BY NAMITA DOGRA SUDAN*
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is back, and this time, she’s fiercer than ever. Her latest action thriller, The Bluff, premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 25, 2026. The film is a major step in her Hollywood journey. Not only does she lead the movie, she also produces it under her banner, Purple Pebble Pictures, alongside the Russo Brothers. For many in the Indian American community, this isn’t just another release; it’s a proud moment.
From Quiet Life to ‘Bloody Mary’
Directed by Frank E. Flowers, the film is set in the 19th-century Caribbean island of Cayman Brac. Priyanka plays Ercell Bodden, a woman who has left her violent pirate past behind to live peacefully with her husband (Ismael Cruz Córdova) and their young son. But when her former mentor, Captain Connor (Karl Urban), returns looking for stolen gold, her old life catches up with her. To protect her family, she must become who she once was, the feared pirate known as “Bloody Mary.”
A Relentless Cinematic Experience
From the opening frame, The Bluff keeps you on your toes. In a subtle nod to her roots, the introductory scene features Priyanka in an outfit reminiscent of a Lehenga and dupatta; while adapted for the 1846 Caribbean setting, it beautifully showcases her Indian identity without being overly “bold” or forced.
This isn’t your typical ocean adventure; the action is fierce, gritty, and unapologetically violent, mirroring the harsh reality of the 19th century. The cinematography is strikingly dark, perfectly capturing the brooding and dangerous atmosphere. Priyanka proves her prowess as she fights with swords and old-fashioned pistols with lethal precision.
The film’s commitment to authenticity shines through the carefully chosen language and accents compatible with the mid-1800s. Amidst this immersion, the performances stand out as natural and grounded, with the entire supporting cast delivering strong turns that complement Priyanka’s powerhouse lead.
Full-On Action Hero Mode
This is not a subtle role. The Bluff is a proper action film with swords, guns, fight scenes, and plenty of blood (it’s rated R for strong violence). Critics may call the story predictable, but almost everyone agrees on one thing: Priyanka carries the film. She performs intense hand-to-hand combat scenes and swords and old-fashioned guns like a seasoned action star. In fact, she did most of her own stunts so her face would be visible during emotional and dramatic moments. She has said that for her, acting doesn’t stop when the action starts.That dedication came with bruises, splinters, and even a neck injury during filming in Australia. She shared some of those “battle scars” on social media. Still, she was careful, using stunt doubles only for the most dangerous shots.
More Than Just an Action Film
There’s something deeper here too. Priyanka has spoken openly about how, early in her Hollywood career, she lost roles for being “too ethnic.” Now, her identity is part of her strength. She isn’t just acting in big projects, she’s producing them. From becoming the first South Asian woman to headline an American network drama with Quantico to now leading a gritty R-rated action thriller, her growth has been steady and intentional. Despite living in the U.S. and being married to singer Nick Jonas, she remains an Indian citizen, working under an O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability. It’s a reminder that she truly operates on a global stage.
The Next Frontier: Varanasi and Beyond
If The Bluff shows her Hollywood power, her upcoming projects prove she’s thinking globally. Her return to Indian cinema is set to be just as massive. She will star in Varanasi (2027), a “career-defining” collaboration with blockbuster director S. S. Rajamouli, best known for RRR. Slated for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027, the Rs 1,300 crore epic stars Priyanka as Mandakini opposite Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. The film is described as a globe-trotting, “Indiana Jones-style” action adventure and will be the first Indian film shot entirely in the 1.43:1 IMAX format, a major technical milestone. On the streaming front, she will reprise her role as elite spy Nadia Sinh in Season 2 of Citadel, expected to premiere in Q2 2026 after production delays. And that’s not all. Fans can also look forward to her upcoming Hollywood comedy Judgment Day, where she stars alongside Zac Efron, Will Ferrell, and Regina Hall.
Is an Oscar Coming?
With each project, the big question comes back: Is an Oscar next? She has already presented at the Academy Awards and produced the Oscar-nominated The White Tiger. Now, by stepping into strong, performance-driven roles like Ercell, she seems to be moving toward more award-focused territory. And no, you don’t need U.S. citizenship to win an Oscar. The Academy honors talent from around the world. Whether The Bluff becomes an awards contender or not, one thing is clear: Priyanka Chopra Jonas is no longer trying to “fit into” Hollywood. She’s building her own space in it. For many Indian Americans, and for fans globally, that might be the biggest win of all. The Bluff is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
The Verdict: If you are a Priyanka Chopra fan, this is a must-watch, as it is truly “The Priyanka Chopra Movie”, a vehicle designed for her to shine. If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, it’s a high-quality addition to your watchlist. However, a word of caution: don’t expect the lighthearted comedy of Pirates of the Caribbean. This is a dark, violent thriller that earns its R-rating.
*Namita Dogra Sudan is the entertainment news editor and video news producer of NRIPulse.
