The recent buzz surrounding Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s sighting together in Mumbai has now been confirmed—both actors are teaming up for an upcoming crime thriller titled Daayra, which will be helmed by the critically acclaimed director Meghna Gulzar.
The news was officially announced on April 14, when Kareena Kapoor Khan took to her Instagram account to share images from the film’s early promotions. One picture shows Kareena and Prithviraj in a deep, intense gaze, suggesting the film’s dramatic tone, while another portrays a lighter moment, capturing the three key figures—Kareena, Prithviraj, and Meghna Gulzar—smiling together.
In the caption accompanying her post, Kareena expressed her excitement about the collaboration, calling the team her dream lineup. “I’ve always said I’m a director’s actor… This time, I’m thrilled to work with one of the best, Meghna Gulzar, and the phenomenal Prithviraj Sukumaran, whose craft I truly respect. To my dream team, Daayra, let’s make magic,” she wrote. Her message was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from fans, many of whom hailed the casting as a “GOAT combo” and shared their anticipation for the project.
While fans were quick to express their excitement about the pairing, another question that surfaced was about Prithviraj Sukumaran’s remuneration for the project. Although specific details about his fee for Daayra have not been made public, there is enough information available about his general approach to compensation in film projects to speculate.
In big-budget ventures like Salaar, Prithviraj is said to have charged approximately ₹4 crore for his role. However, his payment strategy isn’t always fixed. In fact, within the Malayalam film industry, he is known to favor profit-sharing models instead of demanding high upfront fees. This financial approach often enables more of the production budget to be directed toward improving the overall quality of the film.
Given that Daayra is a Hindi-language film, produced on a substantial scale and featuring Bollywood A-listers like Kareena Kapoor Khan under the direction of Meghna Gulzar, it’s likely that Prithviraj’s compensation will be on the higher end of his typical range, possibly reaching ₹4 crore or beyond. However, considering his known preference, there’s also a strong chance he may opt for a profit-sharing deal, where he would earn a portion of the film’s proceeds instead of a fixed amount.
The project itself marks a significant milestone for all involved. Titled Daayra, the film is a socially driven crime drama that is being produced by Junglee Pictures. This will be Meghna Gulzar’s first directorial outing following her 2023 release Sam Bahadur. The screenplay has been jointly written by Meghna Gulzar along with Sima and Yash, and is currently in the pre-production phase. The story aims to highlight pressing social issues, while simultaneously addressing broader questions around crime, justice, and morality.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, who celebrates 25 years in Hindi cinema, spoke about the deeper relevance of the film and her longstanding desire to work with Gulzar. “As I celebrate 25 years in Hindi cinema, I’m beyond excited to announce Daayra. Meghna Gulzar has always been one of my dream directors, and collaborating with her on such a thought-provoking story is a dream come true. Working with Prithviraj is equally exciting. This film is not just a story – it’s an experience that will push boundaries,” she said.
Prithviraj Sukumaran echoed similar sentiments, stating that the depth and complexity of his character were major reasons for signing onto the film. “When I heard the script, I instantly knew this was a story I wanted to tell. My character is rich with layers and has emotional depth. The opportunity to work alongside Kareena and Meghna is a truly rewarding experience. Daayra explores critical societal questions that will resonate with audiences,” he shared.
As for director Meghna Gulzar, her vision for the film appears deeply rooted in a desire to provoke reflection and challenge existing norms. She describes Daayra as an intense narrative that scrutinizes the systems and norms that underpin our society. “This film dives deep into the complexities of societal norms and institutional truths. Co-writing it with Sima and Yash was a creatively intense journey. With Kareena and Prithviraj embodying the leads, the narrative is poised to leave a lasting impact. Collaborating with Junglee Pictures again has been incredibly fulfilling,” Meghna said.
The collaboration of these three prominent figures from different film industries—Kareena from Bollywood, Prithviraj from the Malayalam cinema, and Meghna as a critically acclaimed Hindi filmmaker—has significantly raised the expectations around Daayra. With the film promising to address weighty societal issues through a gripping crime drama, audiences can expect a cinematic experience that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.
Although the film is still in its early stages, the combination of Kareena Kapoor’s mainstream appeal, Prithviraj Sukumaran’s nuanced acting, and Meghna Gulzar’s directorial finesse has already generated considerable excitement in both industry circles and among fans. The movie is expected to delve into complex human emotions and societal contradictions, making it more than just a conventional thriller.
Daayra is shaping up to be a film that not only entertains but also informs and inspires dialogue. As the production gears up to move forward, anticipation will likely grow with each new update. For now, the powerful trio of Kareena Kapoor, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Meghna Gulzar has successfully piqued interest, and expectations for the film’s narrative depth and execution are sky-high.