The one filmmaker who I have really been following in terms of craft and the stories she chooses to say and the way she says it, is Meghna Gulzar – Prithviraj Sukumaran on Daayra
Ever since Daayra announced its release date with a raw and unseen behind-the-scenes video, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the making of the film, anticipation around Meghna Gulzar’s much-awaited thriller has continued to soar. Bringing together Kareena Kapoor Khan, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Meghna Gulzar for the very first time, the film has already emerged as one of the most talked-about releases on the horizon.
Adding to the excitement, Prithviraj Sukumaran recently opened up about his experience of working with Meghna Gulzar, revealing his long-standing admiration for the filmmaker and sharing why Daayra proved to be such a rewarding experience.
Speaking about the filmmaker he had long wanted to collaborate with, Prithviraj said, “The one filmmaker who I have really been following in terms of craft and the stories she chooses to say and the way she says it, is Meghna Gulzar.”
Reflecting on their collaboration, he added, “I finished working with them and I had such a great experience. I had so much fun working with Meghna – I don’t think I’ve argued so much with any filmmaker.”
When asked what the arguments were about, the actor playfully replied, “This is for us to talk about when that film releases.”
He went on to heap praise on the filmmaker, saying, “She is an incredible filmmaker. She is just a lovely person and a great filmmaker. And I’m so thankful she thought I should do that film. I’m so thankful that I convinced myself to find time in between my schedules to do that film because it was such a great experience for me.”
Offering a glimpse into what audiences can expect from Daayra, Prithviraj shared, “She’s done a fab job. It’s a film that asks you a lot of disturbing questions but it doesn’t answer them for you. It’s a film that needs to have a very objective take on justice and the deliverance of justice in our system.”
Highlighting what stood out to him most about Meghna’s storytelling, he added, “It is incredible how Meghna, from point A to B, she’s never veered into one side of that line. It’s tough for a filmmaker to do that. Especially with that written material, it’s very easy for a filmmaker to sort of veer into one side of that line. And then the film stops becoming objective, but Daayra never does. Right till the last moment of the film, it’ll keep asking you the question but not answer it for you. It’s that kind of a film and I really had a ball doing it.”
Directed by Meghna Gulzar, Daayra stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran and is set to arrive in theatres on September 18, 2026. Produced by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios, the film marks Meghna Gulzar’s third collaboration with Junglee Pictures following the acclaimed Raazi and Talvar, while also being the first-ever co-production between Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios. Inspired by true events, the gripping thriller is written by Yash Keswani, Sima Agarwal and Meghna Gulzar, and explores the complex themes of crime, justice and punishment through a thought-provoking and deeply layered narrative.