The wait for Meghna Gulzar’s much-awaited crime thriller Daayra is getting more intense with every new reveal. The filmmaker has now unveiled the first look of Prithviraj Sukumaran from the film, introducing audiences to his character DCP Raman Kumar. Along with the striking posters, Gulzar has also confirmed that the much-awaited trailer will arrive on August 31, 2026.
Sharing the first look, Meghna Gulzar described Prithviraj’s character with a few powerful words: “DCP Raman Kumar. Calculated calm. Fearlessly fierce.” The description immediately adds intrigue to the police officer, suggesting that Raman is someone who remains composed under pressure but can turn formidable when the situation demands it.
The newly released posters offer a glimpse into the world of Daayra, with Prithviraj seen in a police uniform against a backdrop filled with media attention and crime scene imagery. The visuals hint at an investigation that could put the characters under enormous pressure, while Raman Kumar’s expression maintains an air of controlled intensity.
The filmmaker further announced, “The wait to step into the world of Daayra ends with the trailer on 31st August 2026.” With the trailer now just days away, expectations are naturally building around what appears to be one of the most intense collaborations of Meghna Gulzar’s career.
Daayra stars Prithviraj Sukumaran opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan, with the two actors coming together on screen for the first time. Kareena plays DCP Ajooni Kohli, while Prithviraj takes on the role of DCP Raman Kumar. Their characters are positioned at the heart of an investigative thriller that explores justice, morality and the complicated divisions within society.
The film promises to explore the idea that the line between right and wrong is not always as clear as it appears. With two police officers at the centre of the narrative, Daayra appears to be less interested in presenting a simple good-versus-evil story and more focused on the moral grey areas that emerge when people are pushed into difficult situations.
Meghna Gulzar has already established a reputation for telling stories rooted in real-world emotions and complex social issues. With Daayra, she appears to be returning to the investigative territory that audiences have seen in her acclaimed films Talvar and Raazi, while introducing a fresh story and a new set of characters.
The film also marks Meghna Gulzar’s third collaboration with Junglee Pictures. The production house previously backed her critically acclaimed films Talvar and Raazi, making their reunion for Daayra particularly noteworthy. The makers have planned a simultaneous Hindi and Malayalam theatrical release, giving the film a wider reach across audiences. Meghna Gulzar confirmed that Daayra will arrive in cinemas on September 18, 2026.
For Prithviraj, the role of DCP Raman Kumar offers another opportunity to bring his commanding screen presence to a Hindi-language theatrical project. The first look deliberately keeps his character mysterious, with the filmmaker’s “calculated calm” description suggesting that there is considerably more beneath the surface.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, meanwhile, is expected to bring her own intensity to DCP Ajooni Kohli. The pairing of Kareena and Prithviraj, combined with Gulzar’s direction, has already made Daayra one of the more anticipated crime thrillers of the year.
The makers are now preparing to reveal the first substantial footage through the trailer on August 31. After the first look, the biggest question is what exactly DCP Raman Kumar is facing — and how far he will go when the investigation begins to challenge everything he believes in.
With a striking new poster, two powerful leads and Meghna Gulzar at the helm, Daayra is clearly setting the stage for a tense cinematic experience. The trailer arrives on August 31, while Daayra reaches cinemas in Hindi and Malayalam on September 18, 2026.