Kareena Kapoor & Prithviraj's Daayra Struggles With ₹1 Cr Opening

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran headline the crime thriller Daayra, which released in cinemas on September 18, 2026. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film draws inspiration from the Disha incident in Hyderabad, a case that once gripped the nation. Despite the star power and the sensitive subject matter, Daayra has failed to attract audiences in its opening weekend.

Trade reports indicate that Daayra managed to collect only around ₹1 crore nett on its first day, a figure considered disappointing for a film featuring such prominent actors. The lack of excitement was evident even before release, with pre-release content not generating much buzz among moviegoers. Early indications suggest that the film's prospects for the weekend remain dim, with little sign of a turnaround at the box office.

Meghna Gulzar, known for her critically acclaimed collaborations with Jungle Pictures on Talvar and Raazi, teams up with the production house for the third time with Daayra. The film was distributed by Pen Marudhar of Pen Studios. Prithviraj Sukumaran, who previously gained recognition for his role in Varanasi, made his Hindi film return with this project, while Kareena Kapoor Khan continues her streak of challenging roles.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Daayra would hit theatres in September, raising expectations due to its high-profile cast and real-life inspiration. However, the tepid box office response has surprised many, given the film's pedigree and the attention surrounding its subject.