She is comfortable taking non-lead roles.
Taapsee Pannu has sparked fresh debate about Bollywood’s casting culture after criticising filmmakers for repeatedly choosing the same actors for familiar roles.
Her remarks surfaced on February 26, 2026, following an interview with Galatta Plus, as discussion intensified around the muted theatrical performance of her latest film, Assi.
The comments quickly circulated across Indian media during the week the courtroom drama underperformed commercially, reigniting conversations about nepotism, creative stagnation and audience fatigue with formula-driven Hindi cinema.
Pannu accused Hindi filmmakers of signing the “same faces for the same roles”, describing the practice as unfair and creatively limiting for both actors and audiences.
She added that many directors appear unwilling to truly think outside the box, arguing that unconventional casting choices become difficult when filmmakers rely on familiar favourites.
According to Pannu, directors often remain in their comfort zones, pigeonholing actors into stereotypical parts based on assumptions about what suits their established screen image.
Reflecting on her career, she revealed that she has repeatedly reassured filmmakers that she is comfortable taking non-lead roles when the story does not revolve around her character.
She also pushed back against the belief that casting her automatically signals a heavy social message, saying she is equally open to lighter and more experimental storytelling.
Pannu argued that repeated casting leads to predictable performances because actors often revisit familiar mannerisms, whereas new combinations could bring fresh energy and interpretation to mainstream roles.
Her latest remarks expand criticism she has voiced previously about Bollywood’s star-driven ecosystem, where big names continue to dominate opportunities despite the rise of streaming platforms.
In 2023, she warned that prioritising stars risks widening the gap between large productions and smaller films, admitting her faith in the idea that content alone drives success had weakened.
The timing of her comments is closely linked to Assi, released on February 20, 2026, and directed by Anubhav Sinha, marking their third collaboration after Mulk and Thappad.
The courtroom drama follows a lawyer and a Delhi woman seeking justice after a violent sexual assault, continuing the socially conscious themes often associated with both Pannu and Sinha’s partnership.
Despite strong performances from an ensemble including Kani Kusruti, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa and Revathy, the film recorded a modest opening week.
Industry observers described the response as muted, fuelling discussions about whether audiences are experiencing fatigue with serious mid-budget Hindi films released theatrically.
Taapsee Pannu has argued that blame cannot fall solely on filmmakers, noting that audiences often demand meaningful cinema yet fail to support such projects once they reach theatres.
Her criticism arrives during a wider shift within Indian cinema, where Hindi films are facing increasing competition from regional industries delivering bold storytelling and varied casting choices.
Hindi cinema’s market share fell from about 44 per cent in 2023 to roughly 40 per cent in 2024, alongside fewer original releases.
Analysts note that more than 84 per cent of Indian viewers consume regional-language content, supported by widespread subtitle use that allows films to travel across states and global markets.
For British Asian audiences, this shift mirrors changing viewing habits as many viewers turn towards Malayalam thrillers, Telugu entertainers or international streaming series offering fresher narratives.
Streaming platforms have widened access to diverse cinema, yet smaller films still struggle for visibility online, where algorithms and marketing budgets often prioritise recognisable stars.
Among diaspora viewers, frustration around perceived industry gatekeeping and star privilege has echoed long-running debates about meritocracy within Bollywood.
Taapsee Pannu’s career as a non-filmy outsider who built credibility through performance-driven roles gives her criticism particular resonance with audiences who feel talent is frequently sidelined.
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