The cameras have officially stopped rolling on one of 2026’s most anticipated cinematic ventures. Producers Junglee Pictures and PEN Studios confirmed today that principal photography for the high-octane investigative crime-thriller Daayra has concluded. Directed by the critically acclaimed Meghna Gulzar, the film features the powerhouse pairing of Kareena Kapoor Khan and South Indian superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Following a rigorous 13-week shooting schedule that began in September, the production has now officially shifted into its post-production phase, gearing up for a massive theatrical release in 2026.
Unlike standard commercial fare, Daayra promises a raw and unflinching look into the “blurred and crossed lines” of justice and morality. The story reportedly explores the ripple effects of a single, diabolical act—reportedly inspired by high-profile real-life incidents—that triggers equal and opposite reactions across the social fabric of India.
Director Meghna Gulzar, known for her surgical precision in films like Talvar and Raazi, continues her tradition of “content-driven” cinema. Daayra does not aim to offer easy answers; instead, it invites the audience to navigate the grey areas of truth and societal perception.
The casting of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran has set expectations skyrocketing. This film marks their first-ever onscreen collaboration, bringing together two distinct schools of acting.
Daayra marks the third collaboration between Meghna Gulzar and Junglee Pictures, a partnership that has previously delivered modern classics like Talvar and Raazi. This time, Jayantilal Gada’s PEN Studios has joined the fold as co-producers, lending their massive distribution strength to the project.
The synergy between these production houses suggests that Daayra will receive a wide, multi-language release, targeting both multiplex audiences and the broader pan-India demographic that has come to admire Prithviraj’s work.
“Months of hard work, creativity, and collaboration have come together to bring this story to life,” Junglee Pictures shared on social media. “Onward to the next chapter!”
To maintain the film’s realistic tone, Meghna Gulzar opted for authentic, far-flung locations across the Mumbai metropolitan region. During the shoot, Kareena Kapoor Khan shared several BTS moments on Instagram, highlighting the “hectic yet incredible” energy of filming in places like Bhiwandi and Virar.
In a special moment captured during the final schedule, veteran lyricist and poet Gulzar visited the set to engage with the cast and crew, adding a touch of legendary inspiration to the production’s final days.
With the wrap announcement, the technical teams have moved into the editing suite. Charu Shree Roy (Editor) and Saurabh Goswami (DOP) are tasked with maintaining the “hard-hitting” visual language established during the 13-week shoot.
While fans are eager for a teaser, the makers are expected to maintain a strictly controlled promotional campaign to preserve the film’s many twists and turns. As of now, the “investigative” phase of Daayra is over—the countdown to its 2026 theatrical roar has begun.
