Meghna Gulzar Discusses 'Daayra' and Its Themes of Justice

Director Meghna Gulzar has revealed insights into her upcoming film, 'Daayra', during recent interviews. The film, featuring actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, dives deep into the complexities surrounding the justice system and societal reactions to crime.

Gulzar shared that while she experiences a sense of outrage over issues of crime and justice, she believes it is crucial for cinema to instil hope and inspire change. 'There is outrage in me, I will not deny it... but one cannot stop being optimistic,' she stated. This approach is reflected in her previous works such as 'Talvar' and 'Chhapaak', which similarly tackled pressing social issues.

The narrative of 'Daayra' confronts the aftermath of a gruesome gang-rape and murder case, sparking outrage and leading to two diverging police investigations. The film doesn't focus on a specific incident but acknowledges a range of societal perceptions regarding justice. Gulzar noted, 'It's not by design... the overarching arcs of law and justice, and crime and punishment, are coincidentally similar in the films.'

Choosing to cast Kareena Kapoor Khan in the role of DCP Ajooni, Gulzar aimed to redefine the portrayal of female police officers in Indian cinema. 'I wanted to interpret a journey of a female police officer a little differently,' she explained. She emphasised that Kapoor's character is 'centered and as unreadable' compared to conventional portrayals of female cops. This intention aligns with her desire for authenticity in character representation.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s casting was equally intentional; Gulzar did not want the project's identity to be limited to a specific regional context. 'These are incidents that happen everywhere across the country,' she remarked. Therefore, selecting an actor from a South Indian film industry helped to maintain the film's universal narrative.

'Daayra' is being produced by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios and is scheduled for theatrical release this Friday. With its exploration of moral ambiguities within the justice system, the film is expected to provoke critical discussions among audiences.

Further engaging with the broader implications of the film, Gulzar stated her hope that 'Daayra' can lead to improvements in law enforcement and the judicial system. 'We can't stop hoping,' she added, reflecting her continuous commitment to addressing significant issues through cinema.