Before Daayra, Five Bollywood Films That Made Law A Character In Itself

In the cinematic milieu, crime thrillers tease the audience and encourage them not to be just passive viewers. National Award-winning filmmaker Meghna Gulzar is coming up with yet another important thriller, Daayra, that seeks to address many important and relevant questions. While the trailer hints at the clash of two different perspectives, law remains above all. Similarly, filmmakers have explored sensitive and critical subjects where the judiciary becomes not just an integral part of the narrative, but a character. Meghna was among the first to start the trend in modern cinema with Talvar. Ahead of Daayra's release, let's revisit films where the law was treated like a character and a central protagonist. Talvar Talvar, a gem from Meghna Gulzar's treasure, placed law above its leads and followed a route that was hard-hitting, honest and real to the subject. Loosely based on the 2008 Noida double murder case, the film was primarily an account of the investigations that led to a conclusion. Talvar starred Irrfan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi, Sohum Shah, Gajraj Rao and others. Section 375 While Section 375 is a courtroom drama, it lets law take the centre stage. As the title's title suggests, the case shown directly disputes the legal provisions of Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code; the film eventually highlights that law functions on evidence, statements and proofs.Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai Manoj Bajpayee and Adrija Sinha's Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai presented an important subject. With themes of sexual abuse and Godmen, the film placed law and justice over pleasing a section of the audience. Maintaining a neutral approach towards the narrative, Bandaa followed a lawyer's fight against the system in a case of sexual assault. He went against a powerful and affluent godman for justice.Kesari Chapter 2 Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan and Ananya Panday's Kesari Chapter 2 brought the story of C Sankaran Nair to the big screen. He fought against British rule after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. While the film had an emotional core, law and its course ruled the final judgement. Haq Haq followed the story of Shazia Bano and Abbas Khan. After he announced triple talaq, she approached the court for maintenance to educate their children. The case went to the Supreme Court, leading to a historic judgement that empowered Muslim women. The Yami Gautam-Emraan Hashmi film placed law above relationships, and rights are non-negotiable for every member of society. Starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, Daayra promises to take the audience into the world of crime, policing and justice. Produced by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios, the film, inspired by true events, releases in cinemas on September 18, 2026.