Priyanka Chopra Draws from Personal Life for Fierce Role in 'The Bluff'
In her highly anticipated film 'The Bluff', Priyanka Chopra embodies the formidable character of Bloody Mary, a woman driven by an unwavering determination to safeguard her family. The narrative delves into the primal essence of parental love and the extraordinary bravery it can ignite. For Priyanka, this role transcends mere acting; it strikes a profound chord with her personal journey as both a mother and a daughter, allowing her to connect intimately with the character's emotional core.
A Childhood Memory of Maternal Courage
During a recent interview with ANI, Priyanka reflected on the immense courage mothers exhibit for their children, recounting a vivid incident from her youth. She shared a memory involving her mother, Madhu Chopra, who displayed remarkable fearlessness when a cab driver in Delhi took an unexpected turn late at night. "I remember where her inside Ka Bloody Mary came out once we were in a cab, I must have been 11 years old or something... we were driving and suddenly, all I saw was my mother holding the throat of the driver," Priyanka recalled.
She elaborated that the driver claimed to be taking a shortcut, but her mother, concerned for her teenage daughter's safety, reacted decisively. "She just held his neck from the back and said drive back to the main road. And she slapped him... she said, drive back to the main road. She was like, 'I'm here with my teenage daughter'... I had never seen that side of my mother," Priyanka added, noting that her mother was visibly shaken afterward. This experience left a lasting impression, highlighting the protective instincts that resonate in her new role.
Motherhood Shapes Her Performance
Beyond this personal anecdote, Priyanka opened up about how her own motherhood journey profoundly influenced her portrayal of Bloody Mary in Prime Video's 'The Bluff'. She emphasized the importance of understanding a protagonist's motivations, stating that the character's actions become compelling when rooted in a relatable cause. "For me that why really was how far would a mother go to protect her child. I had just had my daughter, she was two years old when I started filming the movie," she shared.
Priyanka explained that she channeled her maternal instincts into every scene, imagining the lengths she would go to protect her daughter, Malti, and her family. "And every scene I just kept thinking about like what would I do to make sure that my child, my family is safe. And that's why Mary's character, she's gritty. She plays dirty. She will hit you from anywhere," she said, underscoring the universal nature of this protective rage that parents understand deeply.
Intensive Action Training for the Role
Discussing her preparation for the film, Priyanka revealed the extensive skill set required, particularly in handling weapons. She noted that while she had some experience from 'Bajirao Mastani', this role demanded new expertise. "I had to learn how to work with blades and that too, with both hands. While being able to fight someone with the expertise of Karl who had done this in the Lord of the Rings before," she recounted.
The training involved weeks of practice with various period-appropriate rifles and mastering techniques like loading gunpowder mid-action. "It was a lot of detailing that was required, which is challenging and fun at the same time," Priyanka recalled, highlighting the dedication needed to bring authenticity to her action sequences.
Release Details and Anticipation
'The Bluff', directed by Frank E. Flowers, is set to premiere on Prime Video on February 25. The film promises to showcase Priyanka Chopra in a powerful, action-packed role that blends personal emotion with high-stakes drama, offering audiences a gripping tale of family protection and resilience.