May 09, 2026 2:00pm IST
Disha Patani on Her Hollywood Debut ‘The Portal of Force’: “Storytelling Transcends Language and Geography” (EXCLUSIVE)
Disha Patani steps into Hollywood franchise territory with “The Portal of Force,” the first film in the upcoming Statiguards vs Holiguards saga. The newly released trailer positions the Bollywood actor at the center of a fantasy-action narrative built around rival supernatural factions and a conflict tied to destiny, power and control.
Created by Lado Okhotnikov, the film follows two opposing ancient orders, the Statiguards and the Holiguards; whose ideological clash forms the foundation of the story’s larger cinematic universe. Patani plays Jessica, a character positioned between both worlds as the daughter of rival leaders from either side of the conflict.
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The trailer frames Jessica as a figure carrying immense responsibility, with repeated references to her needing to “control the power” and “channel the mana.” As the footage progresses, the character appears to undergo a supernatural transformation while navigating the escalating war between the two factions.
The project also marks Patani’s first collaboration with an international ensemble cast that includes Kevin Spacey who also directs the film, Dolph Lundgren and Tyrese Gibson. Speaking to Variety India about entering the international space, Patani described the experience as creatively expansive but unfamiliar territory.
“I've waited with bated breath for the trailer of this very special project. Stepping into my first international outing was both thrilling and terrifying but the scope to explore the craft was massive,” Patani says, adding, “Working with an experienced, diverse cast was an education in itself. You realise that storytelling transcends language and geography, honesty on screen is universal.”
While Patani has previously built a screen image around high-energy commercial entertainers and action-driven roles in Indian cinema, “The Portal of Force” places her within a fantasy-heavy narrative space that leans more toward franchise mythology and supernatural world-building.
The trailer emphasizes stylized combat sequences, large-scale visual effects and ensemble storytelling, with Patani positioned as the narrative bridge between the two opposing factions. Rather than functioning solely as an action lead, the character appears tied to the larger ideological conflict driving the saga.
Patani, who has earlier shared screen space with Jackie Chan in Kung Fu Yoga (2017), says the physicality of the role in “The Portal of Force” was one of the aspects that drew her to the project. “I’ve always loved action and to bring what I've learned on the home turf to a global platform feels incredibly empowering,” she says.
The release also arrives at a transitional phase in Patani’s career, as she balances international work alongside upcoming Hindi projects, including “Awarapan 2.”
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