Daayra (2026) is a bilingual Hindi–Malayalam crime thriller directed by Meghna Gulzar, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Scheduled for release on September 18, 2026, the film explores justice, morality, and conflicting police ideologies, inspired by real incidents across India.
| 🎬 Title | Daayra |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Release Date | September 18, 2026 |
| 🎥 Director | Meghna Gulzar |
| ✍️ Writers | Meghna Gulzar, Sima Agarwal, Yash Keswani |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Lead Cast | Kareena Kapoor Khan, Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| 🎭 Genre | Crime, Thriller, Drama |
| 🎞️ Runtime | ~143 minutes |
| 🏛️ Production | Junglee Pictures, Pen Studios |
| 🌍 Languages | Hindi, Malayalam |
Plot
The story follows two senior police officers with opposing ideologies. DCP Ajooni Kohli (Kareena Kapoor Khan) believes in accountability and questions the system. DCP Raman Kumar (Prithviraj Sukumaran) is known for his hard‑line policing and ruthless methods. A disturbing crime involving kidnapping and sexual assault sets off a chain of investigations. The two officers clash over justice, morality, and the controversial use of police encounters. The film explores grey areas of law enforcement, showing how truth and duty collide in a fractured system.
Cast
Kareena Kapoor Khan plays DCP Ajooni Kohli, a principled officer questioning the system. Prithviraj Sukumaran stars as DCP Raman Kumar, a tough cop with a reputation for harsh justice. Biswapati Sarkar appears as Advocate Sethi, representing legal perspectives. Jitendra Joshi plays Inspector Patil, assisting in the investigation. Kanwaljeet Singh portrays Commissioner Mehra, caught between the two officers. Supporting roles include Kshitee Jog as Judge Malini, Pragati Mishra as NGO worker Rani, and Trupti Khamkar as social activist Savita, each adding depth to the narrative.
Screenshots
1. When will Daayra release? On September 18, 2026.
2. Who directed the film? It is directed by Meghna Gulzar.
3. Who plays the lead roles? Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
4. What is the main storyline? Two police officers clash over justice and morality while investigating a disturbing crime.
5. What makes the film unique? It is a bilingual Hindi–Malayalam crime thriller, inspired by multiple real incidents, not a single case.
Final Words
Daayra (2026) is a gripping bilingual crime thriller that promises intensity, realism, and moral conflict. With Kareena Kapoor Khan’s principled performance and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s powerful presence, the film highlights the clash of ideologies within law enforcement. Meghna Gulzar’s direction ensures authenticity, while the bilingual format broadens its reach. Releasing on September 18, 2026, it is one of the most awaited Indian thrillers of the year.
