Mardaani 3: Is Mallika Prasad's Amma more formidable than other villains? Rani Mukerji reveals

Mardaani 3 features a formidable female villain, Amma, played by Mallika Prasad. Ahead of the January 30 theatrical release, Rani Mukerji opened up about the Mardaani series' villains.

Rani Mukerji and Mallika Prasad in Mardaani 3

In Mardaani 3, the antagonist Amma, portrayed by Mallika Prasad is a calculating and cold "beggar-mafia queen" running a child trafficking network. She acts as a powerful, mentally intense and terrifying antagonist against Rani Mukerji's Shivani Shivaji Roy, marking a darker, more complex turn for the franchise. In a new interview, Rani opened up about the villains of the Mardaani franchise and praised Mallika.

How does Mardaani franchise choose villains?

In an interview with New Indian Express, Rani Mukerji was asked about the process of choosing a formidable antagonist. While Mardaani had Tahir Raj Bhasin, Vishal Jethwa featured as the antagonist in Mardaani 2, and now Mallika Prasad will play Amma, the female antagonist in Mardaani 3.

Speaking about the same, Rani said that the main person to make these decisions is Adi (YRF head Aditya Chopra). He has to feel that the person actually suits the part.

"I don't think he casts on the basis of who these people are and where they come from. Apart from him, there is also Shanoo (Casting director Shanoo Sharma), the director and me. It has to be bang on for everybody. For Mallika, I think it was just her demeanour. She really fit like a glove into the part of Amma. She is also a very accomplished theatre artist, so that really added to the whole thing," she added.

About Mardaani 3

Mardaani 3, directed by Abhiraj Minawala, is a 2026 Hindi-language action-thriller produced by Yash Raj Films, featuring Rani Mukerji in her iconic role as the fearless police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy. Scheduled for a theatrical release on January 30, 2026, the film is described as the "darkest and most intense" instalment in the franchise.

Shivani Shivaji Roy (currently with the National Investigation Agency) is tasked with solving a disturbing case involving the disappearance of more than 90 young women in a matter of months. The investigation uncovers a vast human trafficking ring run by a powerful and ruthless "beggar mafia" queen known as "Amma".

The story is a high-stakes, race-against-time investigation where Shivani must contend with a calculating female adversary who poses a serious physical and mental challenge for her.

Also Read: Mardaani 3 Trailer OUT: Rani Mukerji’s Shivani Roy fights merciless female villain to save missing girls

Mardaani 3 FAQs

Q: When is Mardaani 3 releasing?

A: Mardaani 3 will hit theatres on January 30, 2026.

Q: What is the story of Mardaani 3?

A: Mardaani 3 brings back Rani Mukerji as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, who takes on a ruthless female villain, "Amma" (Mallika Prasad), leading a massive child trafficking ring across India.

Q: Where to watch Mardaani and Mardaani 2?

A: Both Mardaani and Mardaani 2 are streaming on Netflix. Meanwhile, Mardaani 3 will also land on Netflix after its theatrical run.

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