Cinema VinesMeghna Gulzar’s latest crime thriller, Daayra, is set to hit Indian cinemas on 18 September 2026. The film, written by Yash Keswani, Sima Agarwal and Gulzar herself, follows a high‑profile investigation that sparks national outrage and forces two senior police officers to confront the murky lines between truth and justice.
The trailer shows Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran locked in a tense duel, each playing a Deputy Commissioner of Police on opposite sides of the same case. Kapoor’s character, DCP Ajooni Kohli, is portrayed as a seasoned officer who pushes her instincts to the forefront, while Sukumaran’s DCP Raman Kumar is depicted as a calm, methodical investigator wrestling with hidden complexities. Both actors praised Gulzar’s direction, noting how it encourages them to explore new facets of their characters while maintaining authenticity.
Gulzar’s narrative is rooted in realism, drawing from real events to examine how public perception shapes legal outcomes. The trailer hints at layered storytelling, with sharp dialogues that raise questions about the nature of truth, the influence of media narratives, and the responsibilities of those who seek justice. The film also features strong supporting performances from Jitendra Joshi, Kshitee Jog, Kanwaljeet Singh, Sandeep Kulkarni and Trupti Khamkar, adding depth to the unfolding drama.
In interviews, Kapoor highlighted the thrill of working with Gulzar, saying the director “makes you question everything you think you know about a character” and that playing Ajooni kept her “exploring a space she hadn’t really explored before.” She added that collaborating with Sukumaran was a pleasure, describing him as an “intelligent actor… very present, very instinctive.” Sukumaran echoed this sentiment, noting the appeal of DCP Raman’s layered personality and the film’s commitment to objectivity, allowing audiences to form their own judgments.
With its release slated for late September, Daayra promises a thought‑provoking exploration of crime, justice, and the consequences of every decision. Fans of intense, character‑driven thrillers are in for a gripping cinematic experience that challenges conventional notions of right and wrong.
