Daayra Movie Review: Law, justice, and conscience caught in the clash between Kareena and Prithviraj!

Daayra Movie Review: Meghna Gulzar’s movie ‘Daayra’ is a serious crime thriller that raises complex questions regarding the law and justice. Here is an movie overview of what you can expect from the movie, which is set to release in theatres on September 18.

Following heinous crimes like rape and murder, a question repeatedly arises: should the law be allowed to take its course, or should those who confess to the crime be punished immediately? This is the very question Meghna Gulzar’s movie ‘Daayra’ places before you. The difference, however, is that the movie does not steer you toward a single answer; instead, it presents both sides and compels you to reflect.

For me, the greatest strength of Daayra is that it is not merely a story about the police and criminals. It is a story about that fine line between law, justice, police accountability, and personal morality—where the distinction between right and wrong suddenly begins to blur.

The movie will be released in theatres on September 18; before that, read our review to find out what the movie is like.

The real conflict lies in the story of the movie Daayra

The movie follows DCP Raman Kumar (Prithviraj Sukumaran) and DCP Ajuni Kohli (Kareena Kapoor Khan). Raman and his team are implicated in the encounter killing of the accused involved in the rape and murder of a young woman. Ajuni is then assigned to investigate the case, and the real game begins.

Ajuni states clearly: “I don’t investigate my colleagues; I investigate incidents.” For her, the law comes before the uniform. On the other hand, Raman believes that when the system repeatedly causes delays, it is essential for criminals to be punished for their actions. This very conflict between the two keeps the movie gripping.

The movie constructs its narrative by drawing inspiration from several real-life incidents. The story also incorporates the debates surrounding the law and rape cases that emerged following the 2012 Nirbhaya case. However, the movie’s strength lies in the fact that, rather than merely recounting that specific event, it integrates issues such as delayed justice and police accountability into the storyline.

Kareena and Prithviraj took charge

Kareena Kapoor Khan is highly effective as DCP Ajuni. Her character steers clear of the typical Bollywood trope of the hot-headed police officer; instead, Ajuni conveys her points through dialogue, logic, and dry wit. Her calm yet firm demeanour sets the character apart. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Raman is equally compelling. Rather than resorting to excessive shouting, his character exerts pressure through silence and expressive eyes. Raman understands legal procedure, yet he views the delay in justice as a major issue.

The most interesting aspect is the professional clash between the two. The chemistry between Kareena and Prithviraj is not romantic but rather a battle of ideas and legal arguments, and this becomes the movie’s greatest strength. Among the supporting cast, Kanwaljit Singh, Achint Kaur, Anuja Sathe, Seema Azmi, Biswapati Sarkar, and Jitendra Joshi fit their roles well, although some characters do not get much screen time.

Meghna Gulzar has previously demonstrated her grasp of such subjects in movies like Talvar and Raazi. In Daayra too, her direction serves to advance the narrative rather than overshadow it. The movie’s background score is used judiciously, appearing only where necessary; there is no gratuitous noise or over-the-top sound design. This allows the situations and the actors’ performances the space to breathe.

Strong screenplay, but the second half is a bit weak

The first half of the movie is its strongest segment. Ajooni’s investigation, Raman’s perspective, and the escalating conflict between the two keep you engaged with the story. The questions raised in the opening section create the expectation that the movie will subsequently delve deeper into the broader debate surrounding justice and the law.

However, after the interval, the movie relies more heavily on action and the consequences of events. The screenplay wraps up the hunt for the criminals and the subsequent developments in a somewhat convenient manner. The depth regarding the system and legal processes—so palpable in the first half—receives less focus in the second. This is where the movie loses some of its initial edge.

Meanwhile, Kshiti Jog leaves a strong impact in the brief role of the victim’s mother; her pain provides the movie with a vital emotional anchor. The first half builds a powerful atmosphere, with Kareena and Prithviraj delivering commanding performances, while the narrative becomes somewhat more straightforward in the second half. Nevertheless, this 143-minute movie keeps you engrossed, and the questions it raises linger in your mind even after you leave the theater. If you enjoy serious crime thrillers, police dramas, and thought-provoking stories, then ‘Daayra’ is a movie worth watching on the big screen.

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