After the success of the Haseen Dillruba franchise, writer-producer Kanika Dhillon is all set to reunite with Taapsee Pannu for a power-packed action drama titled Gandhari. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Dhillon revealed how the project took shape and how Taapsee came on board at just the right time. The film, centered on a gripping mother-child narrative, marks Dhillon’s foray into the action genre for the first time.
Kanika explained that Gandhari explores the theme of a mother’s unwavering determination and strength. “This is about a different sort of fear, or rather fierceness as a human being. To what extent can a mother go to protect her child?” she said, hinting at the emotionally charged core of the story. The film also marks a shift for Taapsee, who had been looking to step into the action genre—and this collaboration presented the perfect opportunity.
Reflecting on industry conversations around female-led action films, Dhillon addressed the skepticism with a bold stance. She argued that the hesitation lies more with creators than with the audience. “It’s not about whether the audience will accept it. A good story told well will always find its audience,” she said, challenging outdated narratives around gender and genre in mainstream cinema.
The film, directed by Devashish Makhija, also stars Ishwak Singh in a key role and is set to release on Netflix later this year. Despite comparisons to other maternal revenge dramas, Kanika emphasized that Gandhari brings its own emotional truth. “Every mother-child relationship is unique. That bond is unmatchable and cannot be replicated,” she stated.
With a fresh take on action, emotion, and motherhood, Gandhari is shaping up to be a bold, heartfelt story led by two strong creative forces—Taapsee Pannu and Kanika Dhillon.