Rajkummar Rao is stepping into one of the most challenging roles of his career with Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story. The makers have finally unveiled the film’s first teaser, offering a gripping glimpse into a courtroom drama inspired by the life and career of special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Rather than relying on spectacle, the teaser builds its impact through powerful courtroom exchanges, emotionally charged moments and a story rooted in one of India’s most significant legal battles.
Backed by Maddock Films, Prahaar appears to focus on the legal fight that followed the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, with Rajkummar portraying the prosecutor who argued the case against Ajmal Amir Kasab. The teaser makes it clear that the film aims to explore not only the legal proceedings but also the responsibility and pressure carried by those seeking justice in one of the country’s darkest chapters.
Rajkummar Rao headlines an intense courtroom drama
The teaser opens with Rajkummar Rao’s Ujjwal Nikam addressing a question that, according to the film, he was repeatedly asked during the trial.
“In the past year and a half, because of this case, many people have repeatedly asked me—when photos and videos clearly show what happened, why are we not hanging Kasab?”
From there, the teaser shifts into the courtroom, intercutting scenes inspired by the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks with legal arguments presented before the court. One of the most striking moments arrives when Rajkummar’s character asks the judge to imagine the perspective of Inspector Govilkar, the police officer who was shot during the attacks.
“For a moment, put yourself in Inspector Govilkar’s place on the night of 26/11, the officer who was shot by Kasab. Obviously, he would have been filled with anger. And when Kasab was finally caught alive, Inspector Govilkar did not say, ‘Shoot him, finish him off quickly.’ Instead, he said, ‘Yala maru naka’ (Don’t kill him). Why did he say this? The answer is very simple: India.”
The teaser concludes with Ujjwal Nikam making his final appeal before the court.
“That is why, for the crime of waging war against India, I, Ujjwal Nikam, demand that Ajmal Amir Kasab should be hanged till death.”
The dialogues form the emotional centre of the teaser, suggesting that Prahaar will rely heavily on courtroom confrontations rather than conventional action sequences.
Rajkummar Rao undergoes another remarkable transformation
Known for disappearing into his characters, Rajkummar Rao once again appears almost unrecognisable as Ujjwal Nikam. The teaser highlights his carefully crafted appearance, restrained body language and courtroom presence, all of which closely resemble the veteran prosecutor’s public image.
Another detail that stands out is his Marathi pronunciation and dialogue delivery. The makers seem to have placed considerable emphasis on authenticity, with Rajkummar adopting speech patterns that reflect Nikam’s personality instead of simply recreating his appearance. Combined with measured expressions and controlled performances, the teaser hints at another character-driven role from the National Award-winning actor.
The courtroom setting itself has been recreated with realism, avoiding excessive dramatization while maintaining tension throughout the brief footage. Instead of focusing on cinematic heroism, the teaser presents legal arguments as the primary weapon in the pursuit of justice.
Directed by Avinash Arun, Prahaar arrives this August
Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story is directed by Avinash Arun, whose previous work on Paatal Lok and Three of Us earned praise for its grounded storytelling and emotional depth. Going by the teaser, the filmmaker appears to be bringing the same realistic approach to this legal drama, balancing historical events with personal struggles inside the courtroom.
The film also features Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher and Tarun Sharma in pivotal roles, although the teaser keeps most supporting characters under wraps. Their appearances are brief, suggesting the makers are saving key plot points for the full trailer.
Courtroom dramas have found renewed popularity in Indian cinema over the past few years, but Prahaar appears to distinguish itself by revisiting a case that remains deeply significant in the country’s legal and judicial history. Rather than presenting a fictional legal battle, the film draws inspiration from real events that shaped modern India’s fight against terrorism through the justice system.
Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story is scheduled to release in theatres on August 7, 2026. With Rajkummar Rao leading the cast and Avinash Arun behind the camera, the film is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated courtroom dramas.
