Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran are set to share the screen for the first time in Meghna Gulzar’s upcoming crime thriller Daayra. As the film approaches its theatrical release, a previous interview with Prithviraj has resurfaced, offering a glimpse into what initially drew him to the project.
The National Award-winning filmmaker’s reputation, the strength of the script and, notably, Kareena’s involvement were among the reasons Prithviraj expressed enthusiasm for the film.
Daayra is scheduled to arrive in theatres on September 18, 2026.
Prithviraj Sukumaran praised Meghna Gulzar’s vision
Speaking to Zoom about Daayra, Prithviraj described the screenplay as one that immediately captured his attention.
“Daayra is a script I am very excited about,” the actor said, praising Meghna Gulzar’s work and expressing confidence in her ability to translate the material onto the screen.
Prithviraj said he believed Gulzar had “a wonderful film on paper” and pointed to her filmmaking craft as a major reason for his anticipation.
For an actor with an extensive body of work across Malayalam and Hindi cinema, the opportunity to work with a filmmaker known for films such as Talvar and Raazi added another layer of interest to the project.
Kareena Kapoor Khan was a major part of the excitement
While Prithviraj was impressed by the script and Gulzar’s filmmaking, he singled out another reason for his enthusiasm: Kareena Kapoor Khan.
The actor said he was particularly excited because Kareena would be playing the other principal character in the story.
“Most of all, the excitement is palpable for me because Kareena is doing the other character,” he said, emphasizing that the film revolves heavily around the relationship and perspectives of its two central characters.
His comments suggested that the pairing was one of the project’s key attractions for him, especially because Daayra marks the first time the two actors will appear together in a film.
‘You read and you just can’t let go’
Prithviraj also spoke about the impact the screenplay had on him when he first encountered it.
“It’s just one of those scripts you read and you just can’t let go,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to Gulzar for considering him for the role, adding that he was looking forward to the film going on floors.
The remarks offer an indication of why Prithviraj decided to take on the project before audiences have had the opportunity to see the two-character crime drama.
What is Daayra about?
Directed by Meghna Gulzar, Daayra follows two senior police officers whose professional paths become entangled through a controversial case.
Kareena plays DCP Ajooni Kohli, while Prithviraj portrays DCP Raman Kumar. The central conflict places the two officers on opposing sides of the same system, setting up a story that examines competing ideas of justice and accountability.
Inspired by several true events, the film is expected to explore questions surrounding truth, institutional responsibility and the moral limits of justice.
Rather than presenting a straightforward crime investigation, the premise places its two protagonists at the heart of a complicated ethical conflict.
Meghna Gulzar reunites with Junglee Pictures
Daayra marks another collaboration between Meghna Gulzar and Junglee Pictures.
The filmmaker previously worked with the production house on Talvar, released in 2015, and Raazi, which arrived in 2018. Both films dealt with serious subject matter and placed character-driven storytelling at the centre of their narratives.
Their reunion for Daayra brings Gulzar back to a genre involving crime, institutions and difficult moral questions.
Kareena and Prithviraj’s first film together
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Daayra is the pairing of Kareena and Prithviraj.
Both actors have established themselves across different areas of Indian cinema. Kareena has been a major presence in Hindi films for more than two decades, while Prithviraj has built a prominent career in Malayalam cinema alongside his work in Hindi-language productions.
Their first collaboration therefore adds considerable interest to a film that is otherwise being positioned as a serious crime thriller.
Prithviraj’s earlier comments also indicate that their characters are not merely supporting elements of a larger ensemble. As he noted, the film is “very much about these two characters.”
When and where to watch Daayra
Daayra is directed by Meghna Gulzar and stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead roles.
The film is produced by Junglee Pictures and Dr Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios) and distributed by Pen Marudhar.
The crime thriller is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 18, 2026.
