The makers of Daayra have unveiled new character posters introducing Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran in their roles ahead of the film’s theatrical release. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, the film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on September 18, 2026.
The newly revealed posters introduce Kareena as DCP Ajooni Kohli, while Prithviraj takes on the role of DCP Raman Kumar. With both actors appearing as senior police officers, the character introductions offer an early glimpse into the world of the upcoming film.
The makers have also confirmed that the official trailer for Daayra is set to be unveiled on August 31, adding to the anticipation surrounding one of September’s major theatrical releases.
Produced by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios, Daayra brings together Kareena Kapoor Khan, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Meghna Gulzar for a project that is already attracting attention for its subject, cast and creative team.
Kareena Kapoor Khan Takes on the Role of DCP Ajooni Kohli
In her newly released character poster, Kareena Kapoor Khan appears in the role of DCP Ajooni Kohli.
The poster presents the actor in a serious and intense avatar, with a backdrop featuring trucks. The visual composition creates a sense of movement and urgency while placing the character at the centre of an apparently tense environment.
According to the character description shared with the poster, Ajooni Kohli is unflinching, unreadable and unafraid.
The role marks an important part of the film’s central narrative, with Kareena appearing to play a character who must navigate a complex and potentially high-stakes situation.
The poster does not reveal much about the storyline itself, but its restrained presentation has helped create intrigue around Ajooni’s character and her place within the film’s larger narrative.
With Daayra, Kareena Kapoor Khan appears set to take on another performance-driven role, with the initial promotional material emphasising intensity and the psychological dimensions of her character.
Prithviraj Sukumaran Is DCP Raman Kumar
Alongside Kareena’s character reveal, the makers also unveiled a solo poster introducing Prithviraj Sukumaran as DCP Raman Kumar.
The actor’s poster presents his character amid a tense-looking setting, with a green field forming part of the backdrop and what appears to be a press conference environment adding to the sense of public scrutiny and pressure.
Raman Kumar has been described as a man with calculated calm who is also fearlessly fierce.
The character description suggests a personality capable of maintaining composure even in difficult circumstances while remaining determined when the situation demands action.
The decision to introduce both lead characters separately has offered audiences an opportunity to consider the personalities at the centre of Daayra before the film’s trailer provides a broader look at the story.
With two police officers leading the narrative, the film could explore contrasting approaches, personalities and perspectives. However, further details about their relationship and the central conflict are expected to become clearer when the official trailer is released.
Daayra Trailer Set for August 31
The promotional campaign for Daayra is set to move into its next major phase with the release of the official trailer on August 31.
The trailer is expected to provide the first substantial look at the film’s story, tone and the circumstances that bring DCP Ajooni Kohli and DCP Raman Kumar into the same narrative.
So far, the makers have focused on introducing the two principal characters and building intrigue rather than revealing extensive details about the plot.
The character posters have established a serious and intense tone, while Meghna Gulzar’s comments about the film have suggested that Daayra will explore complicated social and human questions.
With the film’s September 18 release approaching, the trailer is likely to offer a clearer picture of what audiences can expect from the director’s latest project.
Meghna Gulzar on the Ideas Behind Daayra
Ahead of the trailer release, Meghna Gulzar shared a personal note reflecting on her creative journey with Daayra.
The filmmaker, who has lived in Mumbai and travelled across different parts of India, wrote about how the project took her beyond familiar experiences.
She described the film as a journey into territories she had not previously explored, both geographically and creatively.
“Daayra took my creativity to areas I have never explored before. It took my social awareness to reaches I didn’t know I had,” the filmmaker wrote while reflecting on the experience of making the film.
Meghna also referred to her background as a student of Sociology and spoke about the complexity of society and human life.
According to her note, life and society cannot simply be understood through binary distinctions of black and white.
Instead, she emphasised the existence of a wide spectrum of grey.
A Filmmaker Drawn to the Shades of Grey
Meghna Gulzar has often explored complex human situations and morally layered characters through her films.
Reflecting on her earlier work, she referred to films such as Talvar, Raazi, Chhapaak and Sam Bahadur, describing her creative interest in examining the grey areas within people and society.
However, she suggested that Daayra takes this exploration in a different direction.
For the filmmaker, the new project does not simply examine the shades of grey that exist between simple ideas of right and wrong. According to her note, the film attempts to go deeper into those complexities.
“Daayra for me, not only explores that grey… It invades it… it attempts to dismantle it,” she wrote.
Her comments indicate that the film may examine difficult questions that do not offer straightforward answers.
Daayra and the Theme of Duality
One of the key ideas highlighted by Meghna Gulzar in her reflections on the film is duality.
The filmmaker described what she sees as an inherent irony within the concept of Daayra. While the film’s world may not be binary and cannot simply be separated into black and white, she also suggested that duality remains central to its core.
“At its core Daayra is only about duality,” Meghna wrote.
This idea could become an important aspect of the film’s narrative and thematic identity.
The introduction of two central police officers, DCP Ajooni Kohli and DCP Raman Kumar, may also contribute to the film’s exploration of contrasting perspectives. However, the makers have not yet revealed enough about the plot to establish precisely how the theme of duality will shape the story.
Audiences may get a clearer understanding of the film’s narrative when the trailer arrives.
A Major September Release
With its theatrical release scheduled for September 18, 2026, Daayra is shaping up to be one of the notable Hindi film releases of September.
The project brings together an experienced filmmaker and two prominent actors from Indian cinema.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s character has been introduced as the resolute and difficult-to-read DCP Ajooni Kohli, while Prithviraj Sukumaran’s DCP Raman Kumar is described as controlled yet fiercely determined.
The two character posters have established the central figures of the film while deliberately leaving many questions unanswered.
What connects the two officers? What case or conflict brings them together? And how will the themes of moral complexity and duality influence their choices?
The official trailer is expected to offer the first major answers to those questions.
What to Expect Next
With the trailer arriving on August 31 and the theatrical release set for September 18, the promotional campaign for Daayra is entering a crucial stage.
The newly unveiled character posters have placed Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran at the centre of the film’s campaign while offering audiences a glimpse of their respective roles.
At present, the makers appear to be focusing on intrigue, character and thematic complexity rather than revealing the full storyline.
For fans of Meghna Gulzar’s cinema, the filmmaker’s comments about exploring the grey areas of society and the idea of duality could make Daayra a project worth watching closely.
As the release date approaches, the trailer will be the next major opportunity for audiences to enter the world of DCP Ajooni Kohli and DCP Raman Kumar.
Daayra is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 18, 2026.
