Here is the detailed breakdown of the collections and the verdict so far.
The Numbers: Opening Weekend Report 📊
The film started slow on Friday but witnessed a healthy jump on Saturday and Sunday, proving that the franchise still has a loyal audience.
Day Date Collection (India Net) Status Day 1 Friday, Jan 30 ₹4.00 Cr Decent Start Day 2 Saturday, Jan 31 ₹6.25 Cr Good Growth (+56%) Day 3 Sunday, Feb 1 ₹7.25 Cr Steady Jump Total (3 Days) ~₹17.50 Crore AVERAGE / DECENT
Comparison: The opening weekend collection is slightly lower than its predecessor, Mardaani 2 (2019), which had collected approx. ₹18.15 Crore in its first weekend.
Occupancy: Sunday saw the best occupancy, peaking at nearly 50% for evening shows in major metros like Mumbai and Pune.
The "Border 2" Factor ⚔️
The biggest hurdle for Mardaani 3 has been Sunny Deol’s 'Border 2'.
Screen Count: Border 2 is still dominating screens in its second week (having just crossed ₹277 Crore), leaving Mardaani 3 with fewer shows than a typical solo release.
Audience Split: While mass centers preferred the war action of Border 2, Mardaani 3 found its footing primarily in urban multiplexes and with female audiences.
What Critics Are Saying
Rani Mukerji: Unanimously praised. Her portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy is being called "fierce" and "the backbone of the film."
The Plot: Reviews are mixed. While the first half is being lauded as "taut and gripping," some critics felt the second half became predictable and didn't land the twists as effectively as the previous films.
SantaBanta Verdict: With a ₹17.50 Crore weekend, Mardaani 3 is in a safe zone but not a blockbuster one yet. The real test is today (Monday, Feb 2). If it holds above ₹3 Crore, it will likely emerge as a Hit. If it crashes, it might end up as an "Average" fare.
