Taapsee Pannu, Kanika Dhillon Team Again for Netflix Original Action-Thriller Film ‘Gandhari,’ ‘Joram’ Filmmaker Devashish Makhija to Direct (EXCLUSIVE)

Indian film star Taapsee Pannu and writer-producer Kanika Dhillon are teaming again with Netflix original action-thriller film “Gandhari.”

Acclaimed filmmaker Devashish Makhija, whose last film “Joram” played several festivals including Rotterdam, Sydney, Busan, Durban and Mumbai, will direct.

“‘Gandhari’ promises a riveting storyline filled with relentless determination and intense personal stakes, set against the backdrop of gripping mystery and high-powered action. Audiences will see Taapsee Pannu as a fierce mom on a mission,” reads the plot description from Netflix.

This marks the second collaboration between Netflix and Dhillon’s Kathha Pictures after “Do Patti.”

“Gandhari” also marks the sixth instance of Pannu and Dhillon’s fruitful partnership that commenced with Anurag Kashyap’s Toronto-bowing “Manmarziyaan” (2018); Netflix original film “Haseen Dillruba” (2021) and its sequel “Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba” (2024); ZEE5 Global film “Rashmi Rocket” (2021); and Rajkumar Hirani-directed hit “Dunki” (2023), headlined by Shah Rukh Khan.

Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, director of original films at Netflix India, said: “’Gandhari’ is a gripping emotional story with heightened personal stakes. This one-of-a-kind action thriller is a testament to our commitment to delivering stories that are both unique and deeply engaging. We are excited to reunite with the dynamic duo, Kanika Dhillon and Taapsee Pannu, following the tremendous success of ‘Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba.’ Audiences have loved their work and we are eager for them to experience the intriguing depth of this new story.”

“There’s a special kind of magic that happens when Kanika and I come together to work on a film,” Pannu said. “With ‘Gandhari,’ we’re venturing into new emotional depths, and I’m thrilled to explore this intense character. I did action nine years ago, and I’ve been waiting for a script that would bring me back to it and challenge me in new ways. After playing a spy, I was searching for something deeper, and ‘Gandhari,’ with its powerful story of a mother driven by revenge, felt like the perfect fit. Collaborating with Netflix and Kathha Pictures allows us to craft bold, unique, and impactful stories. Working with Netflix has always been rewarding, as it enables us to reach a broader audience who shares our passion for filmmaking.”

Dhillon said: “After the immense love for our film “Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba,’ starting ‘Gandhari’ with Taapsee feels like a creative homecoming. The film dives deep into the essence of a mother’s unwavering love and ferocity. Don’t mess with a tigress’ cub, because she will destroy you! Taapsee and I are coming together for a fiery- raw -action thriller for the first time! And we are excited to bring this powerful tale of revenge and redemption! Netflix has given us the freedom to push creative boundaries and present this story in its truest form. I’m very excited for our audiences to experience this emotionally charged , action packed – thrilling saga – ‘Gandhari!’”