When a noted writer/producer and a fabulous actress come together magic can happen. Taapsee Pannu and Kanika Dhillon fit that bill and have built one of the most best collaborations in Hindi cinema. Over the years, the duo has consistently gravitated towards unconventional stories and complex female characters, coming together across six films, including their upcoming action thriller Gandhari. From Manmarziyaan to the Haseen Dillruba franchise, their collaborations have explored romance, sports, crime, revenge and more.
Here’s a look at their six collaborations:
1. Manmarziyaan (2018)
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, Manmarziyaan marked the beginning of Taapsee and Kanika’s creative association. Taapsee played Rumi, a fiercely independent woman caught in a complicated love triangle. Kanika’s writing gave the character plenty of emotional depth and unpredictability.
2. Haseen Dillruba (2021)
The romantic thriller brought Taapsee and Kanika together for a story filled with love, obsession, secrets and murder. Taapsee’s Rani Kashyap became one of her most memorable characters, while the film’s success eventually turned it into a franchise and Taapsee became the first Indian actress to have her own OTT franchise.
3. Rashmi Rocket (2021)
In Rashmi Rocket, the duo moved into the sports-drama space. Taapsee portrayed an athlete fighting discriminatory gender-testing norms, with the film tackling questions around identity, dignity and institutional prejudice.
4. Dunki (2023)
Taapsee and Kanika’s association extended to Dunki, directed by Rajkumar Hirani. Taapsee played Manu, a woman determined to reunite with the man she loves, in the emotional drama centred around immigration and the “donkey route.”
5. Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba (2024)
The successful sequel brought Taapsee back as Rani Kashyap, with Kanika continuing the story’s signature mix of romance, danger and dark humour.
Their sixth collaboration, Gandhari, takes their creative partnership into raw-action territory. Taapsee stars as a fierce mother on a revenge-driven mission, marking yet another unconventional role for the actor. Reportedly, the film will also see Taapsee perform intense action sequences blindfolded, adding another challenging dimension to her character. As Gandhari brings the duo together once again, it looks set to be another distinctive chapter in their evolving creative partnership.
Earlier, Taapsee Pannu shared, “There’s a special kind of magic that happens when Kanika and I come together to work on a film. With Gandhari, we’re venturing into new emotional depths, and I’m thrilled to explore this intense character. I did action 9 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.”
Kanika Dhillon added, “After the immense love for our film, 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! I’m very excited for our audiences to experience this emotionally charged, action-packed, thrilling saga – Gandhari!”
Stay tuned for Gandhari, only on Netflix.
