Kareena, Prithviraj Take on Gritty Cop Roles in Daayra

New Delhi, September 13, 2026 Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran are stepping into the world of crime investigation with sharply defined police characters in Daayra. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, the investigative thriller has drawn attention for its dark subject and the contrasting approaches of its two lead officers. The latest character posters give a closer look at the intensity the actors bring to the film. Prithviraj plays DCP Raman Kumar, a disciplined officer whose commitment to the law shapes his every decision. The makers introduced him with the caption, “DCP Raman Kumar upholds the law. And never breaks his own rules,” Kareena, meanwhile, portrays DCP Ajooni Kohli, an officer equally firm in her principles. Her poster was captioned, “DCP Ajooni knows the law. And she stands by it. Get a closer look at DCP Ajooni Kohli and the making of #Daayra,” For Kareena, the role demanded a departure from her more expressive performances. Having previously appeared as characters linked to investigation and law enforcement in The Buckingham Murders and Angrezi Medium, she approached Ajooni through restraint and controlled intensity. Speaking about the experience, Kareena said, “I had to suppress my usual expressive acting style to suit the character. It was a great and challenging experience working on the film,” Prithviraj’s character, meanwhile, operates in a more morally complicated space. Raman’s use of extrajudicial methods led to creative discussions between the actor and Gulzar during filming, as the role required a grounded portrayal rather than conventional commercial treatment. Reflecting on the filmmaker’s approach, Prithviraj said, “Her approach to the characters were very clinical, and always had logical and well-reasoned perspectives,” Daayra centres on the disappearance and murder of a young girl and uses the case to examine the grey areas within the law and the consequences of systemic apathy. With two police officers confronting justice from different perspectives, the film appears to place its emphasis on moral complexity and character-driven investigation. Daayra will release worldwide in theatres on September 18, 2026.