Daayra has drawn widespread speculation that it is based on the 2019 Hyderabad rape-murder case and subsequent police encounter, though director Meghna Gulzar has clarified that it draws from multiple real-life incidents across India rather than a single event
Meghna Gulzar’s Hindi film Daayra is set to hit theatres on 18 September 2026, bringing together Kareena Kapoor Khan and Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran for the first time in a hard-hitting crime drama that examines truth, justice and institutional accountability.
Plot and premise
Daayra (meaning “circle”) follows two senior police officers—DCP Ajooni Kohli (Kareena Kapoor Khan) and DCP Raman Kumar (Prithviraj Sukumaran)—who find themselves on opposite sides of a high-profile, contentious investigation. As they pursue the case, their methods and moral boundaries collide, raising questions about where justice ends and vengeance begins.
Cast and crew
The film marks Kareena Kapoor Khan’s latest collaboration with Gulzar after Raazi and Chhapaak, and pairs her with National Award–winning actor Prithviraj Sukumaran in a dual-lead structure. The supporting cast includes Jitendra Joshi, Kshitee Jog, Kanwaljeet Singh, Sandeep Kulkarni, Trupti Khamkar and Biswapati Sarkar.
Gulzar co-wrote the screenplay with Sima Agarwal and Yash Keswani. The project is produced by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios, with Vineet Jain and Dhaval/Dr Jayantilal Gada associated with production, and Pen Marudhar handling distribution. Music is by Amit Trivedi, with editing by Charu Shree Roy.
Why it matters
Positioned as a socially charged investigative thriller rather than a conventional cop drama, Daayra continues Gulzar’s interest in stories that interrogate institutions and ethics—themes she previously explored in Talvar and Raazi. With its dual-lead structure and timely subject matter, the film is being pitched as one of the key Hindi releases of late 2026.
Australia release date:18 September 2026
Run Time: 150 mins approx
Language versions: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
Genre: Crime | Drama | Thriller
Director: Meghna Gulzar
Producer: Vineet Jain and Jayantilal Gada
Production Company: Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios
Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and others
NOTE- This is a preview, not review.
