Plot ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
DCP Raman Kumar becomes a public hero after his team kills four men accused of assaulting and murdering 24-year-old Ragini Poojari. Suspicions of a staged encounter bring Internal Vigilance officer Ajooni Kohli to Suryapur, where she uncovers ignored complaints, missing CCTV footage and serious police negligence.
Overview
Meghna Gulzar’s Daayra is a restrained police drama about institutional failure, encounter justice and society’s treatment of women. Starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film releases on September 18, 2026.
Performances
Kareena Kapoor Khan delivers a controlled and authoritative performance as Ajooni. Prithviraj Sukumaran convincingly plays Raman, an officer who believes instant punishment works better than a failing legal system. Kshitee Jog creates a strong emotional impact as Ragini’s grieving mother.
Technical Aspects
Meghna Gulzar handles the investigation and police-station scenes with realism. However, the ideological clash between Ajooni and Raman does not produce enough dramatic tension.
Music
The understated background score supports the serious tone without overpowering the investigation.
Editing
The film maintains a steady pace, but Ajooni’s personal story needed more depth. The final confrontation also feels rushed after the lengthy build-up.
Positives
- Strong performances
- Relevant social themes
- Effective investigation scenes
- Realistic police procedures
- Kshitee Jog’s emotional role
Negatives
- Limited dramatic tension
- Predictable investigation
- Weak character development
- Underwhelming climax
Analysis
Daayra examines due process and encounter justice through two opposing police officers. Its questions about accountability, policing and institutional failure are relevant, but the restrained execution prevents the central conflict from becoming genuinely powerful.
Bottomline
Relevant themes and strong performances, but the impact remains muted.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
