Directed by Devashish Makhija (Joram, Bhonsle) and written-produced by Kanika Dhillon under Kathha Pictures, the film is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Netflix on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Drawing a modern parallel to the mythological figure of Gandhari, the trailer follows Bani (Taapsee Pannu), a loving mother whose world collapses when her young daughter, Mishty, is abducted right before her eyes. After suffering a severe head injury while chasing the kidnapper that leaves her visually impaired, Bani refuses to rely on the system. Tying a symbolic cloth across her eyes, she trains herself to navigate without sight and takes the law into her own hands to dismantle a dangerous child trafficking syndicate.
Neon-Lit Grasp of Joypurra & The 'Behrupiyas'
The two-and-a-half-minute trailer plunges audiences into the fictional town of Joypurra, where folklore, fear, and silence mask a terrifying reality:
The Modus Operandi: Daughters are stolen from crowded marketplaces right in front of helpless parents. The abductions are executed under the cover of the enigmatic Behrupiyas (masked traditional performers), blending crime into local street performance culture.
Visceral Combat: As Bani hunts down every link in the trafficking chain, the promo highlights raw close-quarter combat, improvised weaponry, and stylized action sequences set against atmospheric, neon-lit alleyways.
Ek maa, ek beti aur behroopiyo ka sheher 🎭 Gandhari is coming to unmask everyone. pic.twitter.com/fBW575nqZA
— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) August 25, 2026
The Creative Reunion & Powerhouse Ensemble
Gandhari marks the fourth creative collaboration between Taapsee Pannu and writer-producer Kanika Dhillon, following Manmarziyaan (2018), Haseen Dillruba (2021), and Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba (2024):
Cast Member Character / Role in Narrative Taapsee Pannu Bani – The determined, visually impaired mother tracking her child Ishwak Singh Gokul – A devastated father grappling with his daughter's disappearance Jatin Sarna Kabir – The investigative police officer chasing the trafficking ring Chhaya Kadam Formidable presence inside the rural underworld Swastika Mukherjee & Mita Vashisht Key figures weaving the web of secrets in Joypurra
Behind the Performance: Prep for Blind Combat
To authentically portray a protagonist who loses her eyesight and relearns spatial awareness to fight, Pannu underwent intensive prep:
Nuanced Sensitivity: Working with visually impaired individuals, the actor focused on auditory reflexes, sensory balance, and instinctive movement rather than standard visual cues.
Grounded Realism: Under Devashish Makhija’s gritty directorial style, the combat emphasizes desperation and physical vulnerability over hyper-stylized superheroics, giving Bani's maternal rage an authentic, grounded weight.
Trade Verdict:
With Devashish Makhija’s acclaimed cinematic grit, Kanika Dhillon’s layered character dynamics, and Taapsee Pannu’s fierce performance as a blind action lead, Gandhari positions itself as one of the definitive Indian direct-to-digital thriller events of the year. The film drops on September 3, 2026.
