Daayra: Justice vs. Law in Gripping Thriller

Meghna Gulzar's crime thriller, Daayra, released on September 18, 2026, has opened to a spectrum of audience reactions. The film delves into a controversial case involving rape, murder, and a police encounter, positioning Kareena Kapoor Khan as DCP Ajooni Kohli and Prithviraj Sukumaran as DCP Raman Kumar, officers with opposing philosophies on justice.

Early responses highlight the film's exploration of contrasting perspectives: Sukumaran's character trusts the system, while Kapoor Khan's champions adherence to the law. Viewers have commended the movie's focus on investigation and tension, appreciating the absence of unnecessary songs. The performances of both lead actors have been generally praised, though Kapoor Khan's role has been described as an extended cameo with limited screen time.

However, not all reviews are positive. Some critics have pointed to a lack of urgency in the screenplay, with the investigation progressing slowly. Comparisons to Gulzar's previous works, like Raazi and Talvar, suggest Daayra may not achieve the same impact for some viewers. These critiques often contrast with praise for Sukumaran's performance, while Kapoor Khan's portrayal has received mixed feedback, ranging from casual to excellent.

Daayra, inspired by true events, was written by Yash Keswani, Sima Agarwal, and Meghna Gulzar. Produced by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios, it features supporting performances from Jitendra Joshi, Kshitee Jog, Kanwaljeet Singh, Sandeep Kulkarni, and Trupti Khamkar. The film's narrative begins with a rape and murder, leading to a police encounter of the accused, which DCP Kohli is assigned to investigate.