Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam – Rajkummar Rao’s Upcoming Film
An extraordinary courtroom drama is set to arrive in cinemas on 16 October 2026. Titled Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, the upcoming Hindi film stars Rajkummar Rao as Advocate Ujjwal Nikam, the renowned public prosecutor who represented the Government of India in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case. Presented by Dinesh Vijan and produced under the Maddock Films banner, the film explores the legal battle to bring Pakistani terrorist Muhammad Ajmal Amir Kasab to justice for his involvement in the horrific attacks that claimed numerous innocent lives in Mumbai.
Directed by Avinash Arun, Prahaar brings a significant chapter of India’s fight against terrorism to the big screen. The film focuses on the courtroom proceedings, the pursuit of justice and the challenges faced by a prosecutor handling a case that captured the attention of the entire nation. Its central theme is the role of the Indian legal system in establishing the accused’s guilt through evidence, testimony and judicial proceedings.
Prahaar Trailer: A Powerful Courtroom Battle
The trailer of Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam has attracted the attention of film enthusiasts with its intense courtroom sequences and patriotic undertones. It opens inside a courtroom, where Rajkummar Rao, portraying Advocate Ujjwal Nikam, questions a young girl who witnessed the horrific events surrounding the Mumbai terror attacks. He asks her about the incident and whether she can identify the accused present in the courtroom.
The scene establishes the seriousness of the prosecution and the emotional weight carried by witnesses in a terrorism case. Moments later, the trailer shifts to another intense sequence, accompanied by a powerful background dialogue: “This time, you are fighting a case for yourself. This time, the whole of India is watching you.”
The dialogue highlights the enormous responsibility placed on Nikam’s shoulders as he pursues justice in a case that has become deeply significant to the nation. Rajkummar Rao’s character then delivers another striking line: “The world would watch the difference between India and Pakistan.”
These moments establish the film’s central conflict: a legal battle that extends beyond the courtroom, carrying the hopes of victims, their families and a nation seeking justice. The trailer’s dramatic presentation has raised expectations among audiences looking forward to this historical courtroom drama.
Rajkummar Rao as Advocate Ujjwal Nikam
Rajkummar Rao takes on the role of Advocate Ujjwal Nikam, one of India’s best-known public prosecutors. Nikam played a prominent role in the prosecution of Muhammad Ajmal Amir Kasab, the sole surviving attacker captured alive during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Kasab was subsequently convicted by the Indian courts and executed in 2012 after the completion of the legal process.
Rao’s portrayal brings him into another demanding, character-driven role. The actor has previously demonstrated his ability to portray complex real-life personalities and emotionally challenging characters. His performance in Shahid, in which he played lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi, earned widespread critical recognition and the National Film Award for Best Actor.
With Prahaar, Rao steps into the role of a prosecutor navigating a landmark terrorism case. The character requires a combination of courtroom authority, emotional restraint and determination, making it a potentially compelling addition to his filmography.
Avinash Arun’s Vision for Prahaar
Director Avinash Arun leads the film’s creative team, bringing his experience as a filmmaker and cinematographer to a story centred on a significant national event. The trailer suggests a narrative that combines courtroom proceedings, witness testimony and the broader emotional consequences of the Mumbai attacks.
The complexity of presenting a real-life legal case on screen lies in balancing dramatic storytelling with the historical record. The film’s courtroom setting provides an opportunity to explore the prosecution’s challenges, the importance of evidence and the legal process through which Kasab was held accountable.
The screenplay and dialogues are written by Sumit Roy, with additional screenplay by Vishal Tiwari and additional dialogues by Dushyant Arora. Avinash Arun also serves as the director of photography, while Charu Shree Roy is responsible for editing. Alokananda Dasgupta has composed the background score, which contributes to the tension and emotional intensity suggested by the trailer.
Prahaar Cast and Crew
The film features an ensemble cast that includes:
- Rajkummar Rao as Advocate Ujjwal Nikam
- Wamiqa Gabbi
- Jaideep Ahlawat
- Sikandar Kher
- Ashish Vidyarthi
- Lalit Prabhakar
- Ritvik Sahore
Dinesh Vijan presents and produces the film under the Maddock Films banner. Vishal Mishra and Emiway Bantai are credited for the music, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The film’s music label is T-Series.
Prahaar Release Date
Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 16 October 2026. With its focus on a landmark criminal prosecution, a celebrated actor in the lead role and an intense courtroom narrative, the film is positioned as one of the upcoming Hindi releases to watch.
By bringing the story of Advocate Ujjwal Nikam to the screen, Prahaar aims to revisit the legal fight that followed one of the darkest episodes in Mumbai’s history. Its ultimate appeal will depend on how effectively the film combines the real events, courtroom drama and the human consequences of the 26/11 attacks.
Editorial note: Before publishing, verify the trailer quotations against the official trailer and confirm the character credits from an official source. The article distinguishes the film’s dramatic presentation from the established historical facts of the 26/11 case.
