'Not My Biopic': Ujjwal Nikam Sets Record Straight on Rajkummar Rao's 'Prahaar'
Senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam clarifies that 'Prahaar' is not his biopic but a courtroom drama on the Ajmal Kasab trial starring Rajkummar Rao.
Senior lawyer and Padma Shri awardee Ujjwal Nikam has provided crucial clarity regarding the upcoming film Prahaar, starring Rajkummar Rao. While the movie features Rao in the role of the renowned prosecutor, Nikam has emphasized that the Prahaar Rajkummar Rao film is not a biopic of his life, but rather a focused courtroom drama centered on the landmark trial of Ajmal Kasab.
Focus on the 26/11 Legal Battle
Speaking to ANI, Ujjwal Nikam explained that the film delves into the complex legal proceedings that followed the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The narrative explores the challenges the judicial system faced in bringing the lone surviving terrorist, Ajmal Kasab, to justice.
Nikam revealed that director Avinash Arun and the team at Maddock Films approached him with a specific vision: to address the lingering questions surrounding the trial. He noted that the filmmakers wanted to explain several key points to the audience, including:
- Why Kasab was processed through the legal system despite widespread public demands for immediate execution.
- The reasons behind the trial spanning several years.
- What the legal proceedings ultimately established.
"No Dancing or Singing in a Lawyer's Life"
In a candid recollection, Nikam admitted he was initially skeptical about the premise of the movie. He questioned the filmmakers on how they could create a compelling story about a lawyer's life, jokingly remarking, "What kind of movie will you make about a lawyer’s life? Nothing much has ever happened in our lives. There’s no dancing or much singing."
However, the scale of the case provided the necessary drama. Nikam highlighted the intensity of the proceedings, noting that while Kasab was captured on 26/11, charges were framed on May 6, 2009, and the execution was announced on May 5, 2010, involving a staggering 650 witnesses.
An Emotional Experience and Stellar Performance
Watching the film proved to be an emotionally taxing experience for Nikam. He confessed that the portrayal of the events brought back memories of the personal hardships he and his family faced while handling such high-profile, high-pressure cases. In a poignant reflection, he stated, "This is one movie that made me feel like I, and my family, were the real accused."
Praising Rajkummar Rao's Act
Despite the emotional weight, Nikam was highly impressed with Rajkummar Rao's performance. He revealed that he left the casting and creative decisions entirely to the director. The praise didn't just come from Nikam himself; his colleagues in the legal profession also noted the actor's accuracy.
Nikam shared that many of his lawyer friends commented on how convincingly Rao recreated his courtroom presence, specifically praising the "forceful way" the actor mirrored Nikam's distinctive style of arguing.
Film Details
Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films, 'Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam' also stars Wamiqa Gabbi and is directed by Avinash Arun. The cinematic exploration of one of India's most significant legal battles is scheduled to hit theaters on October 16, 2026.