Priyanka Chopra The Bluff Release and Varanasi Comeback

Priyanka Chopra reveals ‘Piggy Chops’ nickname origin ahead of The Bluff release on Prime.

The Bluff

Can a global superstar still be relatable when her co-star is laughing at her for “eating like a pig”?

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is currently in the middle of a whirlwind press tour for her upcoming action-thriller The Bluff, but it wasn’t the stunts or the pirate lore that stole the headlines this week.

It was a nickname from a decade ago. While sitting next to a visibly bewildered Karl Urban, Priyanka revealed the origin of the moniker “Piggy Chops”—a name given to her by Abhishek Bachchan because of her legendary appetite.

Urban’s reaction? Pure, unfiltered disbelief. “I don’t think I can ever look at you without thinking about Piggy Chops,” he laughed. It was a rare, humanizing moment in the often-polished world of Hollywood junkets.

The Bluff: A New Chapter on February 25

While the nicknames are quirky, the film is anything but. Directed by Frank E. Flowers and set to stream on Prime Video on February 25, The Bluff casts Priyanka in a role that feels miles away from the glitz of Citadel.

• The Setup: Set in the 19th-century Caribbean, Priyanka plays a former female pirate whose secret past catches up with her.
• The Ensemble: Starring alongside Karl Urban, Ismael Cruz Córdova, and Temuera Morrison, the film is expected to be a gritty, high-stakes survival story.
• The Buzz: Fans have already given the trailer a massive “thumbs up,” citing the chemistry between Urban and Chopra as a major draw.

The Varanasi Phenomenon

If The Bluff is her global statement, SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi is her homecoming. Scheduled for an April 2027 release, this project is already being hailed as the “Avengers” of Indian cinema.

Why this is a game-changer:

• The Rajamouli Touch: Coming off the global success of RRR, anything Rajamouli touches turns to box-office gold.
• The Trinity: Pairing Priyanka with Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran creates a cross-regional appeal that spans from Hollywood to Tollywood and Mollywood.
• The Narrative: Varanasi isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural event that marks Priyanka’s return to Indian soil after years of international dominance.

Lean Into the “Piggy”

In an era where every celebrity response is PR-managed to the second, Priyanka’s decision to share the “Piggy Chops” story is a brilliant move.

What people get wrong about “ugly” nicknames:

• Authenticity Wins: By owning a name that sounds “outrageous” to a Hollywood peer like Karl Urban, Priyanka bridges the gap between her “Mimi” roots in North India and her global stardom.
• The “Junior Bachchan” Connection: Highlighting her history with Abhishek Bachchan (Dostana, Bluffmaster) reminds her Indian audience of her deep-seated roots in Bollywood, perfectly priming them for her return in Varanasi.
• Vulnerability as Power: It turns a potential insult into a badge of friendship and authenticity.

The Road Ahead

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is currently playing a dual game. On one hand, she is the swashbuckling lead in a Western streaming blockbuster; on the other, she is the chosen lead for India’s most ambitious director.

Whether she’s being called “Piggy Chops” or “Global Icon,” one thing is clear: she is currently the most versatile bridge between East and West.

Key Takeaways:

• The Bluff Premiere: Watch it on Prime Video, February 25.
• The Comeback: Keep an eye out for Varanasi in 2027.
• The Brand: Priyanka’s relatability remains her strongest asset in a world of manufactured stars.