Kareena Kapoor Khan, Prithviraj Sukumaran to star in Meghna Gulzar’s crime-drama ‘Daayra’ 

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran star in Meghna Gulzar's gritty crime-drama Daayra, exploring societal realities.

Actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran will headline Meghna Gulzar’s new directorial venture, Daayra. The film is described as a crime-drama that taps into the “pulse of the people“ as it confronts the “topical and diabolical realities unfolding in society today.”

Kareena, one of the foremost actresses in Hindi cinema today, is teaming for the first time with Malayalam star (and director) Prithviraj. 

Meghna Gulzar has directed powerful films like Raazi, Talvar and Chhapaak. Her last, Sam Bahadur, was a war biopic starring Vicky Kaushal. Junglee Pictures, the banner behind Talvar and Raazi, is collaborating with Gulzar again for Daayra. 

Co-written by screenwriters Yash and Sima alongside Gulzar, Daayra is currently in pre-production. While precise plot details are unavailable, the film is pegged as a gritty exploration of ‘crime and punishment, justice and truth’, themes that Gulzar deftly explored in 2015’s Talvar. 

Talking about Daayra, Kareena Kapoor Khan said in a statement, “As I celebrate 25 incredible years in Hindi cinema, I’m thrilled to announce my next film, Daayra, with the incredible Meghna Gulzar in the director’s chair. I’ve long admired her work, from Talvar to Raazi, and to be directed by her is a dream come true. The opportunity to collaborate with the talented Prithviraj is also a highlight, and I’m drawn to the film’s bold, thought-provoking narrative. Daayra promises to be a cinematic experience that challenges and inspires, and I look forward to working with Meghna, Prithviraj, and the team at Junglee Pictures on this powerful, timely film.”

Coming off the success—and political heat—of his Malayalam blockbuster L2: Empuraan, Prithviraj Sukumaran spoke about boarding his next Hindi film. 

“When the script was narrated to me, I knew I had to do this,” Prithviraj said in a statement. “I was thoroughly absorbed by my character and what he brings to the table as the story progresses. It is layered and will definitely connect with the masses. Working with Meghna Gulzar’s vision, Junglee Pictures and an actor like Kareena Kapoor will be a great collaborative experience. Daayra is story that is one of a kind and digs deep into the societal norms, world of crime and punishment that unfolds.”