Kareena Kapoor's 'Daayra' release date revealed: September 18 in cinemas
Synopsis
Kareena Kapoor has put a date on one of Bollywood's most-watched upcoming projects — Daayra hits cinemas on 18 September. Directed by Meghna Gulzar and co-starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film's BTS reel shows Kareena in a police uniform, hinting at a gritty crime-justice drama shot across Mumbai's lesser-seen interiors.
Key Takeaways
Kareena Kapoor confirmed Daayra will release in cinemas on 18 September .
A behind-the-scenes sneak peek was shared on Thursday, 18 June , showing on-set and off-set moments.
Kareena is seen in a police officer's uniform , indicating a law-enforcement role.
The film is directed by Meghna Gulzar and co-stars Prithviraj Sukumaran .
Shooting took place across Mumbai's outer locations including Khalapur , Bhiwandi , and Virar .
Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor on Thursday, 18 June shared a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of her upcoming film Daayra, simultaneously confirming that the movie will arrive in cinemas on 18 September. The video, posted on her social media, blends on-screen footage with off-set moments, offering audiences their first real look at the project.
What the Sneak Peek Reveals
The preview clip features Kareena in the uniform of a police officer, suggesting she plays a law-enforcement role central to the film's narrative. Glimpses of director Meghna Gulzar guiding the cast through sequences also appear, underlining the film's serious, craft-driven approach. Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays a key role opposite Kareena, is seen in what appears to be a high-intensity part.
Sharing the video, Kareena wrote: 'This one is for the books...Raw and unseen. A sneak peek behind the scenes of DAAYRA. #Daayra arrives in cinemas on 18th September.'
Extensive Mumbai Shoot Across Interiors
Production on Daayra involved extensive travel across Mumbai's outer reaches. According to a source close to the production, the team moved through locations including Khalapur, Bhiwandi, and Virar — areas far from the city's commercial film hubs. As far back as 4 December last year, Kareena had posted about the journey, noting that Gulzar was taking her across these interiors.
'It's been a very hectic shoot for the team, moving from one location to another, but the energy on set has been incredible. It takes long hours to travel to far-flung places of Mumbai, but Kareena is enjoying every ride as she is getting to see the real Mumbai,' the source added.
The Film: Crime, Justice, and Star Power
Set against the complex world of crime and justice, Daayra is directed by Meghna Gulzar, known for layered, socially rooted storytelling. The pairing of Kareena and Prithviraj Sukumaran in roles that reportedly demand their full dramatic range has generated considerable anticipation. The film's gritty, location-heavy shoot signals a departure from studio-bound productions.
What to Watch For
With a 18 September release locked in, the coming weeks are likely to bring a full trailer and wider promotional activity. The film's combination of a high-profile director, two major stars, and a crime-justice backdrop positions it as one of the more anticipated Hindi releases of the second half of 2025.
Point of View
Which suits a Meghna Gulzar film. Gulzar's track record with Raazi and Talvar shows she builds audience trust on craft credibility rather than star glamour. Kareena taking on a police role in a crime-justice setting is a notable pivot from her recent commercial outings, and the Prithviraj pairing signals cross-market ambition. The September 18 date places Daayra in a competitive festive-adjacent window; how the full marketing campaign frames the film's tone will determine whether it draws the arthouse crowd or crosses over to mainstream multiplex audiences.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Daayra releasing in cinemas?
Daayra is set to release in cinemas on 18 September, as confirmed by Kareena Kapoor on 18 June via a social media post.
Who is directing Daayra?
Daayra is directed by Meghna Gulzar, known for critically acclaimed films such as Raazi and Talvar. She also supervised the extensive location shoot across Mumbai's outer areas.
What role does Kareena Kapoor play in Daayra?
Based on the sneak peek, Kareena Kapoor appears to play a police officer. The film is set against the world of crime and justice, and her character reportedly demands significant dramatic range.
Who else stars in Daayra?
Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran plays an important role in Daayra alongside Kareena Kapoor, with reports suggesting he takes on a high-intensity character.
Where was Daayra filmed?
The film was shot across multiple locations in and around Mumbai, including Khalapur, Bhiwandi, and Virar — areas in the city's outer interiors, reflecting the film's gritty, ground-level setting.
