Massive Rani Mukherji announcement by YRF: Mardaani 2 to kick off daredevil cop franchise

Mardaani, a Preep Sarkar-directed cop drama, revolved around child trafficking and featured Rani as Shivani Shivaji Roy, senior inspector, crime branch.

sequel is produced by itya Chopra and Yash Raj Films is starting "Mardaani" franchise with project. 

Mardaani 2 will be directed by Gopi Puthran, writer of first film.

"Mardaani is and will always be extremely close to my heart. Right since its release, everyone has asked me time and again when I would be doing Mardaani 2 and I'm sure this anuncement will come as a pleasant surprise to m all. Gopi has written an extraordinary script that we all love and I can't wait to start shooting this film soon," Rani said in a statement.

YRF issued a release anuncing t just film, but a franchise:

"Rani Mukherji h wowed us all with her brilliantly feisty performance in super-hit Mardaani. She played role of a daredevil Senior Inspector, Crime Branch, Shivani Shivaji Roy and took on kingpin of a child trafficking racker. It is official w that Yash Raj Films is making sequel to this much loved movie and starting Mardaani franchise. Over years, URF has excelled in discovering talented directors and Mardaani 2 will see company launch Gopi Puthran, who incidentally was writer of first film. Produced by itya Chopra, this will be Rani's next release after worldwide blockbuster Hichki that was hugely acclaimed by audiences and critics alike and marked her return to acting post pregnancy."

first film proved a breakthrough for Tahir Raj Bhasin, who featured in a negative role, and giving a sneak peek into character of new antagonist, Rani said Shivani will face a "merciless" villain.

"Shivani will face a cold, merciless villain who has empathy, fear of God and is pure evil. character has been written superbly and I'm excited to find out who actor will be."

Mardaani 2 is set to go on floors in 2019 and will release in later half of year.