Kareena Kapoor Khan is stepping into a complex role for Meghna Gulzar’s upcoming film, Daayra, where she portrays a police officer named Ajooni. Unlike the typical high-octane, gun-toting cops often seen in Bollywood, Kareena’s character is unapologetically feminine, calm, and stern. The actor noted that she finds it refreshing to play a role that avoids the stereotypical ‘butch’ portrayal of female officers, opting instead for a character who handles intense situations with a smile while remaining firm in her principles. The film, which is inspired by true events, follows the aftermath of a crime that grips the nation, forcing two senior officers to navigate the thin, often blurry line between legal procedure and true justice.
Sharing the screen with Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays the character of Raman, Kareena admitted that finding the balance for Ajooni was a significant challenge. While she personally believes in a black-and-white view of life, she explained that Daayra exists in a morally ambiguous space where the truth is rarely simple. Prithviraj echoed this sentiment, noting that the film refuses to ask the audience to pick a side. He explained that he doesn’t fully agree or disagree with his character’s actions, and the same applies to Ajooni, as both characters grapple with the systemic processes that follow a major crime.
For Kareena, this project represents a deliberate shift from the larger-than-life, commercial cop universe she explored with Rohit Shetty. She described Meghna Gulzar’s direction as grounded and realistic, emphasizing that after 25 years in the industry, she feels fortunate to straddle both high-octane commercial cinema and complex, character-driven narratives. Director Meghna Gulzar added that her primary focus remains on the human quotient behind these stories, rather than just the mechanics of crime and punishment. As the film gears up for its September 18 release, it promises to challenge audiences to rethink their own definitions of right and wrong.