We’ve seen quite a few actors make a big impression via a first feature, but Priya Kansara does it in spectacular fashion in Polite Society. Kansara does it all in the film.

She leads as Ria, a young woman who dreams of becoming a stunt performer when she grows up. Her parents may not be wholeheartedly behind the idea, but that’s not stopping Ria. She’s determined to achieve her dream, and she’s equally determined to help her sister, Lena (Ritu Arya), achieve her dream of becoming an artist. Trouble is, Lena’s lost faith in herself. Soon after dropping out of art school, Lena finds herself on what some might consider a more traditional path, and Ria isn’t having it. Lena falls for a guy who ticks all the boxes and then some, and the two quickly become engaged. Convinced something isn’t quite right with Lena’s new beau, Ria sets out to expose him, end their relationship, and nudge Lena back on the path of putting herself first and becoming an artist.

Polite Society has a little of everything. It’s a moving coming-of-age story, a charming comedy, an electric action film, and also an emotional story of two sisters who grow apart and must find their way back to one another — and Kansara nails it all. Her energy is unmatched, her comedic timing and delivery are spot-on, she’s an ace with the stunts, and effortlessly pivots into hugely emotional beats that pack a punch. For any casting director out there, Kansara’s work in Polite Society is essentially an entire acting resume in one film. It’s a piece that shows off her boundless range and ability to tackle any challenge a production throws at her from nailing a choreographed dance to complicated fight sequences.

With Polite Society now playing in theaters nationwide, Kansara took the time to join me for a Collider Ladies Night Pre-Party interview to revisit how she scored her first lead role in a feature film.

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