'I want Mardaani to be a franchise'

Mumbai: Actor Rani Mukerji recently said she wants her Mardaani films to become a movie franchise that highlights social evils and keeps sparking conversations that bring attention to serious issues the country is dealing with.

The actor is looking forward to her latest, Mardaani 2, in which she reprises her role as police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy.

Directed and written by debutant filmmaker Gopi Puthran, the follow-up to the 2014 film focuses on rape crimes by juveniles. "We would want Mardaani to be a franchise that stands for tackling various societal issues. While the first film spoke about child trafficking, Mardaani 2 takes a stand against rapes and highlights the rise of violent crimes committed against juveniles in India," Rani said in a statement.

The 41-year-old actor said such crimes are a "serious threat that can't be ignored" and all precautions must be taken to protect women at all costs.

"Mardaani series of films would stand for being a mirror of society to educate, create awareness and also leave a strong message for people to sit up and notice. Some films do have the responsibility to affect social change and our intention is that through all Mardaani films we bring out the hard reality, threat that looms large next to us," she added.

Produced by Yash Raj Films, Mardaani 2 is scheduled for release on December 13.