Rani Mukerji is all set to electrify screens once again as the formidable Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy in the highly anticipated Mardaani 3, produced by Yash Raj Films. Originally set for a February 27 release, the film was preponed to January 30, making the censor process a critical hurdle. Bollywood Hungama exclusively delves into the comprehensive cuts and modifications made to this action thriller, ensuring its U/A 16+ certification. These changes reflect the meticulous scrutiny by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and proactive steps by the filmmakers.
Initial CBFC Directives and Modifications
Before its certification on January 14, the CBFC mandated several crucial changes to Mardaani 3. These directives aimed at addressing sensitive content and ensuring compliance with guidelines:
• Disclaimer Insertion: Makers were asked to insert drug disclaimers.
• Word Replacement: The word 'bachhi' was replaced with 'ladki'.
• Age Verification: For a scene involving sexual violence, the makers submitted age proof of the actor to confirm she was not a minor.
• Visual Alterations: Visuals depicting a girl being slapped were modified.
• Subtitle Correction: The derogatory word 'wh**e' in English subtitles was replaced with 'trader'.
• Muting Offensive References: A derogatory reference towards a mother was muted, and words related to sexual organs were replaced with appropriate terms.
• Government References: Words negatively referencing the Government of India were asked to be replaced.
• Deletion of Country Names: The names of certain countries were deleted in a specific scene.
• Dialogue Clarification: A clarification was submitted regarding a dialogue made by kidnappers in the film.
• Informative Text: Makers were asked to insert information text on child and woman trafficking.
After these initial changes, Mardaani 3 received its U/A 16+ certificate. The film's original length, as per the censor certificate, was 137.07 minutes (2 hours, 17 minutes, 7 seconds).
YRF's Voluntary Modifications: Shortening the Narrative Approximately ten days after securing the initial certificate, the makers of Mardaani 3 approached the CBFC to implement voluntary cuts. Approved on January 23, these additional modifications saw changes in as many as 14 scenes. These scenes were either deleted or shortened, with individual cuts ranging from 9 seconds to 59 seconds.
Thanks to these voluntary efforts, Mardaani 3 is now 6 minutes and 30 seconds shorter. The new, revised runtime of the film stands at 130.37 minutes, which translates to 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 37 seconds. This meticulous editing ensures a refined viewing experience for audiences, ahead of its much-anticipated release. As Rani Mukerji earlier stated, Mardaani 3 aims to instil fear in criminals and strength in women, a message that will undoubtedly resonate through its impactful storytelling.
