Daayra Movie Review: A gripping crime drama with a strong cast

VERIFIED

SeenTick Critique • 2026 • Cinema

3.5 /5.0

Solid Entertainer

CRITIC VERDICT

"A gripping crime drama with a strong cast, but an uneven second act holds it back from being a true masterpiece."

HIGHLIGHTS

• Strong performances from Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kareena Kapoor Khan
• Unflinching critique of systemic corruption in India's law enforcement
• Well-crafted tension and suspense in the first half

CONSIDERATIONS

• Faltering pacing and uneven narrative in the second act
• Some plot twists feel contrived

Meghna Gulzar's latest directorial venture, Daayra, is a masterful deconstruction of the dark underbelly of India's law enforcement, where the lines between right and wrong are perpetually blurred. The film's protagonist, Raman (Prithviraj Sukumaran), is a complex, multifaceted character whose shady past and present converge in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with the determined Ajooni (Kareena Kapoor Khan).

Inside Raman's World of Shadows

Prithviraj Sukumaran brings his signature intensity to the role of Raman, a man whose actions have earned him a reputation as a master manipulator of the justice system. As the story unfolds, we witness Raman's calculated gamesmanship, where every move is a calculated risk, and every decision is a deliberate attempt to evade accountability. Sukumaran's performance is a tour-de-force, conveying the nuances of Raman's character with precision and subtlety.

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Ajooni's Unyielding Pursuit

Kareena Kapoor Khan shines as Ajooni, a woman driven by a personal vendetta against Raman, who has been responsible for the tragic loss of her loved one. Ajooni's determination is unwavering, and Kapoor's portrayal is marked by a quiet intensity, as she skillfully conveys the depths of her emotional pain. The on-screen chemistry between Kapoor and Sukumaran is palpable, making their characters' escalating confrontation all the more compelling.

A Gripping Narrative that Falters in its Second Act

While the first half of Daayra is a masterclass in tension and suspense, the second act falters somewhat, with the narrative losing some of its bite. The pacing becomes slightly uneven, and a few plot twists feel contrived. However, the film's climax, which brings the story full circle, is both exhilarating and emotionally resonant.

A Powerful Warning about the Corrupt

Daayra is a searing indictment of the systemic corruption that plagues India's law enforcement agencies. Meghna Gulzar's direction is unflinching, and the film's message is both timely and urgent. The supporting cast, including Pragati Mishra and Sumali Khaniwale, deliver memorable performances that add depth and complexity to the narrative.

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