After playing several action-oriented characters, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is ready to explore a different kind of strength on screen.
The actor will step away from her familiar gun-wielding roles in the upcoming science-fiction thriller ‘Bluefly’, where language becomes her character’s most powerful tool, reports The Hollywood Reporter.
Priyanka plays Myla Reese, a United Nations interpreter who joins Russell Crowe’s character, Benny, on a covert mission in the Congo.
Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a powerful force hidden deep within the jungle.
Unlike many of her recent characters in projects such as ‘Citadel’ and ‘The Bluff’, Myla is not someone who seeks confrontation. Priyanka said she was excited to explore the character’s softer, more vulnerable side.
“I mean, I look good with a weapon in my hand,” she joked, adding that she welcomed the opportunity to move away from action-heavy roles and focus on the dramatic aspects of her performance.
The actor also feels a personal responsibility towards the role because of her longstanding association with UNICEF.
Having worked with the organisation for around 15 years, she has met several United Nations interpreters and developed an appreciation for their work in conflict zones.
Priyanka explained that interpretation involves much more than translating words. It requires understanding people’s intentions and the circumstances behind what they are trying to communicate.
To prepare, she is working with a dialect coach to learn several African languages, including Swahili, Zulu and Lingala.
She said she takes the accurate representation of languages and cultures seriously, particularly as someone who has experienced both authentic and inaccurate portrayals of her own cultural background on screen.
The actor hopes to bring both strength and vulnerability to Myla.
She believes vulnerability can be a source of strength for women and wants audiences to see a character who does not always need to take charge or resort to physical force.
Directed by Nimród Antal, ‘Bluefly’ also stars Russell Crowe. David Frigerio, William Eubank and Carlyle Eubank have written the screenplay. Highland Film Group is handling worldwide sales.
Although the story unfolds in the Republic of the Congo, the production is filming in Australia, primarily around the Gold Coast. Priyanka praised the crew’s efforts to recreate the African setting through detailed production design.
She also spoke warmly about working with Antal, describing him as an enthusiastic filmmaker who makes the cast and crew feel involved in the creative process.
The actor said she was looking forward to collaborating with Crowe, whom she described as a highly experienced performer.
Priyanka also reflected on the creative possibilities of filmmaking, pointing to her upcoming project ‘Varanasi’, in which the production recreated the city’s famous ghats in Hyderabad.
