Daayra Review: The makers of Daayra hosted a special press screening in Delhi ahead of its theatrical release on September 18, 2026. Film experts and critics who shared their reviews on X (previously Twitter) hailed the Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kareena Kapoor-starrer.

Daayra Movie Review

Film trade analyst Sumit Kadel (@SumitkadeI) called Daayra a solid thriller and rated it 3.5/5. He also praised Meghna Gulzar for returning to the thriller genre after Talvar.

"Daayra is a gripping, disturbing and hard-hitting thriller that keeps you hooked and booked from start to finish. The film takes a sensitive case involving crime, rape, murder and justice and builds it around one difficult question, what happens when instant justice clashes with the law (sic)?"

Sumit further appreciated the film for not taking sides. He said Daayra gives viewers a chance to understand both Prithviraj and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s perspectives.

"Overall Daayra is a Thought-provoking film that stays with you. At the box office, film can grow well over the weekend as it will enjoy patronage from the class audience (sic)."

 

Entertainment industry tracker Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) gave Daayra 4/5. He praised the performances of Prithviraj and Kareena Kapoor Khan, calling the two actors 'powerhouses' in the film.

"@PrithviOfficial and #Kareena have different POV and are at their absolute best, delivering powerhouse performances. Director @meghnagulzar has made a compelling thriller/drama that keeps you invested till the end (sic)."

 

 

ALSO READ - Before Daayra, Watch Kareena Kapoor Like Never Before In These Gripping Thriller Movies And Series

Daayra picks up a subject that matters, and to its credit, the movie doesn't rush through it. The investigation is allowed to unfold at its own pace, without jumping from one big reveal to the next.

In early reviews and reactions from the press screening, the decision to limit the background score works well. There's barely any music throughout the film, except for a B Praak track that plays during the end credits. It's a smart call that keeps the focus on the story rather than drama.

At its core, Daayra comes from a good place. Meghna Gulzar isn't just telling a story here — she's raising real questions about justice, about the judiciary, and about women who get failed by a system that was meant to protect them in the first place.

ALSO READ - Daayra: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Prithviraj Sukumaran Face Off in Meghna Gulzar's Crime Thriller

What Is Daayra Movie About?

Daayra revolves around a disturbing crime after a young girl goes missing and her burned body is later found. The case sparks public anger, putting pressure on the police to find the killer.

DCP Raman Kumar (Prithviraj Sukumaran) takes charge of the case. His team tracks down the suspects, but a controversial police encounter soon turns Raman into a public hero.

As questions are raised over the encounter, DCP Ajooni Kohli (Kareena Kapoor Khan) is brought in to lead an SIT. Her investigation finds gaps in the police version and takes her deeper into the case.

The movie also touches upon Ajooni's personal struggles as the two officers find themselves on opposite sides of the same case.

FAQ

1. When and where to watch the Daayra movie?

Daayra will release in theatres near you on September 18, Friday.

2. Who all star in Meghna Gulzar's directorial Daayra?

Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kareena Kapoor, Kanwaljit Singh, Achint Kaur, Anuja Sathe, Seema Azmi, and Biswapati Sarkar, among others, star in the movie.