Daayra: Kareena Kapoor Khan Breaks The Stereotype Mould of Female Cop Onscreen With Her Performance

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Kareena Kapoor Khan is receiving rave reviews from cinephiles and fans for her portrayal of DCP Ajooni Kohli in Daayra, with early reactions to the film particularly highlighting the actor’s nuanced performance. What makes Ajooni stand out is that she doesn’t fit into the familiar mould of the female cop often seen on screen – aggressive, hard-talking and defined by an overt display of toughness.

Instead, Kareena brings a sense of restraint, confidence and femininity to the character, creating a cop whose authority comes from within.

It is a departure that also reflects the evolution of Kareena as a performer. Over the years, she has moved seamlessly between commercial cinema and more layered parts, with performances in films such as Jaane Jaan and The Buckingham Murders earning her appreciation and accolades.

With Daayra, she takes that exploration a step further, presenting yet another side of herself as an actor.

Director Meghna Gulzar, who has helmed the film, aptly captures what makes Kareena’s Ajooni different. She says, “Daayra unveils an entirely unseen facet of the actor that is Kareena Kapoor. Kareena as Ajooni, is stoic, unreadable. She cracks open situations and people with a smile.”

Kareena also commented on the same and said, “I think there is this stereotypical version that we have of a cop: that she is butch and she slightly has that particular walk, slightly manly, is gun-toting and does action. I think in this film, because of the sensitivity of the subject of the film also, Meghna was clear that she wanted a woman cop…Somebody who is like a woman, who is feminine, who puts on lipstick but at the same time is quite stern, does everything with a smile and the way you saw her character of Ajooni who walks the road.”

There is something particularly refreshing about a female police officer being allowed to be powerful without having to imitate traditionally masculine ideas of strength. Ajooni doesn’t need to shout to command attention, nor does her femininity dilute her authority.

Kareena plays her with a quiet confidence that makes the character feel grounded and distinct.

From Jaane Jaan and The Buckingham Murders to Daayra, she continues to embrace layered characters that allow her acting to take centre stage, with Ajooni adding yet another distinctive shade to her repertoire.

Also Read: Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran Set The Tone for Daayra With Sach Ka Daayra Teaser