Priyanka Chopra Jonas Fights Dirty in Grisly Pirate Action

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, a global star known for her diverse roles, unleashes her inner swashbuckler in the much-anticipated Amazon Prime Video original, “The Bluff.” Produced by the acclaimed Russo brothers and directed by Frank E Flowers, this 19th-century pirate action flick promises a gory, no-holds-barred adventure through the Caribbean. Set to premiere globally on Prime Video on February 25, 2026, the film sees Chopra Jonas in a role that’s a far cry from her Bollywood roots, embracing a gritty action heroine persona.

Chopra Jonas Embraces the Gritty Action Heroine

In “The Bluff,” Chopra Jonas portrays Ercell “Bloody Mary” Bodden, a formidable pirate who has long abandoned her buccaneering past for an idyllic life on Cayman Brac with her family. Her peaceful existence is shattered when her husband, TH (Ismael Cruz Córdova), is kidnapped by Captain Connor (Karl Urban), Ercell’s former mentor and one of the most fearsome pirates to sail the seas. This disruption forces Ercell to confront her violent history, proving that being a pirate is indeed like riding a bike – a deadly one.

High-Octane Action and Splatter Fun

The film doesn't shy away from its violent premise. From the moment Ercell’s home is invaded, audiences are plunged into intricately choreographed action sequences. Chopra Jonas throws herself into the physical demands of the role, delivering brutal takedowns that include slashing with daggers, pulling dreadlocks by their bloody roots, and delivering a well-aimed gob of spit. For those who appreciate the 'splatter genre,' the film offers plenty of 'gross-out fun,' with blood often hitting the camera lens, creating an immersive, almost 4DX-worthy experience. The narrative evolves into a relentless cat-and-mouse chase across Cayman Brac’s stunning natural landscapes, complete with alligator-infested rivers and a mysterious Skull Cave, all brought to lush life by Flowers’ high-octane direction and the Russo brothers' immersive production.

A Mixed Bag of Dialogue and Depth

While the action sequences are a clear highlight, the film’s dialogue occasionally falls short. Moments of "cartoonish sexism" from the buccaneers and some "expository clangers" from Ercell’s step-daughter detract slightly from the otherwise compelling narrative. Viewers might also yearn for more exploration of the complex history between Ercell and Captain Connor, which is merely hinted at with vague references to their shared past at sea. Despite these minor criticisms, the film successfully delivers on its pulp promise, showcasing Chopra Jonas's commitment to the role, even when the script doesn't always match her impressive physical performance.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas: The "Bloody Mary" We Deserve

Chopra Jonas's performance is central to "The Bluff's" appeal. She convincingly embodies both the loving mother and the ruthless "Bloody Mary," navigating the character's internal conflict with aplomb. As she ominously declares, “Real pirates are murderers, not heroes,” she proves adept at playing both facets. Dragging herself through the muck in blood-splattered clothes, she evokes the classic 'final girls' of slasher films, lending a surprising cinematic swoop to a straight-to-streaming swashbuckler. “The Bluff” is a testament to Chopra Jonas's versatility and her undeniable presence as an action star, leaving audiences eager for her next move in Hollywood.

Don't miss "The Bluff" streaming globally on Prime Video from February 25, 2026.