Mardaani is a franchise which has traditionally grown with word of mouth after seeing a fair opening. Back in 2014 when Mardaani had released, it had collected Rs. 3.46 crores on its opening day and then scored a lifetime of Rs. 35.82 crores. Later when Mardaani 2 arrived 5 years later in 2019, its start was on the same lines (Rs. 3.80 crores), though the lifetime was better at Rs. 47.57 crores.
Now that Mardaani 3 (2026) seven years later, the opening still continues to be similar as 2014 release Mardaani with Rs. 4 crores coming in. Now considering that it’s coming 12 years after the first in the series, ideally the collections should have doubled, if not tripled, given the elapsed time, much higher ticket rates and franchise establishment. However, there has been absolutely no difference. Moreover, 2019 was perhaps the last year when such kind of mid-budget films regularly grew with word of mouth, whereas post-pandemic it’s much rare for that to happen.
Hence, the Rani Mukherji starrer would need to do something really special to reach at least Mardaani 2 levels to begin with. There is huge competition from Border 2, though in all fairness Mardaani 3 is looking at different segment of audiences. At the very least the film would be looking at a lifetime business of Rs. 30-40 crores so that it can keep moving as a franchise and Mardaani 4 can be set up as well.
Note: All collections as per various box office sources
