Director Meghna Gulzar disclosed that the inspiration for her upcoming film ‘Daayra’, featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kareena Kapoor Khan, originated during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.

She shared this insight while promoting the film in Mumbai’s Andheri West locality.

Gulzar recalled, “Actually, the idea was sent my way in 2020. I still remember where I was. I was at my village home and there was a lockdown because of Covid-19. And it was a story written over a few pages. The idea had come from Junglee Pictures.”

At that time, Meghna was deeply involved in creating the biopic ‘Sam Bahadur’, starring Vicky Kaushal as India’s war hero.

She added, “And yet, it grabbed me because the issues that it talks about are so prevalent and we, even Junglee Pictures and I, we both knew that I will be making Sam Bahadur next. And we were okay to make it after four years because we knew that it’s not going to get outdated even after four years.”

‘Daayra’ is a crime thriller that delves into complex themes of justice, power, and moral ambiguity. Kareena Kapoor Khan portrays a multi-dimensional character navigating systemic grey areas.

The film unites Kareena’s recent focus on nuanced, content-rich roles with Meghna Gulzar’s signature, socially conscious storytelling exemplified in films like ‘Talvar’, ‘Raazi’, and ‘Sam Bahadur’.

Produced by Vineet Jain under Junglee Pictures, ‘Daayra’ is slated for a theatrical release on September 18, 2026.