Kareena Kapoor Khan revealed at the trailer launch of her upcoming film 'Daayra' on Monday that motherhood has fundamentally deepened her craft as an actor. Speaking candidly, she said the film's emotionally charged role as a mother has left a lasting imprint on her — one she attributes directly to her own experience of raising children.

What Kareena Said About Motherhood and Acting

Asked how she navigates the emotional intensity of playing a mother in scenes involving a child, Kareena was unequivocal. 'Definitely. The Daayra is one such film. It always stays with you,' she said. 'I feel that as a mother, as an actor, I just feel like a part written by her, and I had this opportunity to play it. It has stayed with me. And I think, I don't know, I feel ever since I have become a mother, I have also become a better actor. I don't know why.'

She also singled out writer-director Meghna Gulzar for crafting a character — Ajooni — that she described as giving her 'more Darja' (dignity/stature) in her life, adding a new dimension to both her personal and professional identity.

About the Film Daayra

The trailer of 'Daayra', unveiled at a grand event, places Kareena's character and Prithviraj Sukumaran's on opposing sides of a debate over justice — a conflict reportedly inspired by true events. The ensemble cast includes Jitendra Joshi, Kshitee Jog, Kanwaljeet Singh, Sandeep Kulkarni, and Trupti Khamkar.

The film is produced by Junglee Pictures and Dr. Jayantilal Gada of Pen Studios, and directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Meghna Gulzar. It is slated for a theatrical release on 18 September 2026.

Why This Role Stands Apart for Kareena

Kareena, known for landmark performances in films such as 'Jab We Met', has spoken previously about how personal milestones reshape her approach to roles. Her assertion that motherhood has made her a better actor is consistent with a broader pattern among actors who cite lived experience as the most reliable emotional resource on screen.

Notably, Meghna Gulzar — whose earlier directorial work includes the critically acclaimed 'Raazi' — has a reputation for drawing restrained, psychologically complex performances from her leads. The combination of Gulzar's writing and Kareena's self-described emotional evolution makes 'Daayra' one of the more anticipated dramatic releases of the season.

Release and What to Expect

With its release on 18 September 2026, 'Daayra' enters a competitive theatrical window. The film's premise — a crime that triggers nationwide outrage and puts two characters on opposite sides of a justice debate — positions it as a socially resonant courtroom-adjacent drama. Audience and critical response to the trailer has set expectations high for both Kareena and Prithviraj Sukumaran's performances.