We have seen 26/11 through news bulletins, documentaries and films, but rarely through the courtroom where the fight for justice played out. Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, which released in theatres on 15 October 2026, takes you inside that fight. Rajkummar Rao plays the fearless special public prosecutor who insisted that even Ajmal Kasab was owed a fair trial. This Prahaar review covers the story, performances, technical craft, strengths and final verdict.
Prahaar is a gripping courtroom drama about the legal battle to prosecute Ajmal Kasab after the 26/11 attacks. It argues for due process, even for a terrorist caught on camera. Rajkummar Rao leads a strong ensemble, with memorable moments from Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, Lalit Prabhakar and young Diorr Varghese. The film is thoughtful and emotionally resonant, and it shows the human cost of the attack, the trial and the prosecutor’s sacrifices. Its personal-life track slows the pace in places. Overall it is a worthy, relevant watch.
Prahaar Cast and Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Film | Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam |
| Release Date | 15 October 2026 (theatres) |
| Language / Genre | Hindi / Biographical Courtroom Drama |
| Director | Avinash Arun |
| Producer | Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films) |
| Co-Producers | Sharada Karki Jalota, Pooja Prem Patheja |
| Story | Sumit Roy |
| Music | Pritam Chakraborty |
| Editor | Charu Shree Roy |
| Ujjwal Nikam | Rajkummar Rao |
| Mrs. Nikam (Jyoti Nikam) | Wamiqa Gabbi |
| Chaudhary Zulfiqar | Jaideep Ahlawat |
| Kazmi | Sikandar Kher |
| Ajmal Kasab | Lalit Prabhakar |
| Young witness | Diorr Varghese |
| Also starring | Ashish Vidyarthi, Ritvik Sahore, Tarun Sharma |
Prahaar Plot Summary
The film opens with Ujjwal Nikam celebrating his win in the 1993 Bombay blasts case. Years later, while he prepares for his daughter’s wedding, the 26/11 attacks happen. He is pulled into the case that would define his career: prosecuting Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist captured alive.
Prahaar explains why keeping Kasab alive mattered. He was living evidence of the machinery across the border and a window into how young men are radicalised, trained and sent to kill. Nikam holds that the Constitution must stand firm even against public anger. The film also follows the cost of the case on his family life, and the legal and human dilemmas of defending an accused terrorist’s rights.
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Prahaar Performances: Actor-by-Actor Review
Rajkummar Rao as Ujjwal Nikam: Rao commits fully to the role, with Nikam’s fiery temperament, mannerisms and conviction. His climactic monologue is built for whistles and applause, and it is the kind of showpiece moment audiences will remember.
Wamiqa Gabbi as Mrs. Nikam: Gabbi brings warmth and quiet strength to the wife who lives with the prosecutor’s long absences. Her scenes give the courtroom drama its personal side.
Jaideep Ahlawat as Chaudhary Zulfiqar: Ahlawat makes a strong impression in a cameo as the Pakistani lawyer. His courtroom sparring with Rao is full of ego and rivalry, and the Bombil fish scene brings out a gentler side. His Sahir Ludhianvi reference adds nuance.
Sikandar Kher as Kazmi: Kher plays the lawyer who defends Kasab and faces hostility for it. He brings dignity to a hard role, and his lines about prejudice against his surname add a perspective the film needs.
Lalit Prabhakar as Ajmal Kasab: Prabhakar plays Kasab with restraint. His bewildered question about celebrating Eid in India is a chilling moment, and it shows how deeply the character’s worldview was distorted.
Diorr Varghese as the Young Witness: The 10-year-old victim’s testimony is the film’s emotional peak, and Varghese delivers it brilliantly. It reminds the audience what the attack destroyed.
Ashish Vidyarthi, Ritvik Sahore and Tarun Sharma: These actors round out a strong ensemble that adds credibility to the courtroom and its world.
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Prahaar Technical Analysis
Direction
Avinash Arun, the director of “Three of Us” and “Paatal Lok”, gives the film a serious, grounded tone. Instead of retelling a story the nation already knows, he finds a fresh way in through the courtroom and the man at its centre.
Cinematography
The visuals keep the focus on faces and testimony, which suits a courtroom drama. The framing gives the courtroom scenes weight and keeps the viewer close to the witnesses. The 26/11 context is handled with sensitivity.
Music/Score
Pritam composes the music. The first song, “Mere Rehte”, composed and sung by Vishal Mishra with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, captures patriotism and the courage to stand as a country’s shield.
Editing
Charu Shree Roy cuts together the courtroom proceedings, personal moments and key testimonies. The film is at its best when it stays inside the courtroom, and tighter flow in the family segments would have made it even sharper.
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Prahaar Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- A fresh, important angle on 26/11 through the courtroom battle
- Rajkummar Rao’s committed, whistle-worthy performance
- Standout moments from Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher and Lalit Prabhakar
- Diorr Varghese’s powerful witness testimony scene
- Strong dialogue and a thoughtful message on due process and the Constitution
- A balanced portrayal of Kasab that humanises without excusing
Weaknesses
- Personal-life track occasionally slows the courtroom momentum
- Stop-start pacing in the middle stretch
- Could have shown the full emotional impact of the attack more often
Prahaar Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 Stars
Prahaar is a thoughtful, powerful courtroom drama that asks why due process matters, even in the face of unimaginable horror. Rajkummar Rao leads a committed cast, and the supporting performances elevate every scene. A few pacing detours aside, it is a gripping and relevant watch, and one of the strongest courtroom dramas of 2026.
What is the age rating of Prahaar?
A CBFC certificate was not available at the time of writing. We will update this once confirmed. Given the film’s subject, it is best suited to teens and adults.
Is Prahaar suitable for children?
It deals with the 26/11 terror attacks and mature themes, so parental discretion is advised.
Is Prahaar based on a true story?
Yes. It is inspired by the real life of special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam and his prosecution of Ajmal Kasab after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
