For Meghna Gulzar, making a film based on real events comes with the responsibility of preserving the essence of what actually happened. Speaking exclusively to Zoom, the Daayra director said that while cinema allows filmmakers to alter the structure and presentation, the central truth cannot be compromised. “The most important thing is to remain true to the core truth of the story. You can change the structure or presentation for cinema, but you cannot change the basic truth,” she said. Gulzar also spoke about the need to approach painful incidents with sensitivity rather than turning them into moments of spectacle. She believes filmmakers must understand the difference between depicting difficult realities and using them purely for shock value. “Sensitivity is very important. You have to show the pain without using it only for shock or entertainment. Sometimes, knowing what not to show is as important as knowing what to show. Just because you can show something does not mean you need to show it,” she explained. Addressing the creative liberties taken in Daayra, Gulzar clarified that the film brings together elements from different places but does not deliberately exaggerate reality for dramatic effect. “The cinematic liberty that we have taken is maybe a bit from here, a bit from there. But we’ve never ever ‘tadkaoed’ (spiced it up) it or fictionalised it to creative liberty extent... Did I create that reaction? No. That’s the difference,” she said. Daayra follows the aftermath of a brutal gang-rape and murder that triggers a controversial police encounter. After four accused are killed by the police, DCP Raman Kumar (Pruithviraj Sukumaran) is celebrated by the public for delivering swift justice. However, questions soon emerge over whether the encounter was genuine or a planned extrajudicial killing. An SIT investigation led by DCP Ajooni Kohli (Kareena Kapoor) then pits two contrasting approaches to justice against each other, forcing the film to examine the blurred line between law, morality and public justice. Catch Daayra in cinemas on September 18, 2026. Senior Copy Editor at Times Now, previously associated with OTTplay and Pinkvilla. Experienced in shaping compelling stories, refining content, and de... View More