Mallika Prasad on her role as Amma in Mardaani 3: It was a privilege to bring her to life...

Mallika Prasad talks about her character in Mardaani 3

• Mardaani 3 trailer introduces Amma, a chilling villain played by Mallika Prasad
• Rani Mukerji returns as ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy in the crime thriller
• Mardaani 3 releases worldwide on January 30, 2026

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The release of the Mardaani 3 trailer has sent a shiver across social media, and much of that reaction is being driven by a character viewers cannot stop talking about — Amma.

Portrayed by Mallika Prasad, the cold and unsettling antagonist has quickly become one of the most talked-about villains in recent Bollywood memory.

Unveiled by Yash Raj Films, the trailer marks the return of Rani Mukerji as the fearless ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy. While audiences were eager to see her back in action, it is Mallika Prasad’s chilling transformation that has truly gripped viewers.

Known for crafting deeply disturbing antagonists, the Mardaani franchise once again raises the bar, introducing Amma as the calculating force behind a brutal human-trafficking operation.

In just 24 hours, reactions online have ranged from shock and fear to outright hatred for Amma — a testament to how convincingly Mallika Prasad inhabits the role.

Many viewers have praised the quiet menace and psychological depth she brings to the character, noting that Amma’s calm exterior makes her all the more terrifying. The performance has been widely credited with adding a new, unsettling dimension to the franchise.

Responding to the overwhelming reaction, Mallika Prasad shared, “Mardaani 3 stands as one of the most defining experiences of my career. Amma is evil yet holds a fierce spirit. It was a privilege to bring her to life. Roles like these demand that you shed comforts, sit with your own shadows, and stand in a truth larger than yourself. Amma challenged me in ways I did not anticipate. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process, and I am most grateful for the opportunity.”

She went on to acknowledge the creative support behind the film, saying, “My heartfelt thanks to Abhiraj, for his trust, his gentle manner, and unwavering vision. My deep gratitude to YRF and Mr. Aditya Chopra whose faith in me and in the script made it easy to build a character like Amma with such freedom. I thank Shanoo Sharma, who is one of the key reasons I am here.”

Mallika Prasad also spoke warmly about the team she worked with, adding, “The entire cast offers exceptional talent, discipline, and generosity. I feel honoured to stand alongside them. Above all, my respect goes to the crew. Their commitment and level of excellence lifts the entire narrative. Their unwavering warmth made going to the set every day an absolute joy! I am so proud to be part of this team. The Mardani franchise has a powerful legacy of confronting uncomfortable truths and pushing conversations forward, and I feel honoured to be part of that journey. Rani Mukerji is brilliant in her portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy as she brings to light, yet again, the real women out there in the world fighting unimaginable crimes. These unsung heroes are the reason I explore the darkness in Amma with conviction.”

Also Read: Mardaani 3 trailer Unvealed: Rani Mukerji returns as Shivani Shivaji Roy in a darker, fiercer mission

Concluding her thoughts, Mallika Prasad said, “I am grateful that the character of Amma allows me to explore the complexity of a woman who inhabits the dark underbelly of our world. I am so glad that the script and Abhiraj moved away from an easy, simplistic, black and white telling of this story - giving the character of Amma depth and dimension. The response to the Mardaani 3 trailer has been overwhelming, and I am truly humbled by the curiosity and excitement Amma has already sparked. To everyone who has sent messages, shared their reactions, or embraced the intensity of the trailer—thank you. Your energy fuels us. I cannot wait for audiences to step into Amma’s world, to meet her in all her contradictions, and to experience the fire that drives her. She is not what she seems… and that’s where her power lies. Mardaani 3 releases in cinemas worldwide on January 30.”

Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, Mardaani 3 continues the franchise’s tradition of tackling hard-hitting social realities. The film is set to release in cinemas worldwide on January 30, 2026.