Daayra movie review: Is it ever right to kill a rapist? Prithviraj and Kareena Kapoor's new thriller doesn't flinch

Daayra, a thriller starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kareena Kapoor Khan, explores the contentious question of whether it is ever justified to kill a rapist. The film's title, 'Daayra', meaning 'boundary', reflects its exploration of the boundaries of justice. The story unfolds through two competing perspectives - one that believes the encounter killing was a justified act of vengeance, and another that views it as a staged murder.

Prithviraj's performance as ACP Raman Kumar is the film's highlight. He convincingly portrays a cop who believes in his job's ability to deliver justice. Kareena Kapoor Khan plays the special investigator, navigating her character's indecision about the morality of extrajudicial action. While the film's structure, with its dual perspectives, is its strongest element, the pacing drags in the second half.

The reconstruction of events largely serves as a lull between the tension-building opening and the inevitable conclusion. Despite its flaws, Daayra successfully captures the systemic issues faced by victims and families in India, notably the police's indifference and the societal stigma that silences survivors. It's a film that demands attention, particularly for those who believe there can never be a justification for taking the law into one's own hands.