Rani Mukerji’s upcoming film Mardaani 3 has sparked comparisons with Shefali Shah’s Delhi Crime Season 3. Both narratives revolve around human trafficking and high-stakes investigations, raising debates about creative repetition in Indian crime thrillers. While audiences praise performances, questions linger about genre saturation and originality in storytelling.
The trailer of Mardaani 3, released on January 12, 2026, has reignited discussions in the entertainment industry about thematic overlaps with Delhi Crime Season 3, which premiered on Netflix in 2025. Rani Mukerji reprises her role as Shivani Shivaji Roy, investigating a nationwide human trafficking racket led by a shadowy figure called Amma.
This storyline has drawn parallels with Shefali Shah’s portrayal of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in Delhi Crime, where the narrative also tackled trafficking and systemic failures. Critics and audiences note that while both projects deliver gripping drama and strong female leads, the similarities highlight challenges in keeping crime thrillers fresh and distinct.
Key Highlights
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Mardaani 3 trailer released January 12, 2026
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Plot centers on human trafficking racket led by Amma
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Rani Mukerji returns as fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy
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Delhi Crime Season 3 also explored trafficking and systemic crime
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Debate grows over originality and genre saturation in Indian thrillers
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Mixed audience response: praise for performances, concern over repetition
Final Takeaway
Mardaani 3 and Delhi Crime Season 3 showcase powerful female-led narratives tackling urgent social issues. Yet, the overlap in themes raises important questions about innovation in crime storytelling, pushing creators to balance realism with fresh perspectives to keep audiences engaged.
Sources: Financial Express, OTTplay, Entertainment Desk, Times of India