Mardaani 3 box office collection day 2: Rani Mukerji’s crime thriller gathers steam with franchise-best momentum; holds strong despite Border 2 wave
Mardaani 3 earned ₹10 crore in 2 days, hitting a 50% growth on Saturday. Rani Mukerji's film leads the franchise’s best start and aims for a ₹17 crore weekend despite tough competition from Border 2.
Last Updated: 09.13 AM, Feb 01, 2026
Mardaani 3, the third instalment in the gritty criminal saga, had a positive trend on its second day of release at the box office. Positive audience buzz led to a positive turn in the film's earnings on Saturday, January 31, 2026, following a respectable opening day.
How did Mardaani 3 perform on its second day of release?
As per a report in Sacnilk, the second day of the Mardaani 3 run in India brought in around ₹6 crore. The total domestic net collection for the first two days was ₹4 crore, and adding the second day's earnings brings the total to ₹10 crore. Despite stiff competition from other films at the cinemas, the film seems to be finding an audience, as earnings increased by 50% between Friday and Saturday.
The film's performance on its debut Saturday will determine its potential performance on Sunday. This consistent increase in ticket sales is likely due to the devoted fan base of the franchise as a whole as well as Rani Mukerji's continued popularity as SSP Shivani Shivaji Roy.
What was the occupancy rate on the first Saturday?
Mardaani 3 had a total Hindi occupancy of 27.51% on its first Saturday. The occupancy rates showed a clear upward trajectory throughout the day, with evening and night shows performing significantly better than the morning slots.
From a geographical perspective, the film did best in large cities. The occupancy rates were far greater in Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata, frequently surpassing 35% during the late-evening shows. In keeping with the realistic and dramatic tone of the brand, smaller markets and mass circuits have shown moderate interest.
Who directed Mardaani 3 and what are its primary themes?
The film is directed by Abhiraj Minawala, who takes the reins of the franchise under the production of Yash Raj Films. Tragic social themes, such as the kidnapping and trafficking of young girls, are at the centre of the narrative.
Mukerji, who played the heroic police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy in the original film, returns to lead the cast. Along with her, Janki Bodiwala and Mallika Prasad play important parts. Prasad portrays the lead adversary, which is a change for the film, as it features a female villain as the central threat.
How does Mardaani 3's opening compare to previous films in the franchise?
With its strongest start yet, Mardaani 3 has set the standard for the series. The opening day collections for Mardaani (2014) and Mardaani 2 (2019) were ₹3.40 crore and ₹3.80 crore, respectively. The third instalment is now ahead of the previous films in terms of initial momentum, having crossed the ₹10 crore mark in just two days.
However, with Border 2 still generating significant revenue, the film is likely to face significant challenges at the box office. But Mardaani 3 is making a mark in the thriller and drama genres, while Border 2 aims for a broader mass audience. The film is expected by industry insiders to keep going strong on Sunday, and it could complete its first weekend with a nett total of ₹16-17 crore.
Mardaani 3 FAQs:
Q: How much did Mardaani 3 earn on its second day?
A: Mardaani 3 earned an estimated ₹6 crore nett in India on Saturday, January 31, 2026. This reflects a significant 50% growth from its opening day collection of ₹4 crore.
Q: What is the total box office collection of Mardaani 3 so far?
A: As of its second day, Mardaani 3's total domestic net collection stands at ₹10 crore. Globally, the film has grossed approximately ₹14.25 crore, including ₹2.5 crore from overseas markets.
Q: Who is the main villain in Mardaani 3?
A: The primary antagonist in Mardaani 3 is "Amma," played by Mallika Prasad. The character is a chilling and powerful leader of a beggar mafia and child trafficking ring, marking a shift for the franchise by featuring its first central female villain.