Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Daayra Sees Day Two Growth After Disappointing Opening
Daayra is a crime thriller directed by Meghna Gulzar.
It stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
The movie opened in Indian cinemas on Friday, September 18.
Reports gave different numbers for its first-day earnings, ranging from ₹90 lakh to ₹1.15 crore.
Sacnilk estimated that the film earned about ₹1.60 crore on its second day.
This brought its reported two-day India net total to ₹2.60 crore.
The movie was shown in Hindi and Malayalam, but Hindi screenings earned most of the opening-day money.
It competed with another film called Vibe.
Reviewers disagreed, with some praising its serious story and others finding its pacing too slow.
Daayra, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, released in Indian cinemas on Friday, September 18.
Sacnilk estimated Day 1 India net earnings at ₹90 lakh, while other reporting cited approximately ₹1 crore or ₹1.15 crore.
The film earned about ₹1.60 crore net on Day 2, a reported 60% increase, taking its two-day net total to ₹2.60 crore.
Daayra’s reported India gross collection stood at ₹1.08 crore after Day 1 and ₹3.10 crore after two days.
The film screened in Hindi and Malayalam, faced competition from Vibe, and received mixed reviews despite its reported ₹55 crore budget.
- Who
- Daayra stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and is directed by Meghna Gulzar.
- What
- The crime thriller opened with disputed Day 1 estimates and earned about ₹1.60 crore net on Day 2, according to Sacnilk.
- When
- It released on Friday, September 18; the articles do not specify the year. Day 2 was Saturday.
- Where
- Indian cinemas, in Hindi and Malayalam versions.
- Why
- The film’s box-office performance was being reported because of its opening, second-day growth, mixed reviews, reported ₹55 crore budget, and competition from Vibe.
Positive assessment
Critical assessment
Story and filmmaking
Positive assessment
Some viewers called Daayra hard-hitting and emotionally gripping. The Free Press Journal rated it 3.5 out of 5 and described it as one of Meghna Gulzar’s best works.
Critical assessment
Other viewers criticised the pacing and felt that the narrative was stretched, contributing to the film’s mixed reviews.
Police encounters and justice
Positive assessment
DCP Raman Kumar’s position presents encounters as a response to victims being failed by a slow judicial system.
Critical assessment
DCP Ajooni Kohli’s investigation stresses legal procedure, accountability, and questions about the morality of police encounters.
Commercial performance
Positive assessment
The film recorded a reported 60% increase on Day 2, earning about ₹1.60 crore net after its subdued opening.
Critical assessment
Its reported first-day earnings remained low relative to its approximately ₹55 crore budget, with the sources also disagreeing over the exact opening figure.
- Day 1 India net
- Approximately ₹90 lakh according to Sacnilk; other reports cited about ₹1 crore or ₹1.15 crore
- Day 2 India net
- Approximately ₹1.60 crore
- Two-day India net
- Approximately ₹2.60 crore according to Sacnilk
- India gross collection
- Approximately ₹1.08 crore after Day 1 and ₹3.10 crore after two days
- Day 2 occupancy
- 20.46% overall, including 8.15% in the morning and 26.69% at night
- Reported budget
- Around ₹55 crore
- Languages and competition
- Released in Hindi and Malayalam; competed with Vibe
Sources
Daayra box office collection Day 2: Kareena Kapoor-Prithviraj film sees 60% jump
Daayra Box Office Collection Day 1: Kareena Kapoor, Prithviraj Sukumaran's Crime Thriller Opens At Rs 1.15 Crore
Daayra Box Office Collection Day 1: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Prithviraj Sukumaran's Film Gets Disappointing Opening At ₹90 Lakh
