Taapsee Pannu on Returning to Action in ‘Gandhari’: “The Stakes Needed to Be Higher”

Acclaimed actress Taapsee Pannu is gearing up to conquer the action genre once again in her highly anticipated upcoming film, Gandhari. Known for delivering powerhouse performances in strong, multi-dimensional roles, Pannu’s latest project is a gripping action-thriller centered on a mother’s relentless fight to protect her child.

Directed by Devashish Makhija and penned by Kanika Dhillon, Gandhari marks Taapsee's fierce return to high-octane cinema following her memorable stints in Baby and Naam Shabana.

Elevating the Action Genre

When asked why she chose Gandhari for her action comeback, Taapsee emphasized that she wasn't interested in simply following industry trends. She wanted a project that raised the bar.

“I had always said I was looking forward to doing action again... it’s just that the stakes should be higher. It should be better," Taapsee explained. "I shouldn't attempt action again just because it’s the flavor of the season. I did that way before action—or the spy genre—became the trend. I don't want to repeat myself."

She revealed that the film's writer, Kanika Dhillon, initially pitched Gandhari as just a core concept. “She didn't even have a fully fleshed-out script when she narrated this to me; it was just an idea, a basic storyline,” Taapsee shared. “But there was something beautiful for me to step into.”

Emotional Action: Fighting for a Daughter

What sets Gandhari apart for the actress is the intense emotional core driving the high-stakes sequences. The film explores the visceral, primal instinct of a mother fighting for her daughter's survival, creating a deeply personal narrative.

“This is a different kind of rage, a different kind of emotion that you have to tap into when you're fighting for your daughter versus when you're fighting for a job or a mission," Taapsee noted, comparing the role to her previous characters. "That's a completely different flavor. So this was way more emotional for me to attempt in action. This is not just action; it’s got a lot of emotional action attached to it.”

With Gandhari, Taapsee Pannu is set to redefine her action repertoire by blending intense physical combat with deep, maternal emotion, promising audiences a uniquely powerful cinematic experience.