The last time Meghna Gulzar and Kareena Kapoor Khan explored the crime thriller genre, their respective contributions received significant acclaim. Gulzar directed the riveting investigative drama Talvar, while Khan showcased her talent in the intense crime thrillers Jaane Jaan and The Buckingham Murders. This time, with the addition of Prithviraj Sukumaran, known for his stellar performances in critically acclaimed Malayalam thrillers like Mumbai Police and Memories, their collaboration promises to deliver a distinct and original narrative.
Junglee Pictures, which had previously worked with Gulzar on Talvar and Raazi, reunites with the director for their third project together: Daayra. Currently in pre-production, this crime drama — co-written by Yash and Sima — marks the first collaboration between Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The combination of these accomplished talents has already generated significant anticipation for the project.
Gulzar, speaking on the upcoming film, expressed her excitement about working with co-writers Sima and Yash. She noted the challenge and thrill of exploring the complex grey areas within the black-and-white nature of the narrative. As the lead characters come to life through the performances of Khan and Sukumaran, the dynamics of the story are poised to elevate further.
Sukumaran, equally impressed by Gulzar’s screenplay, shared his enthusiasm for the project. He believes that Daayra is a layered narrative that will resonate with audiences. The actor, who is known for his compelling roles in crime dramas, emphasized that working with Meghna Gulzar, Junglee Pictures, and an actor of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s caliber would be a remarkable collaborative experience. He also highlighted how the film delves deep into societal norms, the world of crime, and the complexities of punishment.
Currently celebrating her 25th year in cinema, Kareena Kapoor Khan is consciously stepping away from traditional star-driven vehicles, instead choosing to collaborate with directors like Hansal Mehta and Sujoy Ghosh. Meghna Gulzar, with her ability to craft powerful and socially relevant narratives, is seen as an ideal creative partner for Khan at this stage in her career. The actress is eager to begin filming Daayra, describing it as “a powerful and timely film of our times.”
