The much-awaited trailer of Daayra has finally been released, giving audiences their first extended look at Meghna Gulzar’s intense crime thriller starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film brings the two actors together for the first time, with both portraying senior police officers who find themselves on opposite sides of a complicated investigation.
Directed by Meghna Gulzar, Daayra explores questions surrounding crime, justice, accountability and the limits of the legal system. The trailer suggests that the film will go beyond a conventional police investigation and focus on the difficult moral choices faced by people working within the system.
The movie is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on September 18, 2026.
Daayra Trailer: Kareena Kapoor and Prithviraj Sukumaran in a Powerful Face-Off
The Daayra trailer introduces Kareena Kapoor Khan as DCP Ajooni Kohli and Prithviraj Sukumaran as DCP Raman Kumar. Both characters are experienced police officers, but an investigation puts them on opposing sides of the same case.
Rather than presenting a straightforward battle between good and evil, the trailer appears to build its tension around different interpretations of justice. Raman and Ajooni are part of the same system, yet their approach to the case creates a sharp professional and moral conflict.
The central question appears to be whether justice can always be achieved by following established procedures—or whether crossing legal boundaries can ever be justified.
The trailer keeps several important details of the investigation concealed, allowing the mystery surrounding the case to remain at the heart of the film.
What Is Daayra About?
Daayra is presented as a crime thriller inspired by true events. According to the film’s official trailer description, the story follows DCP Raman Kumar and DCP Ajooni Kohli after a case places them on opposing sides of the same system.
The trailer points towards an investigation involving a controversial police encounter and a larger question surrounding crime, punishment and accountability. It also introduces an emotionally charged search involving a missing girl, adding another layer to the investigation.
Instead of revealing the complete story, the trailer focuses on the conflict between the two officers and the questions raised by the case.
This approach gives Daayra the feel of an investigative thriller where the audience is expected to question the actions of the characters rather than simply choose a side.
Kareena Kapoor Khan Plays DCP Ajooni Kohli
Kareena Kapoor Khan takes on a serious police role as DCP Ajooni Kohli. The trailer presents her character as someone who is determined to investigate the case and understand what actually happened.
The role appears to be a departure from the lighter and more commercial characters audiences may associate with Kareena. In Daayra, her performance is positioned within a darker and more grounded investigative setting.
Her character’s confrontation with Prithviraj’s DCP Raman Kumar forms one of the major dramatic elements of the trailer.
Prithviraj Sukumaran as DCP Raman Kumar
Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran plays DCP Raman Kumar, a police officer whose actions become central to the investigation.
The trailer gives his character a strong and authoritative presence while gradually introducing questions about the decisions he has made as a police officer.
Prithviraj has previously spoken positively about working with Meghna Gulzar and described Daayra as a film that raises difficult questions about justice and how it is delivered within the system.
His performance, combined with Kareena’s investigative character, creates the central conflict around which the film’s story appears to revolve.
Meghna Gulzar Returns With Another Investigative Drama
Daayra is directed by Meghna Gulzar, whose filmography includes critically acclaimed titles such as Talvar and Raazi. The new film marks her return to Junglee Pictures after those collaborations.
Meghna is known for bringing serious social and real-world subjects into mainstream cinema, and Daayra appears to continue that approach.
The film’s subject gives the director an opportunity to examine the relationship between law, policing, justice and personal morality through a fictional narrative inspired by true events.
Daayra Writers and Technical Team
The screenplay and story of Daayra have been developed by Meghna Gulzar, Sima Agarwal and Yash Keswani.
The film’s technical team includes cinematographer Saurabh Goswami and editor Charu Shree Roy. Music is composed by Amit Trivedi, with lyrics by Gulzar.
The combination of Meghna Gulzar’s direction, Saurabh Goswami’s cinematography and Amit Trivedi’s music is expected to contribute to the film’s serious and atmospheric tone.
Daayra Release Date
Daayra will release in cinemas on September 18, 2026.
The film is backed by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios, with Vineet Jain and Dhaval Gada associated with its production.
With the trailer now released, anticipation around the Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran collaboration is likely to increase ahead of its theatrical release.
Why Daayra Could Stand Out
There are several factors that make Daayra one of the more anticipated Hindi crime thrillers of 2026.
1. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s First Collaboration
The film marks the first time Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran share the screen. Their contrasting screen personalities make their confrontation one of the biggest attractions of the project.
2. Meghna Gulzar’s Direction
Meghna Gulzar has previously explored complex subjects through films such as Talvar and Raazi. Her involvement gives Daayra an investigative and serious cinematic identity.
3. A Story About Justice and Accountability
The film is not positioned simply as a conventional police thriller. Its trailer raises questions about justice, accountability and the moral boundaries within the legal system.
4. Inspired by True Events
The official trailer describes Daayra as being inspired by true events. However, the makers have not revealed every detail of the real-life inspiration, allowing the film to retain an element of mystery.
Daayra Trailer: What to Expect From the Film
Based on the trailer, Daayra appears to combine police investigation, crime, suspense and courtroom-or-system-level questions about justice.
The conflict between DCP Ajooni Kohli and DCP Raman Kumar is expected to drive much of the narrative. At the same time, the investigation surrounding the case could force both characters—and the audience—to reconsider what constitutes justice.
Rather than revealing a major twist, the trailer focuses on establishing the characters, the investigation and the moral dilemma at the centre of the story.
That makes the film particularly interesting for viewers who enjoy serious investigative dramas where the mystery is supported by strong character conflicts.
Daayra Cast
The principal cast and creative team include:
- Kareena Kapoor Khan as DCP Ajooni Kohli
- Prithviraj Sukumaran as DCP Raman Kumar
- Meghna Gulzar – Director
- Sima Agarwal, Yash Keswani and Meghna Gulzar – Writers
- Saurabh Goswami – Cinematography
- Charu Shree Roy – Editing
- Amit Trivedi – Music
- Gulzar – Lyrics
Daayra Release Date, Cast and Director: Quick Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie | Daayra |
| Genre | Crime Thriller / Investigative Drama |
| Director | Meghna Gulzar |
| Lead Actress | Kareena Kapoor Khan |
| Lead Actor | Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Kareena’s Character | DCP Ajooni Kohli |
| Prithviraj’s Character | DCP Raman Kumar |
| Release Date | September 18, 2026 |
| Production | Junglee Pictures, Pen Studios |
| Inspired By | True events |
Final Verdict on the Daayra Trailer
The Daayra trailer sets up a tense crime thriller built around two police officers who are forced to confront different ideas of justice. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran appear to be at the centre of the film’s emotional and investigative conflict, while Meghna Gulzar’s direction gives the project a serious, grounded tone.
With its combination of a high-profile cast, an investigative storyline and questions surrounding law and accountability, Daayra has the potential to offer more than a conventional police thriller.
The film will be released in theatres on September 18, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Daayra release?
Daayra is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 18, 2026.
Who is the director of Daayra?
The film is directed by Meghna Gulzar.
Who plays the lead roles in Daayra?
Kareena Kapoor Khan plays DCP Ajooni Kohli, while Prithviraj Sukumaran plays DCP Raman Kumar.
Is Daayra based on a true story?
The official trailer describes Daayra as inspired by true events. The complete details of the real-life inspiration have not been disclosed by the makers.
What is Daayra about?
Daayra is an investigative crime thriller centred on two police officers who find themselves on opposing sides of a complex case, raising questions about justice, accountability and the limits of the legal system.
Who has produced Daayra?
Daayra is backed by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios.
When was the Daayra trailer released?
The official trailer was released on August 31, 2026.
