Mumbai: Actor Taapsee Pannu has responded to the mixed critical reception of her latest action-thriller Gandhari, pointing to the film’s strong performance on Netflix following its September 3, 2026, release. The actor shared a social media post highlighting the film’s number-one position on the platform’s national trending chart.

Pannu’s response comes after the film received criticism from some reviewers, creating a contrast between its reception among critics and its reported streaming traction. By drawing attention to its position on Netflix, the actor appeared to highlight audience interest in the revenge thriller despite the negative reviews surrounding the project.

In the post shared by Pannu, she wrote, “Not ‘everyone’ I guess :) When you throw lemons, we make [lemonade emoji]….. Cheers! (sic).” The post included a screenshot showing Gandhari at the top of Netflix India’s trending list.

Taapsee Pannu reacts to reviews

Pannu’s social media response focused on the film’s streaming position rather than directly addressing individual reviews. Her post came amid discussion about the gap between the film’s critical response and its apparent popularity among Netflix viewers.

The number-one position shown in the screenshot indicates strong interest in the film on the platform at the time the post was shared. However, a streaming chart position and critical reviews measure different aspects of a film’s reception. A chart ranking can reflect viewing activity during a particular period, while reviews represent individual critics’ assessments of elements such as the screenplay, performances, direction and execution.

The actor’s reaction therefore puts the spotlight on the film’s audience traction following its digital premiere.

What is Gandhari about?

Directed by Devashish Makhija and written by Kanika Dhillon, Gandhari follows Bani, played by Taapsee Pannu, whose young daughter is mysteriously abducted.

The disappearance sets Bani on a dangerous mission as she attempts to find her child and identify those responsible. The story takes her into a criminal underworld where she encounters a deeply entrenched crime network.

Bani’s journey forms the emotional and action-driven core of the film. Her determination to bring her daughter home places her against increasingly dangerous circumstances, requiring her to depend on physical strength, resilience and instinct.

The film combines the premise of a mother searching for her abducted child with elements of revenge, crime and action. Its narrative is built around Bani’s pursuit and the obstacles she faces while attempting to uncover the people behind the abduction.

Mixed reviews contrast with streaming performance

While Gandhari has attracted viewers on Netflix, its critical reception has been mixed.

India Today, in its review, focused on Pannu’s performance while criticising the film’s storytelling. The review argued that the actor’s performance was the most compelling element of the film, while suggesting that the narrative did not provide enough reason for audiences to become equally invested in Bani’s journey.

Such criticism highlights one of the central points of discussion around the film: the difference between the assessment of its individual creative elements and its performance on a streaming platform.

A film can generate substantial viewing interest even when critics express reservations about its execution. Streaming audiences may also discover and watch a title for reasons beyond reviews, including the cast, genre, premise, recommendations and interest generated through social media.

Taapsee Pannu and Kanika Dhillon reunite

Gandhari marks another collaboration between Taapsee Pannu and writer Kanika Dhillon. The pair previously worked together on Haseen Dillruba, released in 2021, and its follow-up, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, released in 2024.

Their collaborations have largely explored stories involving relationships, crime, suspense and characters caught in complicated circumstances. Gandhari moves further into action and revenge, placing Pannu in the role of a mother driven by the disappearance of her daughter.

The film is directed by Devashish Makhija, known for crime and socially grounded narratives. The cast also includes Ishwak Singh, Jatin Sarna, Swastika Mukherjee, Mita Vashisht and Chhaya Kadam in key roles.

Gandhari arrives on Netflix

The film premiered on Netflix India on September 3, 2026. Its availability on the streaming service has given it access to audiences beyond its initial promotional and theatrical-style publicity cycle.

The reported number-one position on Netflix’s national trending chart has added another dimension to the conversation surrounding the film. While reviews have questioned aspects of its storytelling, the chart position cited by Pannu indicates that the title has attracted considerable viewer attention on the platform.

For Pannu, the streaming performance has provided an opportunity to respond to the criticism by pointing towards audience engagement rather than entering into a detailed debate over individual reviews.

A different measure of reception

The contrasting reactions to Gandhari demonstrate how a film’s critical and audience reception can develop along different lines. Reviews provide professional assessments of a movie’s creative execution, whereas streaming rankings offer an indication of viewing activity on a platform during a specific period.

Pannu’s response places the latter in focus. By sharing the Netflix ranking, she has drawn attention to the fact that the film has generated significant streaming interest despite the criticism it received from some reviewers.

With Gandhari now available on Netflix, its longer-term reception will depend on continued audience engagement and discussion around the film, alongside its critical assessment.