal Jethwa, who played a piv-
make ‘Mardaani 3’. But of course, if
you see ‘Mardaani 2,’ which came otal role in Mardaani 2, recently
out in 2019 and is now in 2026. The Vishal Jethwa, Rani Mukherji and director Gopi Puthran during the promotion of their action reunited with Rani at a special
important thing in this is that I think
‘Mardaani 4’ should be made only thriller Hindi film ‘Mardaani 2’, in Mumbai (ANI file photo) screening of Mardaani 3 and
when we have the right script, the did not hold back in his praise.
right story.” tion for impactful, issue-driven story- this phase that producer Aditya
That careful approach reflects telling. Each chapter has expanded Chopra encouraged him to read the
the franchise’s identity. Since its in- the moral and emotional universe of script of Mardaani 3. “‘Mardaani’ will always be very
ception, Mardaani has carved a dis- Shivani, positioning her not just as a “Once I read it, I liked it a lot. I special to me, and so will Rani
tinct space in Hindi cinema by tack- cop, but as a symbol of justice con- knew I had to make it 100 per cent. ma’am. Working with her has been
ling hard-hitting, socially relevant fronting systemic rot. The story connected with me at a one of the most important learning
issues through the lens of a strong Minawala’s own journey with very different level. It touched me experiences of my life. She leads by
female protagonist. Yash Raj Films (YRF) mirrors the not just as a director, but as a fa- example with honesty, strength, and
Directed by Abhiraj Minawa- franchise’s evolution. He shared that ther,” Minawala said, hinting at the so much grace. Reuniting with her at
la and produced by Aditya Chopra, his association with the production emotional core that drives the film the screening brought back so many
Mardaani 3 continues that legacy, house began years ago as an assistant beyond its thriller elements. memories, and I couldn’t be more
with Rani Mukerji reprising her role director. “I have been associated with Calling Mardaani a respected grateful to have been a part of this
as the bold and relentless Shivani YRF for many years. My journey ac- and established franchise, Minawala journey,” he said.
Shivaji Roy. tually started with ‘Rocket Singh’. I credited the earlier films for laying a He added, “‘Mardaani’ is Rani
The first film spotlighted the worked as an assistant director for a strong foundation. He acknowledged Mukerji ma’am, and Rani Muker-
grim underworld of human traffick- long time, constantly moving from the work of filmmaker Pradeep Sark- ji ma’am is Mardaani. No one can
ing, while Mardaani 2 explored the film to film,” he said. ar, who directed the first instalment, perform Shivani Shivaji Roy better
chilling psyche of a brutal serial of- Over time, he became deeply in- and Gopi Puthran, who helmed the then Rani ma’am. Saw Mardaani 3
fender. The third instalment dives volved in designing action sequences second part. and she again proved that she is Rani
into another dark and urgent social and contributing to creative discus- “The toughest work was done Mukerji for a reason I want to come
issue, reinforcing the series’ reputa- sions across projects. It was during when the world of Mardaani was set back as villain in Mardaani 4.”

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