Parvathy Thiruvothu voices Kareena Kapoor's Daayra role in Malayalam
Synopsis
Parvathy Thiruvothu's voice-acting debut is not in an animation film as she had long imagined — it is in Meghna Gulzar's crime thriller Daayra, where she gives voice to Kareena Kapoor Khan's morally complex character Ajooni for Malayalam audiences. The casting bridges two of Indian cinema's most respected acting traditions ahead of the film's 18 September 2026 release.
Key Takeaways
Parvathy Thiruvothu will voice Kareena Kapoor Khan 's character Ajooni in the Malayalam version of Daayra .
This is Parvathy's debut in voice acting, a role she had long aspired to.
Daayra is directed by Meghna Gulzar , known for Talvar , Raazi , and Sam Bahadur .
The film is inspired by true events and also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in a lead role.
Daayra is set for theatrical release on 18 September 2026 .
Acclaimed Malayalam actress Parvathy Thiruvothu will lend her voice to Kareena Kapoor Khan's character Ajooni in the Malayalam-dubbed version of the upcoming crime thriller Daayra, marking her debut in voice acting. The announcement comes ahead of the film's theatrical release on 18 September 2026.
A Long-Awaited Debut
For Parvathy, the assignment is the realisation of a personal ambition she had long deferred. 'Working on Daayra was a dream come true, mainly as somebody who has been aspiring to do voice acting for the longest time, dreaming about it, and always thought that the best opportunities in voice acting would come with animation films or some such. But it was such a pleasant surprise to get this opportunity to begin this journey for me by portraying Ajooni for Kareena,' the actress said in a statement.
She added that the project's creative pedigree only deepened her enthusiasm: 'Adding to that is the fact that it is a Meghna Gulzar movie, and that it's a movie that would stay with us for like the longest time after watching. It's an extremely impactful work as a character as well.'
About Daayra
Directed by Meghna Gulzar — the filmmaker behind Talvar, Raazi, and Sam Bahadur — Daayra is inspired by true events and centres on themes of justice, power, and systemic grey zones. Kareena plays Ajooni, described as a complex, morally conflicted character, while Prithviraj Sukumaran also stars in a lead role. The film blends Gulzar's restrained, issue-oriented storytelling with a sharp, socially grounded narrative.
Why the Casting Choice Matters
Parvathy's selection as the Malayalam voice of Ajooni is notable beyond the novelty of her voice-acting debut. Known for inhabiting layered, psychologically rich roles throughout her career in Malayalam cinema, she brings a performance sensibility that is closely aligned with the complexity Kareena brings to the character on screen. Notably, this is also a rare instance of a prominent pan-Indian actress voicing a Bollywood lead's dubbed role — a choice that signals the production's intent to preserve dramatic authenticity for Malayalam-speaking audiences.
Release and What to Expect
Daayra is scheduled to release in cinemas on 18 September 2026. With Meghna Gulzar's track record of critically acclaimed, fact-based narratives and a cast that bridges Bollywood and Malayalam cinema, the film arrives with considerable expectation from both industries.
Point of View
Not a routine dubbing assignment. Productions often use lesser-known voice artists for dubbed versions; choosing a performer of Parvathy's stature signals that the makers want emotional continuity across language markets. It also reflects a broader industry shift: as Malayalam cinema's global profile rises, Bollywood productions are increasingly courting its talent for cross-market credibility. Whether this strategy translates into stronger box-office performance in Kerala will be a useful data point for the industry.
NationPress
1 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Parvathy Thiruvothu voicing in Daayra?
Parvathy Thiruvothu is voicing the character Ajooni, played by Kareena Kapoor Khan, in the Malayalam-dubbed version of Daayra. This is her debut in voice acting.
When does Daayra release in cinemas?
Daayra is scheduled for a theatrical release on 18 September 2026.
Who has directed the film Daayra?
Daayra is directed by Meghna Gulzar, who previously helmed critically acclaimed films such as Talvar, Raazi, and Sam Bahadur.
Who else stars in Daayra alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan?
Prithviraj Sukumaran stars in a lead role alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan in Daayra. The film is inspired by true events and is described as a crime thriller.
Why was Parvathy Thiruvothu chosen to dub for Kareena Kapoor Khan?
According to reports, Parvathy was chosen for her distinctive voice and performance sensibility, which aligns with the complexity of Kareena's character Ajooni. Parvathy herself described the opportunity as a long-held dream.
