In a surprising turn of events in the Indian film industry, esteemed Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran has reportedly stepped into a pivotal role in Meghna Gulzar’s upcoming project, tentatively titled ‘Daayra.’ The film, which is said to be based on a true and grim incident, originally slated Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana for the role opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan. However, due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Khurrana had to exit the project, paving the way for Sukumaran’s inclusion.
Sources close to the production have confirmed that Sukumaran will portray a police officer, a character central to the film’s narrative thrust. Filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, renowned for her intense storytelling in films like ‘Raazi,’ has envisioned ‘Daayra’ as a gripping tale that delves into dark themes based on real-life events, promising to offer a compelling experience to audiences globally.
The transition from Ayushmann Khurrana to Prithviraj Sukumaran was reportedly smooth, with the production team approaching Sukumaran following the departures of both Khurrana and actor Sidharth Malhotra, who also faced scheduling issues. A source elaborated, “Prithviraj was approached after both Ayushmann and Sidharth had to bow out due to pre-existing commitments. On reading the script, he immediately connected with its intense narrative and the underlying message it aims to convey. His role is instrumental in steering the story, while Kareena Kapoor’s character will present her in a previously unseen dimension, showcasing a blend of strength and vulnerability.”
Khurrana’s exit was primarily dictated by his prior commitments, which included an extensive music tour comprising various performances across prominent cities in the United States. Additionally, the acclaimed actor is also involved in significant projects such as ‘Border 2,’ in collaboration with filmmakers Karan Johar, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Maddock Films, further constraining his availability for ‘Daayra.’
Amidst the shuffle of actors, Prithviraj Sukumaran’s inclusion into the Bollywood project marks yet another significant crossover for the versatile actor.
. His last Bollywood outing was in Ali Abbas Zafar’s ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,’ where he starred alongside industry heavyweights Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. The film also featured notable performances by Sonakshi Sinha, Manushi Chhillar, and Alaya F.
Moreover, the actor is known for his performance in the critically acclaimed film ‘Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life),’ helmed by director Blessy. The film, an adaptation of Benyamin’s bestselling 2008 novel, vividly tells the harrowing true story of Najeeb, an immigrant laborer from Kerala trapped in slavery on an isolated goat farm in the Middle East. Sukumaran’s performance further cemented his status as a powerhouse in intense, emotionally charged roles.
Looking ahead, Prithviraj Sukumaran is deep into the production of his ambitious directorial venture ‘L2E: Empuraan.’ As a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster ‘Lucifer,’ starring Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal, ‘L2E: Empuraan’ continues the story of Stephen Nedumpally, a character that has resonated deeply with audiences. The film is expected to be released in multiple languages including Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, though the exact release date remains under wraps.
As anticipation builds for ‘Daayra,’ the collaboration between Meghna Gulzar and Prithviraj Sukumaran promises to set a groundbreaking precedent with its intense narrative based on true events. With Kareena Kapoor Khan adding a new dimension to her illustrious career through a strong and perceptive role, ‘Daayra’ undoubtedly finds itself on the watchlist of cinephiles eagerly awaiting its release.
This development in the casting comes as a thrilling testament to the dynamism and interconnectedness within Indian cinema as actors from various regional backgrounds seamlessly integrate into nationwide projects. As ‘Daayra’ begins its journey towards production, film enthusiasts keenly await further announcements and developments from this promising cinematic venture.
