No shortcuts for Meghna Gulzar: Why even a one-dialogue character in Daayra went through rigorous casting

Mumbai: One of the most awaited releases of 2026, Daayra, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran recently announced its theatrical release date as 18th September. Sources reveal that the director, Meghna Gulzar has maintained uncompromising precision in casting every character. Nearly 90 theatre actors, including performers from prestigious institutions like NSD, were cast for the film before the final ensemble was locked.

Even an actor appearing for a single scene or delivering just one line had to earn their place through a rigorous casting process. For Meghna, every face on screen mattered. The result is a film populated by characters who don’t look like actors playing roles but real people inhabiting a world that feels startlingly authentic.

Reflecting on the meticulous casting process behind Daayra, Director Meghna Gulzar said, “We needed to create a world that was authentic, with characters from different walks of life that were identifiable and real. Our Casting Director Taran Bajaj and team, have done a superb job of bringing the world of Daayra to life. As has the team of Assistant Directors who have meticulously cast and designed the background actors that appear in the film – even if it is to just walk by!”

Taran Bajaj, Casting Director of Daayra, added, “Meghna’s brief was to keep the world authentic and real, which meant Daayra needed actors with depth, sincerity and a strong understanding of human psychology. We cast 75 speaking roles, with each character approached from Meghna’s creative lens. One of the biggest challenges was casting across age groups, including a 17-year-old debutant in a pivotal role. From the National School of Drama and FTII to local theatre groups, we auditioned actors from across the country. The cast brings together talent from Maharashtra, UP, Bihar, Delhi, Kerala and MP, making it a true pan-India ensemble. The responsibility was to seamlessly blend diverse regions, languages and dialects of different cast members into one solid, single unit”

Daayra, releasing in cinemas on 18th September 2026, is produced by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios, and distributed by Pen Marudhar. Starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran under the direction of Meghna Gulzar, the gripping thriller is inspired by true events and explores the complex themes of crime, justice, and punishment through a deeply layered narrative, making it one of the year’s most-awaited cinematic releases.