Months after Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana’s unexpected departure from Meghna Gulzar’s highly anticipated film, opposite Bollywood stalwart Kareena Kapoor Khan, the stage is set for a fresh and exciting casting development. Malayalam cinema’s dynamic and accomplished actor, Prithviraj Sukumaran, is stepping into the role of a cop in what promises to be a gritty and compelling narrative. The film, tentatively titled ‘Daayra’, is reportedly inspired by a true and unsettling incident, reflecting Gulzar’s penchant for handling thought-provoking subjects with nuance and depth.
The casting switch comes in the wake of scheduling conflicts that made it impossible for Khurrana and his fellow actor Sidharth Malhotra to proceed with the project. “With Ayushmann’s packed schedule including his music tour across major US cities and commitments to other major film projects like ‘Border 2’, along with films under the production of Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor, as well as Maddock Films, it was simply a logistical impossibility for him to manage ‘Daayra’,” a source revealed. This situation serendipitously paved the way for Prithviraj Sukumaran, who found himself drawn to the script’s potent message and complexity.
A source close to the production team disclosed to India Today that Prithviraj was approached after the search for a suitable replacement became imperative. His connection to the script and its thematic essence ensured that he was the ideal choice to drive the narrative forward. Moreover, the film intends to showcase Kareena Kapoor Khan in a distinctive light, with her character projected to embody strength, vulnerability, and extraordinary intuition.
Prithviraj’s involvement in ‘Daayra’ marks a significant addition to his burgeoning Bollywood portfolio. Known for his exceptional versatility and compelling performances, Prithviraj last captivated audiences with his role as an antagonist in the action-packed blockbuster ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, starring alongside Bollywood heavyweights Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff.
. Additionally, he was prominently featured in ‘Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life)’, directed by Blessy. The film is an adaptation of Benyamin’s 2008 bestselling novel and poignantly depicts the harrowing real-life ordeal of Najeeb, an immigrant worker from Kerala, ensnared in forced labor on a remote goat farm in a distant Middle Eastern nation.
Sukumaran is currently enmeshed in the post-production phases of his ambitious directorial venture ‘L2E: Empuraan’. The film is a sequel to the 2019 political thriller ‘Lucifer’, a colossal hit that earned accolades for its intricate storytelling and Mohanlal’s memorable portrayal of Stephen Nedumpally. ‘Empuraan’ promises to be just as impactful, slated for release in multiple languages including Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi—a testament to the film’s broad appeal. However, eager fans are still awaiting an official release date.
As ‘Daayra’ gears up for production, Meghna Gulzar continues to foster anticipation and excitement around her latest endeavor. Known for her nationally acclaimed film ‘Raazi’, Gulzar is celebrated for her skilled narrative execution and ability to address complex socio-political topics with sensitivity and insight. Her partnership with talented actors like Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kareena Kapoor Khan further raises expectations.
The collaboration of Prithviraj, known for his acumen and sensitivity in his choice of roles, with the visionary director Meghna Gulzar signifies a poignant journey that echoes realities and intricacies of contemporary issues. As the film weaves through its development phase, audiences remain eager to witness this unique cinematic experience unfold, capturing the intersection of truth and storytelling mastery that promises to both educate and enthrall.
