The success of ‘Mardani 3’ has sent ripples through Bollywood, with Rani Mukerji’s riveting portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy drawing cheers. Yet, behind the camera, director Abhiraj Minawala is being hailed for breathing new life into the franchise. Speaking candidly to IANS, he revealed why Yash Raj Films holds a special place in his heart.
‘YRF is my film school,’ Minawala declared, tracing his roots back to ‘Rocket Singh,’ his first project post-college. He had envisioned a short industry detour before enrolling in acting school, but destiny had grander plans. Opportunities snowballed, forging a caravan of films that shaped his craft far better than any classroom.
Stepping into Mardani’s shoes was daunting. Aditya Chopra’s call was an honor, especially following legends like Pradeep Sarkar and Gopi Puthran. ‘Working with Rani ma’am and upholding the franchise’s standard was a dual challenge,’ he admitted. The team dove into pre-production with fervor—endless sessions with Mukerji and scribe Ayush Gupta dissecting every frame.
This meticulous approach paid dividends. ‘Rani’s decades of expertise guided us, ensuring shoots were efficient and creative,’ Minawala noted. From script breakdowns to set improvisations, YRF’s ecosystem fostered excellence. As audiences flock to theaters, Minawala’s story is a testament to how Yash Raj transforms raw talent into cinematic gold, proving that real learning happens on the job.