In a significant coming together of two established forces in Indian entertainment, Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios have joined hands to bring a strong and diverse slate of films to audiences in India and across the world. The partnership brings together two complementary strengths in the Indian film business: Junglee’s development-led, story-first approach and Pen Studios’ production expertise and theatrical distribution reach in taking Indian stories to audiences at scale.
The partnership will begin with ‘Daayra,’ a powerful crime thriller inspired by true events, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Meghna Gulzar and starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film will release theatrically worldwide on Sept. 18, 2026, with its trailer set to launch on Aug. 31.
Junglee Pictures, known for critically acclaimed and commercially successful films like Haq, Raazi, Badhaai Do, Badhaai Ho and Talvar, continues to build on its reputation with an exciting upcoming lineup. Pen Studios, a market leader with a strong legacy in both film production and distribution, has backed blockbuster titles like Gangubai Kathiawadi, RRR and upcoming Tumbbad2 and played a pivotal role in taking Indian cinema to global audiences.
With a shared belief in the power of compelling storytelling, the partnership aims to back films rooted in strong narratives while appealing to audiences across geographies and languages. Bringing together the creative strengths, production expertise and distribution capabilities of both studios, the collaboration promises a slate spanning genres, voices and cinematic experiences.
The collaboration comes at a moment of renewed confidence in the Indian theatrical market. Hindi cinema had its biggest-ever year at the box office in 2025, with ₹5,504 crore in gross collections, while original Hindi-language films accounted for 93% of Hindi box-office revenue. The first half of 2026 has continued that momentum, with the Indian box office posting its strongest first-half performance of the post-pandemic era.
But the more significant shift is in what audiences are choosing to watch. The recent box-office cycle has seen films across genres break through, reinforcing the opportunity for films with a strong narrative proposition rather than relying solely on scale or star power.
Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times Group, shared: “As a studio, Junglee Pictures has always believed in stories that entertain, inspire and challenge society. What better way to begin this association with Pen Studios than with the gripping crime drama Daayra, helmed by Meghna Gulzar? Collaborating with Meghna is always creatively rewarding. Our work together on Raazi and Talvar reflects our shared commitment to strong, story-first cinema. Joining forces with Jayantibhai and Pen Studios, whose nuanced understanding of the Indian audience is unparalleled, adds a dynamic layer to our broader vision. We’re truly looking forward to exploring the possibilities this collaboration unlocks for the future of Indian storytelling.”
Dr. Jayantilal Gada, Chairman and Managing Director, Pen Studios, added: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Junglee Pictures, a company that has consistently demonstrated a commitment to impactful storytelling. The combination of Junglee’s creative prowess and our robust distribution network creates a truly powerful team. Daayra is a terrific film to begin with. Meghna Gulzar has a very distinctive voice and an ability to approach difficult subjects with both restraint and intensity. With Kareena and Prithviraj leading the cast, this is the kind of theatrical film that can create both curiosity and conversation. We are excited to bring it to audiences and to build a long-term association with Junglee.”
Set against the backdrop of a shocking crime and its aftermath, Daayra delves into questions of crime, punishment, justice and accountability. As the story unfolds, it explores the increasingly blurred lines between what the law permits and what society believes justice demands, raising uncomfortable questions about whether justice can ever truly exist outside the boundaries of the law.
Daayra releases in theatres on September 18, 2026.