Feb 24, 2026 1:11pm IST
‘The Bluff’ Review: Priyanka Chopra’s Pirate Pivot Is Commendable and Brave
Priyanka Chopra Jonas walks into “The Bluff” like she has personally taken notes from Taylor Swift’s role reversal anthem - The Man. “I’d be a fearless leader, I’d be an alpha type” is not just a lyric here, it plays out as thesis. As Ercell “Bloody Mary” Bodde, the wife of a fisherman who vanishes at sea, she does not wait for rescue as she decides to frontline this battle.
Set in the 18th century and directed by Frank E. Flowers, with the muscle of The Russo Brothers behind it, “The Bluff” sails into pirate waters long ruled by swaggering men. Any salt sprayed spectacle on open seas will inevitably be measured against Pirates of the Caribbean and its most flamboyant outlaw, Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp. But this is not mimicry or trying to tread familiar territory. Instead, it tries to mount a period drama shaped by survival, strife and shifting power.
Filmed against the dramatic cliffs and blue expanse of Cayman Brac, the production is visually striking. The frames breathe, the ocean looms, and the old school adventure texture works in the film’s favour. Instead of hiding behind bloated CGI, it leans into hand to hand combat and physical action. The grit feels intentional and real.
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Karl Urban, as the antagonist, stands out largely because he is handed some of the film’s sharper moments. The dialogue occasionally tips into cheese but knows how to land a chuckle. Chopra, clearly enjoying herself, swings swords and commands scenes with a playful authority. Safia Oakley-Green and Vedanten Naidoo provide sturdy emotional scaffolding.
On the flip side the writing on the film is very choppy and uneven. Some standout scenes barring most of the characters feel a bit too rushed. Especially Ercell’s drive to find her husband and go on an adventure. The emotional baggage that she carries never fully resonates with the viewer. One scene after another keeps adding into a cumbersome middle that leads into a rushed climax.
“The Bluff” is a welcome distraction for heavy films that only reward you if you are patient enough to invest your attention till the very end. It is unapologetic and eager to please. Priyanka Chopra fans won’t be disappointed, but those seeking more from the Russo brothers will have to perhaps wait for these two modestly named films - Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
“The Bluff” isn’t bluffing when it comes to giving you bang for its buck on streaming. Watch it for the thrills and stay for Chopra in full swashbuckling form.
'The Bluff' is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
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