With Mardaani 3 hitting theaters today, January 30, 2026, fans of the franchise are eager for more stories of brave officers battling injustice. If you're captivated by the world of Mardaani and its fearless protagonist, ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy (played by Rani Mukerji), here are six gripping films that explore similar themes of courage, corruption, and the fight for what's right.
-
Gangaajal (2003): Directed by Prakash Jha and starring Ajay Devgn, Gangaajal tells the story of Amit Kumar, a Superintendent of Police who takes charge of Tejpur, Bihar, a fictitious district rife with crime and corruption. He soon finds himself battling organized crime carried out by powerful dons. Frustrated by the slow pace of justice, residents of the district resort to pouring acid in the eyes of criminals. Inspired by real events, Gangaajal is a raw and intense portrayal of lawlessness and one man's fight to restore order.
-
Singham (2011): This action-packed film, directed by Rohit Shetty, features Ajay Devgn as Bajirao Singham, an honest and brave police officer. Singham clashes with Jaikant Shikre, a powerful crime boss and politician. Singham is a high-octane thriller that explores themes of justice, corruption, and the power of one individual to make a difference. The film begins with Inspector Rakesh Kadam, an honest officer, being falsely accused of corruption by Jaikant Shikre. Kadam commits suicide, and his widow vows revenge. Singham is then transferred to Goa where he faces corrupt officials.
-
Baby (2015): This action-thriller follows an elite team of Indian intelligence officers who embark on a covert mission to track down and eliminate terrorists. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, Baby is a gripping and patriotic film that showcases the bravery and dedication of those who protect the nation.
-
Drishyam (2015): Drishyam, directed by Nishikant Kamat, tells the story of a man who takes desperate measures to protect his family when they become embroiled in a crime. With its clever plot twists and suspenseful atmosphere, Drishyam is a captivating thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
-
A Wednesday! (2008): This thriller, directed by Neeraj Pandey, revolves around a common man who decides to take justice into his own hands. He calls the Mumbai police and tells them that he has planted several bombs throughout the city. A Wednesday! raises important questions about morality, justice, and the state of society.
-
Talvar (2015): Based on the 2008 Noida double murder case, Talvar presents three conflicting perspectives on a crime. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film is a thought-provoking and unsettling look at the complexities of truth and justice.
While Mardaani 3 focuses on the heinous crime of child trafficking, these films also explore themes of fighting injustice. Mardaani 3, directed by Abhiraj Minawala, is set to release in theaters worldwide today, January 30, 2026. Rani Mukerji reprises her role as ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy, who is in a race against time to save 93 missing girls. In this third installment, Shivani faces a new formidable villain named Amma, played by Mallika Prasad. Janki Bodiwala also joins the cast in a pivotal role. Mukerji stated that Mardaani is not just a franchise but an important film with social messaging.
