"She Never Gave Up": Brahim Chab Applauds Taapsee Pannu’s Action Prep for Gandhari

Taapsee Pannu has consistently pushed the boundaries of physical performance in Indian cinema, but her latest turn in Netflix's newly released action-thriller Gandhari is earning special behind-the-scenes appreciation. Internationally renowned action director Brahim Chab, celebrated for his visceral choreography in Monkey Man, recently lauded the actress for her unwavering dedication to the film's physically demanding combat sequences.  

A Hands-On Approach to Action

Chab commended Taapsee not just for her physical stamina, but for her relentless involvement despite a tight production schedule. Action sequences require immense precision, and Chab highlighted how Taapsee broke the mold by staying fully immersed in the process.

“Taapsee is an amazing actress and also a great human being," Chab noted. "She works hard and we had a very limited amount of time, but she never gave up during the shoot and constantly pushed herself to perform her own actions. Most actors leave and show up only during the shoot. She was staying on set during rehearsals and participating through the whole process from rehearsal to shoot. Loved working with her and would do it all over again.”

Emotionally Driven Combat

Unlike standard action fare, the stunt work in Gandhari is deeply intertwined with the emotional core of the narrative. Directed by Devashish Makhija and written by Kanika Dhillon, the film follows Bani (Pannu), a desperate mother who plunges into the dark underbelly of a child trafficking network in the mysterious town of Joypurra to rescue her kidnapped daughter.  

Because her character is fueled by a mother's raw grief, desperation, and fury, the action sequences could not just look cool—they had to feel visceral and reactive. This required Taapsee to channel intense emotional vulnerability alongside the highly technical stunt choreography choreographed by Chab.  

Elevating the Survival Thriller

For Taapsee—whose impressive action repertoire already includes hits like Baby and Naam Shabana—receiving such high praise from a globally recognized action director validates the grueling work done behind the camera. The intense combat sequences have become a major talking point since the film's September 3 release on Netflix, proving that Chab’s expertise and Pannu’s grit were the perfect match to bring Gandhari to life.  

Quick Facts (FAQs)

Who choreographed the action in Taapsee Pannu's Gandhari?

Brahim Chab, known internationally for his work on the Hollywood film Monkey Man, served as the action director and choreographer for Gandhari.  

Did Taapsee Pannu perform her own stunts in Gandhari?

Yes. According to Brahim Chab, Taapsee stayed highly involved from rehearsals to the final shoot, constantly pushing herself to perform her own demanding action sequences despite limited time.

What is the premise of Netflix's Gandhari?

Gandhari is an action-thriller following Bani, a mother who goes to extreme lengths—using physical combat and heightened senses—to dismantle a dangerous child trafficking network and find her kidnapped daughter.