New Delhi, January 31, 2026
Rani Mukerji’s ‘Mardaani 3’ Faces Box Office Challenge From ‘Border 2’
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Despite positive reviews, the latest installment in the ‘Mardaani’ franchise opened to a relatively modest Rs 3.80 crore net on its first day in India, largely overshadowed by the continued success of ‘Border 2.’
- Rani Mukerji’s ‘Mardaani 3’ released this Friday to generally favorable reviews.
- The film’s opening day collection was impacted by the ongoing popularity of ‘Border 2.’
- ‘Mardaani 3’ registered the franchise’s biggest opening, but fell short of expectations.
- Occupancy rates averaged 13.63% on opening day, indicating a need for stronger weekend performance.
Rani Mukerji’s highly anticipated crime drama, Mardaani 3, hit theaters this Friday, garnering praise from critics, but struggling to make a significant impact at the box office. The film’s performance was noticeably affected by the continued dominance of Sunny Deol’s Border 2, which entered its second week and remained the preferred choice for many moviegoers.
Rani Mukerji in Mardaani 3.
Early Box Office Numbers and Occupancy
According to early estimates from trade tracking portal Sacnilk, Mardaani 3 collected approximately Rs 3.80 crore net on its opening day. While final figures could potentially exceed Rs 4 crore, this represents a comparatively low start for a well-established franchise. Occupancy rates mirrored this lukewarm response, averaging 13.63% throughout the day. Morning shows saw 8.97% occupancy, which rose to 14.78% in the afternoon and 17.13% during evening screenings. A substantial increase in viewership over the weekend is crucial for a respectable overall collection.
Franchise Comparison and Expectations
Interestingly, Mardaani 3’s opening day collection slightly surpassed that of its predecessor, Mardaani 2 (2019), which also earned Rs 3.80 crore on its debut. The original Mardaani (2014) opened with Rs 3.40 crore. Despite registering the highest opening within the franchise, industry expectations were considerably higher, with projections ranging from Rs 7-9 crore for the third installment.
About the ‘Mardaani’ Franchise
Mardaani 3 is the latest chapter in the popular Mardaani series. The first film, directed by Pradeep Sarkar, debuted in 2014 and ultimately grossed Rs 35.65 crore net. The second installment, helmed by Gopi Puthran, proved even more successful in 2019, earning Rs 67 crore worldwide. The fate of Mardaani 3, however, remains to be seen, with Border 2 posing a significant challenge. The release of Mardaani 3 also marks Rani Mukerji’s 30th year in the Bollywood film industry.
