What does Priyanka Chopra’s intense training reveal about her latest roles?
Priyanka Chopra Jonas has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to her recent action-packed roles, training for three to four months specifically for sword fighting. This commitment included up to 10 hours of sword fighting training per day for seven days a week, showcasing her dedication to authenticity in her performances.
In 2026, Chopra filmed three major projects, including Heads of State and Citadel, all of which are heavy on action and stunts. She remarked, “It was a cool year for me because I was filming three jobs which were all action and stunts.” This highlights not only her versatility as an actress but also her ability to handle physically demanding roles.
The film projects feature practical sets and real replicas of what life would have looked like in the 1900s in the Cayman Islands, with 90% of the movie shot on practical sets. This approach minimizes the use of visual effects, allowing for a more immersive experience. Chopra’s character in one of these films has a poignant backstory, involving her parents as indentured servants, which ties into the broader themes of colonization and piracy.
The movie also explores the history of piracy and its connection to colonization, a significant theme that resonates with audiences today. The East India Trading Company, one of the first publicly traded corporations, played a crucial role in this historical narrative, controlling vast regions including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Chopra’s character is deeply affected by her past, with her identity erased at the age of 12. She has expressed her fondness for the machete, stating, “The machete was one of my favorite weapons in the movie because that’s her weapon — it’s practical. Use it for coconuts, use it for skulls. Same, same.” This reflects the duality of her character’s life, navigating both survival and conflict.
With four different weights of swords used in filming, Chopra’s preparation was extensive, involving a professional trainer for sword fighting. This level of preparation is indicative of her commitment to bringing depth and realism to her roles.
As audiences await the release of these films, Chopra’s journey underscores the importance of historical context in storytelling and the impact of piracy on millions of lives. She noted, “Millions and millions of lives. And this movie actually has a really interesting slice of what they were capable of doing.”
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how these films will resonate with viewers and what further insights they will provide into the themes of colonization and identity. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific release dates and promotional activities surrounding these projects.