Mumbai [India], October 16: Rajkummar Rao’s latest film, Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, brings the high-profile trial of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Ajmal Kasab to the big screen, focusing on the work and personal struggles of public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Directed by Avinash Arun, the Hindi courtroom drama explores justice, legal procedure and the emotional burden of handling one of India’s most closely watched criminal cases.
Released in theatres on October 16, 2026, the film features Rajkummar Rao as Nikam, with Lalit Prabhakar portraying Ajmal Kasab. The supporting cast includes Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, Ashish Vidyarthi and Ritvik Sahore. The screenplay is written by Sumit Roy, with additional screenplay and story contributions from Vishal Tiwari.
The film follows Nikam’s journey from his earlier work as a public prosecutor to his role in the prosecution of Kasab, the sole surviving attacker captured alive following the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rather than focusing exclusively on the courtroom proceedings, the narrative also examines the demands of his professional responsibilities and their impact on his family life.
According to Koimoi’s review, the film’s screenplay, direction and emotional depth are among its key strengths. The review highlights how the courtroom proceedings are woven together with Nikam’s personal challenges, giving the story a broader perspective on the responsibilities carried by a lawyer handling a nationally significant case.
Rajkummar Rao’s performance is a major talking point. His portrayal focuses on Nikam’s restrained manner, courtroom determination and personal vulnerability. The role requires him to balance the authority of a prosecutor with the emotional pressures of family responsibilities, and his performance forms the centre of the film.
Lalit Prabhakar also draws attention for his portrayal of Kasab, while Jaideep Ahlawat appears as Pakistani lawyer Chaudhary Zulfiqar. Their interactions add another dimension to the courtroom narrative, bringing questions of legal procedure, evidence and the pursuit of justice into focus. Wamiqa Gabbi plays Jyoti, Nikam’s wife, while Sikandar Kher and Ashish Vidyarthi appear in significant supporting roles.
One of the film’s important themes is the principle of due process. Even in a case involving a terrorist attack that caused widespread loss of life, the legal system must establish guilt through evidence and judicial proceedings. By revisiting the Kasab trial, Prahaar examines the role of prosecution, witness testimony and the court’s responsibility in delivering justice under the law.
The film also explores the personal cost of a demanding legal career. Nikam’s commitment to his work creates tensions at home, particularly in his relationship with his wife and son. This parallel storyline attempts to show the human side of a public figure whose professional life was shaped by cases that attracted national attention.
Director Avinash Arun brings the story to the screen with a focus on courtroom exchanges and character-driven drama. The background score by Alokananda Dasgupta supports the emotional tone of the film without taking attention away from its central legal proceedings.
Koimoi gave the film a positive review, awarding it four stars and praising the performances, screenplay and direction. The publication also noted that the film’s 140-minute runtime leaves viewers wanting more, suggesting that several aspects of the story could have supported further exploration.
With its focus on Ujjwal Nikam and the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab, Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam revisits a defining chapter in recent Indian history through the perspective of the courtroom. The film combines legal drama with family conflict, placing the pursuit of justice at the centre of its narrative.
As the film reaches theatres, audience response will determine how effectively its blend of real-life events, courtroom tension and personal storytelling connects with viewers.
This article is based on published movie-review coverage and information about the film’s cast, director and release.
