Writer-producer Kanika Dhillon has teamed up with Taapsee Pannu on several projects, including Manmarziyaan and the Haseen Dillruba franchise. The duo reunited for Gandhari, an action thriller featuring Taapsee in the lead role that premiered on Netflix in September 2026.
In an exclusive conversation with Zoom following the film’s release, Kanika reflected on her creative partnership with the actor, explaining how their shared appetite for risk-taking allows them to explore unconventional stories and experiment with genres. She also described Taapsee as “unpredictable”, adding that there is always something new to discover about her.
Kanika Dhillon on Her Creative Partnership With Taapsee Pannu
Discussing what makes their collaboration work, Kanika said that Gandhari marked their sixth project together. She noted that their films have received audience support and attributed part of their creative chemistry to their willingness to push boundaries.
“I and Taapsee have collaborated on many films like Manmarziyaan, the Haseen Dillruba franchise, and many more. This is, in fact, our sixth collaboration,” Kanika told Zoom.
She explained that both of them enjoy taking creative risks and exploring stories that do not necessarily fit neatly into a single genre.
“What works well in this partnership is that we both are risk-takers. We like to push the envelope. I do a lot of genre benders,” she said.
According to Kanika, working with a leading actor who is equally willing to experiment gives her greater freedom to tell bolder stories. She also praised the audience response to Gandhari, saying the reception had encouraged the team to continue exploring different kinds of cinema.
Reflecting on Taapsee’s personality, the writer-producer added, “Also I feel that Taapsee as a person is also unpredictable so there’s always something new to explore.”
Why Kanika Dhillon and Taapsee Pannu Keep Experimenting
Kanika believes that their shared interest in genre-bending storytelling is one of the defining features of their partnership. While the Haseen Dillruba films combine romance, suspense and elements of pulp fiction, Gandhari brings together elements of action and drama.
For the writer-producer, the opportunity to move between genres is an important part of the creative process. Rather than repeating a successful formula, she wants to continue developing stories with different tones and approaches.
The collaboration also reflects Taapsee’s willingness to take on projects that offer something different. Their repeated association has allowed the actor and writer to explore varied characters and narratives while retaining a distinctive creative identity.
Kanika said the positive response to their films has strengthened their confidence in pursuing more unconventional ideas.
Kanika Dhillon Says Gandhari’s Reception Has Encouraged More Risk-Taking
In the same conversation, Kanika discussed what the response to Gandhari means to her and Taapsee. She described the audience’s support as encouraging, particularly because the film represents another collaboration between the two.
“We both love risk-taking and genre benders like Haseena (Haseen Dillruba), 2 (Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba) and now Gandhari. It gives us a lot more freedom and confidence. Our risk-taking appetite has increased to go out there and tell different stories and new stories,” she said.
The filmmaker’s comments underline how audience response can influence creative confidence, giving collaborators the motivation to continue experimenting rather than relying solely on familiar storytelling conventions.
Directed by Devashish Makhija, Gandhari also features Ishwak Singh, Chhaya Kadam, Mita Vashisht, Jatin Sarna and Chandan Roy, among others. The film brings Kanika and Taapsee together once again, continuing a creative association built around genre experimentation and unconventional narratives.
