CBFC asks ‘Mardaani 3’ makers to change ‘bachhi’ to ‘ladki’; alters slapping scene - Reports

Rani Mukerji is all set to reprise her powerful role as Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy in ‘Mardaani 3’, the next chapter in the acclaimed action-thriller franchise. Backed by Yash Raj Films, the movie was first slated for a February 27 release. But in a surprise move, the makers advanced the date, the film will now storm cinemas on January 30. With the censor formalities already completed, the stage is set for Rani’s much-awaited return to action.

CBFC guidelines for ‘Mardaani 3’

According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) instructed the makers to include drug disclaimers in ‘Mardaani 3’. The term ‘bachhi’ was changed to ‘ladki’. As the concerned scene depicted sexual violence, the filmmakers were required to provide age verification of the actor to confirm she was not a minor. Additionally, visuals showing a girl being slapped were altered. In the English subtitles, the word ‘wh**e’ was substituted with ‘trader’. A derogatory remark directed at a mother figure was muted, and phrases referring to sexual organs were replaced with suitable alternatives. The board also asked for the removal or substitution of any language that negatively referenced the Government of India.

Scene changes and clarifications in ‘Mardaani 3’

As per reports, references to certain countries were required to be removed from one of the scenes. Following the CBFC’s direction, the filmmakers also provided clarification regarding a dialogue spoken by kidnappers in the movie. Additionally, they were instructed to include informational text about child and women trafficking. After implementing these changes, ‘Mardaani 3’ received a U/A 16+ certificate on January 14. The censor certificate lists the film’s runtime as 137.07 minutes — that is, 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 7 seconds.

Voluntary cuts made to ‘Mardaani 3’

About ten days after getting the censor certificate, the makers of ‘Mardaani 3’ went back to the CBFC to make some voluntary cuts. A total of 14 scenes were changed, some were trimmed, while others were removed completely. These cuts lasted between 9 and 59 seconds. Overall, the film became 6 minutes and 30 seconds shorter. The new runtime is 130.37 minutes, which means 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 37 seconds. The CBFC approved these changes on January 23.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”