Director: Avinash Arun
Writer: Sumit Roy
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Lalit Prabhakar, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sikandar Kher, Jaideep Ahlawat and Ashish Vidyarthi
Producer: Dinesh Vijan, Maddock Films
Release Date: October 16, 2026
Runtime: Approximately 140 minutes
Mumbai: Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam revisits one of the most consequential legal battles in modern Indian history, focusing on the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Directed by Avinash Arun and written by Sumit Roy, this Hindi courtroom drama examines the challenges faced by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam as he seeks justice while upholding the principles of constitutional due process.
The narrative begins with Nikam’s work on the 1993 Bombay blasts case before moving to the aftermath of the November 2008 attacks. With public anger running high, the prosecutor must build a compelling case against the sole surviving captured terrorist. The film moves between courtroom proceedings, Kasab’s interrogation, the circumstances surrounding the attacks and glimpses into Nikam’s personal life.
One of the film’s strongest aspects is its measured approach. Rather than relying on patriotic rhetoric or sensationalism, it explores the importance of evidence, legal procedure and a fair trial, even when the crimes under consideration have shocked the nation. The underlying conflict is compelling: how can a democracy deliver justice for an extraordinary crime without compromising the principles that distinguish its legal system? The inclusion of a Pakistani lawyer, played by Jaideep Ahlawat, adds another layer to this discussion, highlighting professional respect and the universal importance of legal principles.
Rajkummar Rao delivers a committed performance as Nikam, capturing his distinctive mannerisms, speech patterns and methodical determination. His portrayal reflects the pressure of conducting a high-profile prosecution under intense public scrutiny. Although some courtroom moments feel overly rehearsed and theatrical, Rao’s sincerity lends credibility to the character and anchors the film.
Lalit Prabhakar makes a particularly strong impression as Kasab. He portrays the accused with unsettling complexity, moving between calculated evasion, indoctrinated conviction and occasional signs of vulnerability. The performance humanises the character without excusing his crimes. Sikandar Kher brings quiet conviction to defence lawyer Abbas Kazmi, while Jaideep Ahlawat makes effective use of his limited screen time. Wamiqa Gabbi, as Nikam’s wife, and young actor Diorr Varghese, as a key witness, contribute to the film’s emotional landscape.
Avinash Arun’s direction and cinematography give the film a controlled, polished visual identity. The courtroom confrontations and the young witness’s testimony are among its most affecting passages. A sequence at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, presented through the perspective of a child survivor, offers a human view of the tragedy without depending entirely on graphic imagery. These moments reinforce the film’s commitment to examining the consequences of violence through individual experiences and the pursuit of justice.
However, the screenplay struggles to sustain its momentum across its approximately 140-minute runtime. Frequent detours into Nikam’s family life, including the consequences of his demanding career and strained domestic relationships, sometimes weaken the central courtroom tension. While these scenes attempt to reveal the personal sacrifices behind his professional responsibilities, they occasionally feel predictable and insufficiently connected to the main narrative.
The film’s restrained treatment of the attacks may also leave some viewers wanting a deeper exploration of their lasting emotional impact. Its emphasis on the prosecution and the legal system gives the story focus, but it sometimes comes at the expense of a more sustained emotional connection.
Verdict: Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam is a thoughtful courtroom drama that places due process and institutional responsibility at the centre of its narrative. Rajkummar Rao provides a committed lead performance, while Lalit Prabhakar adds considerable depth to a challenging role. Despite uneven pacing and familiar family-drama elements, the film raises meaningful questions about justice, accountability and the rule of law.
For audiences interested in legal dramas and the judicial response to the 26/11 attacks, Prahaar offers a worthwhile theatrical experience. It may not deliver the emotional intensity its subject promises, but its emphasis on fairness and constitutional principles gives the film substance beyond conventional courtroom entertainment.
