Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s investigative crime drama Daayra is officially set to make its digital debut on Netflix on November 13, 2026. The streaming platform has listed the film on its official website, confirming its arrival following a theatrical run that began on September 18. While the film was originally released in Hindi and Malayalam in theatres, the confirmed Netflix listing identifies it primarily as a Hindi thriller, with regional dubs potentially becoming available upon release.
Directed by Meghna Gulzar, Daayra stars Kareena Kapoor Khan as DCP Ajooni Kohli and Prithviraj Sukumaran as DCP Raman Kumar. The plot follows the aftermath of a controversial police encounter that kills four suspects in a high-profile rape and murder case, prompting an investigation to determine whether the shooting was staged. The story explores the clash between public demand for instant vengeance and strict adherence to legal procedures, placing the two officers on opposing sides of the same system.
The film is inspired by real-life events, though Gulzar clarified that it is not a direct retelling of any single case—including the 2019 Hyderabad encounter that was initially linked to the project. Instead, the story draws from multiple true incidents across India, portraying a reality that can unfold “almost everywhere and anywhere” . Critics praised Gulzar for tackling a sensitive ethical debate without sensationalism. The Hindu’s review noted that Prithviraj delivers a “fantastic” performance as the encounter specialist, while Kareena brings an “unusually off-key” intensity to the procedural investigator role.
Despite positive critical reception, Daayra struggled commercially during its theatrical run. Made on a reported budget of ₹50–55 crore, the film earned approximately ₹8.22 crore net in India and around ₹11.9 crore gross worldwide. Its heavy, serious subject matter and deliberate slow-burn pacing limited its appeal to mainstream theatre audiences, making the Netflix premiere a crucial second window for the film to reach viewers who prefer streaming for intense, dialogue-driven dramas.
With its ensemble supporting cast including Jitendra Joshi, Kanwaljit Singh, Achint Kaur, and Anuja Sathe, Daayra offers a grounded, songless narrative focused on institutional conflict rather than commercial Bollywood tropes. For audiences who appreciate procedural thrillers that grapple with the grey areas between justice and vengeance, the film’s arrival on Netflix this Friday provides an opportunity to experience one of the year’s most thoughtfully crafted crime dramas from the comfort of home.
