Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Daayra’ hit theatres on Thursday, September 17, and early reactions on X suggest that the crime thriller is already splitting audiences.

While several viewers have praised the film’s emotional depth, police procedural elements and performances by Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kareena Kapoor, others have criticised its pace, narrative execution and casting.

A section of viewers has particularly singled out Prithviraj for praise.

One reaction described the actor as being ‘back with a bang’ after a run of disappointing films, highlighting his emotional performance and expressive acting rather than the physicality often associated with his roles.

Kareena Kapoor has also received appreciation from some viewers, with reactions describing her performance as effortless and effective.

One viewer felt that both actors deliver strongly in a film that gradually gathers momentum after a relatively slow beginning.

‘Gripping’ and emotionally charged for some viewers

Several X users have responded positively to Gulzar’s treatment of the material.

One viewer called ‘Daayra’ a gripping investigative thriller supported by a strong police procedural, pointing to the film’s central tension between instant justice and the legal process.

Another reaction described the film as hard-hitting and emotionally gripping, praising its realistic treatment and the performances of Kareena Kapoor and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

The film’s climax and final moments have also emerged as talking points, with one viewer suggesting that the emotional impact intensifies towards the end, particularly during the climax and the final shot.

Another viewer praised the film for taking up a socially relevant subject and described it as an intense crime thriller with an impressive narrative.

But not everyone is impressed

The reactions are far from unanimous. One particularly negative review gave the film just one star, calling it boring and confusing while comparing its treatment unfavourably with television crime shows.

Another viewer criticised the casting, specifically questioning Kareena Kapoor’s presence in the film and arguing that even Prithviraj’s performance could not compensate for what they perceived as shortcomings in the movie.

The contrasting reactions indicate that ‘Daayra’ is prompting sharply different responses on its opening day.

While some viewers have connected with its emotional and socially relevant treatment, others have found fault with its storytelling and casting.

As more audiences watch the film over the opening weekend, the conversation around Gulzar’s latest crime drama is likely to become clearer.