Everyone remembers the night Mumbai was attacked. Far fewer remember the long, quiet courtroom fight that followed. That is exactly the story Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam wants to tell, with Rajkummar Rao stepping into the shoes of the prosecutor who stood against Ajmal Kasab. If you love real-life dramas, keep following Technosports for more updates.
Table of Contents
Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam: Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Film | Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam |
| Release date | October 16, 2026 (earlier August 7) |
| Lead actor | Rajkummar Rao as Ujjwal Nikam |
| Director | Avinash Arun |
| Producer | Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films) |
| Key cast | Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher |
| Genre | Biographical courtroom drama |
Why Did the Release Date Change?
The film was first locked for August 7, but Maddock Films announced a shift to October 16. Reports say the move avoided a crowded August calendar, and the new date lands in the Dussehra period, when audiences look for content-driven cinema. One wrinkle: Rao’s other film, Raftaar, is also reported to be releasing on October 16, so he could have two films opening on the same day.

A Courtroom Drama, Not Just a Crime Story
Instead of replaying the attacks, Prahaar turns the spotlight on the trial of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving attacker captured after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The trailer shows Kasab in the witness box claiming he was a tourist, while Nikam picks apart the story piece by piece. The teaser sums up the stakes in one line: “Killing Kasab was easy, proving who sent him was war.”
That is what makes this film interesting. The real challenge was not catching one man. It was building a legal case strong enough to prove who stood behind him.
Rajkummar Rao’s Big Transformation
Rao has built a reputation for disappearing into real people, and this role looks no different. He reportedly put on around 9 to 10 kg for the part, and the real Ujjwal Nikam has praised the performance as remarkable. Wamiqa Gabbi plays Jyoti Nikam, which adds the personal side of a man who spent years carrying some of India’s most sensitive cases. You can read more about the man himself on Ujjwal Nikam’s Wikipedia page, and about the events behind the trial in this overview of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Should You Watch It?
If you enjoy tense, dialogue-driven stories like courtroom thrillers, this one is worth putting on your list. With Avinash Arun, known for Paatal Lok, directing and a strong supporting cast, expectations are high. While you wait, explore our latest entertainment news and box office updates to see what else is heading to theatres this festive season.
FAQs
Q1. When does Prahaar release in theatres?
It releases on October 16, 2026, after being moved from its earlier August 7 date.
Q2. Who plays Ujjwal Nikam in Prahaar?
Rajkummar Rao plays the public prosecutor, with Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher in key roles.





