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Mardaani 3 shoot begins; Rani Mukerji-led thriller set for February 27, 2026 release

On the first day of Navratri 2025, Yash Raj Films celebrated the spirit of the festival the triumph of good over evil with a striking update on one of its most awaited films, Mardaani 3. The studio unveiled a fresh poster of the film, confirming that Rani Mukerji will reprise her role as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in the third chapter of the hard-hitting franchise, releasing in cinemas on February 27, 2026. The new poster captures the gritty tone of the series. It shows a close-up of Shivanis hand firmly gripping a pistol, with the blurred backdrop of a Delhi Police barricade with uniformed men. The image reinforces the urgency and intensity that has defined the Mardaani films while keeping the mystery of the upcoming case intact. Sharing the poster on social media, YRF wrote: On the auspicious Day 1 of Navratri, heres to celebrating the victory of good over evil. #RaniMukerji returns as top cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3 to investigate the most challenging case of her career. #Mardaani3 in cinemas 27th February, 2026. @abhiraj88 #AdityaChopra. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yash Raj Films (@yrf) It is worth mentioning here that Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report the release date of the film to be February 27, 2026, which is now confirmed by the studio itself. The film, produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Abhiraj Minawala, was officially announced in December 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the franchise. The first two installments, Mardaani (2014) and Mardaani 2 (2019), won acclaim for their fearless storytelling, with Rani Mukerjis portrayal of Shivani Roy being celebrated as one of her most impactful performances. With Mardaani 3, expectations are high as Shivani faces what is being described as the most challenging case of her career. The symbolic timing of the announcement on Navratri has also resonated with fans, echoing the essence of the franchise a relentless pursuit of justice and the courage to confront darkness head-on. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Mardaani 3 to release on February 27, 2026 in the Holi week; makers release EXPLOSIVE first look of Rani Mukerji.

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Hera Pheri Row: Producer Firoz Nadiadwala slaps Netflix with legal notice over Baburao’s character

The Hera Pheri franchise has landed in the middle of a legal storm. Producer Firoz Nadiadwala has reportedly issued a legal notice to streaming giant Netflix, accusing it of the unauthorised use of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, the much-loved character immortalised by Paresh Rawal. Advocate Sana Raees Khan, who is representing Nadiadwala, released a sharp statement underscoring the gravity of the alleged infringement. She remarked, Intellectual Property is not a matter of casual borrowing, it is the lifeblood of creativity. Unauthorised exploitation of my clients iconic character is not just infringement, it is theft in its most blatant commercial form. The law will not permit dilution of rights that have been lawfully earned and zealously protected. While Nadiadwala himself has not issued an official comment, the move signals his intent to safeguard the legacy of the cult comedy series. Actor Paresh Rawal brought Baburao to life in Hera Pheri (2000), directed by Priyadarshan, and later in Phir Hera Pheri (2006), helmed by the late Neeraj Vora. Alongside Rawal, Akshay Kumar as Raju and Suniel Shetty as Shyam formed the iconic trio that turned the films into enduring blockbusters. The same trio is set to return for Hera Pheri 3, with Priyadarshan once again directing. Nadiadwalas legal step, therefore, reflects a larger concern about preserving the brand value of characters who hold immense cultural significance in Indian cinema. The issue also highlights how disputes around intellectual property and personality rights have become increasingly common in Bollywood. Earlier this year, actor Abhishek Bachchan approached the Delhi High Court, seeking to restrain unauthorised use of his name, image, voice, and performances. During a brief hearing, Justice Tejas Karia observed that search engines could be directed to take down infringing links if specific URLs were provided. Cases like these underline a growing awareness in the entertainment industry about protecting creative and personal rights in an era of rapid digital proliferation. Also Read: Akshay Kumar DENIES Hera Pheri 3 rift with Paresh Rawal was publicity stunt: There were some ups and downs. But now everything is solved.