Daayra and Vibe Secure Adult Ratings Ahead of September 18 Theatrical Release

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has issued an 'A' rating to two major Hindi films scheduled for theatrical release on September 18, 2026. The investigative thriller Daayra, directed by Meghna Gulzar and starring Kareena Kapoor Khan alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran, received its adult certification on September 11. The film, which runs for 143 minutes and 16 seconds, marks a notable milestone in Kapoor Khan's career as her tenth film to be restricted to adult audiences. Her previous films with similar ratings include notable titles such as Omkara, Udta Punjab, and The Buckingham Murders.

Simultaneously, the comic caper Vibe, directed by and starring Kunal Kemmu, has also been granted an 'A' certificate. With a runtime of 145 minutes and 55 seconds, the film features an ensemble cast including Preity G Zinta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Yashpal Sharma. The adult certification for Vibe has drawn attention within the industry due to its perceived tone as a lighthearted entertainer, contrasting with the more mature themes typically associated with adult-rated investigative thrillers like Daayra. Both films are set to compete for audience attention when they arrive in cinemas next week.

The dual 'A' ratings for Daayra and Vibe arrive during a period characterized by a high volume of adult-certified releases in the Hindi film industry. Industry observers have noted that the certification for Daayra aligns with expectations given its investigative thriller genre, which often necessitates mature thematic exploration. However, the adult rating for Vibe has sparked discussion, as the project was anticipated by some to be a broader family entertainer, similar in spirit to Kemmu's previous directorial work, Madgaon Express, which received a U/A rating.

Regarding the competitive release schedule, Kunal Kemmu addressed the clash between the two films in a recent interview with India Today. He stated, "Ideally, I don't think anybody wants to end up in a place where both films are clashing." Kemmu further emphasized his perspective on the market dynamics, adding, "Besides the fact that these are two different genre films, and there is an audience for both, I think there is an audience that might not watch either. I don't think it's dividing the audience."

Daayra represents the latest entry in a long-standing pattern of mature roles for Kareena Kapoor Khan. Over the course of her career, she has frequently collaborated with directors on projects that push beyond conventional mainstream boundaries. Her history with adult-rated cinema spans over two decades, beginning with Ajnabee in 2001. This list of ten films includes diverse genres, ranging from gritty dramas like Dev and Udta Punjab to social commentaries like Veere Di Wedding.

These selections reflect a consistent willingness to engage with complex narratives that the CBFC has deemed suitable only for mature audiences. By reaching this tenth milestone with Daayra, Kapoor Khan continues to maintain a filmography that balances mainstream commercial success with projects that explore darker or more provocative subject matter. The film's performance will be closely watched by analysts to see how it fares in a crowded September theatrical landscape.

For Preity G Zinta, Vibe marks her second major release following her recent return to acting. Her previous project, Batwara 1947, was released just last month and also received an 'A' rating from the CBFC. The back-to-back adult certifications for her recent work highlight a shift in the types of narratives she is currently choosing to pursue. Despite the adult rating, Vibe is positioned as a significant project for the actress, supported by a cast that includes Sparsh Shrivastava and Dinesh Lal Yadav.

Zinta has previously spoken about her personal approach to her own filmography, noting that she often feels awkward watching her own performances. This candid admission provides context to her career choices, as she continues to navigate the industry after a hiatus. With Vibe, she joins Kunal Kemmu in a project that the production team hopes will resonate with audiences despite the restrictive certification, relying on the strength of its comedic elements to draw viewers into theaters.

While Daayra and Vibe prepare for their theatrical debuts, the broader Indian film market has been dominated by the unexpected success of the devotional drama Hanuman Ansh. Directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, the film has emerged as a surprise hit, collecting ₹173.63 crore net according to trade data from Sacnilk. The film, which chronicles the life of Neem Karoli Baba, has received significant attention from political figures, including screenings attended by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and meetings with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Producers Namrata Singh and Vishal Chaturvedi have confirmed that Hanuman Ansh is intended to be the first of a trilogy. The second installment is expected to focus on the Kainchi region, while the third film is planned to have an international scope, potentially touching upon the influence of Neem Karoli Baba on global figures. While there has been public speculation regarding the inclusion of celebrity devotees like Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Julia Roberts in future sequels, the production team has indicated that their focus remains on the stories of devotees whose lives were touched by the Baba in India.

Both Daayra and Vibe are scheduled to hit theaters on September 18, 2026. The industry is currently monitoring the impact of the 'A' ratings on the initial box office projections for both films. While the adult certification limits the potential demographic reach, distributors are banking on the star power of the lead actors and the specific genre appeal of each film to drive attendance. There are no further details regarding potential streaming releases or post-theatrical windows at this time, as the focus remains on the upcoming theatrical launch.