"Inspired by true events, Daayra is a gripping crime thriller that follows DCP Raman Kumar and DCP Ajooni Kohli as a case places them on opposing sides of the same system. As their paths collide, the film examines truth, accountability and the moral boundaries of justice, leaving the audience to confront the questions at its heart," the makers of Daayra wrote, sharing the trailer for the investigative police procedural from Bollywood. Director Meghna Gulzar powers the script through Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kareena Kapoor Khan.
As far as Kareena is concerned, the director allowed her to explore new acting territory. She praised Gulzar's detail-oriented yet instinctive direction. She also expressed appreciation for co-star Prithviraj, describing him as an intelligent, present actor whose collaboration made the filming experience deeply rewarding. The Salaar and Varanasi actor shared that he was drawn to playing DCP Raman Kumar by the character's hidden complexity and the objective nature of the film's investigation. He expressed admiration for director Gulzar and praised co-star Kareena, hoping audiences connect with the movie's gripping, deeply human narrative.
Writers Yash Keswani, Sima Agarwal, and the director herself fill the script with moving emotions. The trailer brings out some of them, as two cops sincerely chase the mystery surrounding a missing person. Cinematographer Saurabh Goswami and composer Amit Trivedi let the atmospherics do the talking. With Production Design by Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray, the film is edited by Charu Shree Roy and the director herself. Action Direction is by Parvez Shaikh.
Jitendra Joshi, Kshitee Jog, Kanwaljeet Singh, Sandeep Kulkarni and Trupti Khamkar feature in different roles. Dr. Jayantilal Gada of Pen Studios highlighted the film as a thought-provoking project brought to life by Gulzar's sensitive storytelling alongside intense performances from leads Kareena and Prithviraj, hoping the movie sparks lasting conversations among audiences. Amrita Pandey of Junglee Pictures highlighted Daayra as a "deeply relevant crime thriller inspired by real experiences, defined by high stakes, moral conflict, and strong opposing viewpoints". She expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with PEN Studios for the first time, reuniting with director Meghna Gulzar for their third project after Talvar and Raazi.
Director Meghna Gulzar described Daayra as a story that explores and deconstructs moral grey areas, challenging audiences through characters who must navigate the fine line between law and justice. She praised the lead actors, along with the supporting cast, for their powerful performances in bringing this complex narrative to life.
Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios have come together on the project. Dr. Jayantilal Gada is distributing the movie after several superstar vehicles. Inspired by true events, Daayra is slated to be released in Hindi and Malayalam on September 18.
