Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam is a 2026 Indian Hindi-language legal drama film directed by Avinash Arun and written by Sumit Roy. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films and distributed by Jio Studios, it is a biographical courtroom film about Ujjwal Nikam, the public prosecutor who led the case against Ajmal Kasab, the only gunman captured alive during the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The film stars Rajkummar Rao as Nikam, alongside Wamiqa Gabbi, Lalit Prabhakar, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, Ashish Vidyarthi and Ritvik Sahore.

Principal photography began in October 2025 and Rao completed his portion in February 2026. The film was originally scheduled for 7 August 2026 but was postponed to avoid a clash with other releases, and it reached theatres on 16 October 2026. It received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising Rao’s performance and the film’s refusal to turn the courtroom into a stage for jingoism, while several reviewers felt its family subplots and uneven pacing weakened the story. At the box office, it opened quietly and was overtaken by a competing release in its first week.

Prahaar – Movie Details

Category	Details
Movie Name	Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam
Release Date	16 October 2026
Country	India
Language	Hindi
Genre	Legal Drama, Biographical Drama
Director	Avinash Arun
Writer	Sumit Roy
Lead Cast	Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat
Supporting Cast	Lalit Prabhakar, Sikandar Kher, Ashish Vidyarthi, Ritvik Sahore, Nassar, Ajinkya Deo, Prasanna Ketkar, Pranali Ghogare, Bharat Ganeshpure, Tarun Sharma
Production Company	Maddock Films
Distribution	Jio Studios
Runtime	About 140–141 minutes
Certification	UA 16+ (India); 15 (UK)
Music	Vishal Mishra, Emiway Bantai; score by Alokananda Dasgupta
Cinematography	Avinash Arun
Editing	Charu Shree Roy
Box Office Collection	About ₹30 crore worldwide gross (figures vary)

Plot

The film opens in September 2006, when the 1993 Mumbai bombing trial reaches its verdict. Public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam marks the occasion with his wife Jyoti, aware that the battle against terrorism has cost him years of family life. Two years later, on the night of 26 November 2008, he is at his daughter Sharvari’s wedding in Goa when news arrives that Mumbai is under attack. Within days he is appointed to prosecute Ajmal Kasab, the only attacker taken alive.

Nikam argues for a single, detailed chargesheet, believing it will build a stronger case and expose the role of terror groups and elements of the Pakistani state. As the trial begins, he faces Kasab’s lawyer Abbas Kazmi, who claims his client is a minor and was tortured into confessing. The medical evaluation concludes that Kasab is an adult, and the court moves forward. Nikam’s son Aniket, newly back from the United States, joins him as a junior, and the two clash as Nikam’s wife’s health deteriorates and secrets within the family surface.

The narrative then follows the difficult evidence stage, when defence lawyers attack witnesses, including hospital staff, a press photographer, police officers and a constable badly wounded in the attack. The case reaches a turning point when Nikam travels to Pakistan and meets Chaudhary Zulfiqar Ali, a prosecutor who has been cooperating with him. Kasab’s eventual confession, and his breakdown after being shown the bodies of his dead accomplices, lead to the sentence. The film ends with Kasab’s execution and an epilogue on the prosecution of the 2008 attacks. Its central narrative revolves around duty, the cost of a long fight for justice and whether a courtroom can deliver the truth when families and nations are still in pain.

Main Cast and Characters

Rajkummar Rao as Ujjwal Nikam: Nikam is the public prosecutor who takes on the 26/11 case and insists it be argued as a crime against India rather than against one state. Rao plays him with a combative courtroom presence, and his performance is the film’s main draw. Several critics described it as committed, although a few felt that his mannerisms sometimes felt more imitated than lived in.

Wamiqa Gabbi as Jyoti Nikam: Jyoti is Nikam’s wife, whose illness and recovery form a quiet emotional thread in the story. It is the second film in which Rao and Gabbi have worked together, after Bhool Chuk Maaf.

Lalit Prabhakar as Ajmal Kasab: Kasab is the young gunman whose trial becomes the centre of the film. Prabhakar, a Marathi actor, portrays the character through his lies, his evasions and his gradual realisation of what he has done. Reviewers generally found the performance convincing, and it was one of the more discussed elements of the film.

Jaideep Ahlawat as Chaudhary Zulfiqar Ali: Ali is a Pakistani prosecutor who cooperates with Nikam in exposing the conspiracy behind the attacks, and who later pays for that cooperation with his life. Ahlawat’s scenes with Rao are among the most reflective in the film.

Supporting Cast and Characters

Sikandar Kher as Abbas Kazmi: Kazmi is Kasab’s defence lawyer, whose attempts to discredit the prosecution’s witnesses give the courtroom sequences their tension.

Ashish Vidyarthi as Justice M. L. Tahaliyani: Tahaliyani is the judge who presides over the trial and delivers the verdict.

Ritvik Sahore as Aniket Nikam: Aniket is Nikam’s son, who joins the prosecution team as a junior. His estrangement from his father and their reconciliation form an important part of the family storyline.

Nassar as P. Chidambaram: Chidambaram is the Union Home Minister who asks Nikam to represent India rather than only Maharashtra in the case.

Ajinkya Deo as Joint Commissioner of Police Bipin Naria. Naria is a senior police officer, loosely based on former Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria.

Prasanna Ketkar as Inspector Sanjay Govilkar, Pranali Ghogare as Sharvari Nikam, Yogesh Kelkar as Dr. Mohite. Bharat Ganeshpure as Chhagan Bhujbal and Tarun Sharma as Abu Ismail appear in supporting roles. Diorr Varghese plays the young girl who testifies against Kasab.

Production, Creative and Technical Aspects

Development and Story

The film was announced in July 2025 as a biopic of Ujjwal Nikam, with Avinash Arun directing. Sumit Roy writing the story, screenplay and dialogues. Additional dialogues were written by Dushyant Arora, and additional screenplay and story work was credited to Vishal Tiwari. Aamir Khan was initially reported to be considered for the role of Nikam, but he stepped down and Rajkummar Rao was finalised for the part.

The screenplay follows the real trial closely, while adding a family storyline involving Nikam, his wife and his son. Reviewers were divided on how much space this family material deserves, with some feeling it occupies more screen time than it needs. The film was also made in the wider context of other recent films about the 26/11 attacks and the 1993 bombings. Which gave it a crowded field to enter.

Casting and Characters

Rao was cast after Aamir Khan’s exit, and Wamiqa Gabbi joined as the female lead in August 2025. Lalit Prabhakar was selected to play Kasab, and the supporting cast was filled with actors experienced in Hindi and Marathi cinema. The film’s cast is built around a courtroom structure, with most of the drama coming from confrontations between the prosecution, the defence and the witnesses.

Filming and Locations

Principal photography began in October 2025, and Rao wrapped his portion in February 2026. The production relied on courtroom sets. Mumbai locations linked to the 2008 attacks and scenes set in Goa and Pakistan. That were built or filmed to suit the story. The look of the film is intentionally restrained, reflecting the seriousness of its subject matter.

Production Companies

The film was produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the studio behind the Stree and Bhediya universe. Jio Studios handled distribution in India. The collaboration brought together the resources required for a courtroom drama. With a large supporting cast, multiple locations and a biographical approach to real events. The reported budget is not confirmed in the information available here, so it is not presented as final.

Music and Background Score

The songs were composed by Vishal Mishra and Emiway Bantai, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya and Emiway Bantai. The first single, “Mere Rehte”, featuring Vishal Mishra, was released on 30 September 2026. A third single, “Mumbai Sapno Ka Samandar”, featuring Emiway Bantai and Sunidhi Chauhan, followed on 12 October 2026. The background score was composed by Alokananda Dasgupta.

In a courtroom drama, music has a limited role compared with dialogue, and it works mainly to mark transitions and emotional beats. Reviewers were divided on how well the score suited the film’s emotional moments.

Cinematography and Editing

Avinash Arun, who also directs the film, handled the cinematography, and Charu Shree Roy was the editor. The camera stays close to the courtroom action and to Nikam’s face, which suits a film built around testimony, objections and reactions. Editing decisions matter in a film that moves between the trial, Nikam’s home life and his travels, and reviewers pointed out that the rhythm sometimes stopped and started as the narrative shifted.

Music and Soundtrack Details

The soundtrack features songs by Vishal Mishra and Emiway Bantai, and the film’s promotion leaned on the singles as well as the teaser. The track “Mumbai Sapno Ka Samandar” is a rap song that pays tribute to the city’s spirit.

1. Mere Rehte

“Mere Rehte” was the first single from the soundtrack and was released on 30 September 2026. It features Vishal Mishra.

2. Mumbai Sapno Ka Samandar

“Mumbai Sapno Ka Samandar” was released on 12 October 2026 and features Emiway Bantai and Sunidhi Chauhan. It is a rap-driven track that celebrates Mumbai’s spirit, released just before the film’s theatrical debut.

Background Score

Alokananda Dasgupta composed the background score, which supports the courtroom sequences, the terror attack flashbacks and the quieter family scenes. Unlike the songs, the background score works primarily through instrumental music and scene-specific sound design. It helps control the pace of the trial, builds tension before key witness moments and underlines the emotional weight of the film’s final sequences.

Release Date and Theatrical Distribution

Prahaar Release Details

Detail	Information
Film Title	Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam
Announcement	July 2025
Principal Photography	October 2025 to February 2026
Originally Planned Release	7 August 2026 (postponed)
Release Date in India	16 October 2026
Trailer and Teaser	Teaser released on 25 June 2026
Certification	UA 16+ (India); 15 (UK)
Production Company	Maddock Films
Theatrical Distribution	Jio Studios
Music Label	Not confirmed in the information available here
OTT Release Date	Not officially announced
OTT Release Platform	Not officially announced

Official Release Date

Prahaar was originally scheduled for 7 August 2026, but the makers postponed it to avoid a box office clash with Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2, which were both set for 14 August. A later date of 4 September 2026 was considered, before the film was finally set for 16 October 2026, which was announced in mid-August. The British Board of Film Classification issued its 15 certificate ahead of the release.

The teaser released in June 2026 drew attention for Rao’s transformation into Nikam and for the film’s focus on the 26/11 attacks. Nikam himself praised Rao’s performance publicly, which helped the film’s early promotion.

Worldwide Theatrical Release

The film was released in India and overseas on the same date, with its international collections reported alongside its domestic figures. Overseas earnings were smaller than the domestic total, and the film’s international performance was modest compared with its domestic run.

Certification and Runtime

The film received a UA 16+ certificate in India, recommending parental guidance for viewers below 16, and a 15 certificate from the British Board of Film Classification in the United Kingdom. The runtime is reported as about 140 to 141 minutes, or roughly two hours and 21 minutes. Its length is typical for a courtroom biopic, and some critics felt that the family subplots and the restless narrative added to its running time.

Theatrical Formats and Presentation

The film was released in standard cinema formats across India, with availability depending on the theatre. Its share of shows was affected by its competition in the opening weeks, and the number of daily shows reduced as the run continued. Availability varied by cinema and location, so not every show time was offered at every venue.

Significance of the Release

The release matters for several reasons. It is a courtroom biopic about a real prosecutor, released in a year that has already seen several films about the 26/11 attacks and the 1993 bombings. It also marks a rare lead role for Rajkummar Rao in a film built around a real public figure, and its box office performance has been closely watched as a test of how audiences respond to serious, fact-based legal drama in a crowded market. Its theatrical release therefore represents both a tribute to a real-life figure and a test of whether a restrained courtroom film can draw an audience in a busy festive season.

OTT Release and Streaming Availability

An official OTT release date and streaming platform for Prahaar have not been announced in the information available here. A digital premiere would typically follow the theatrical run, but its timing depends on the film’s distribution agreements and the streaming partner’s announcement. Until the producers or an authorised platform confirm the details, a specific OTT date or service should not be presented as final. This section can be updated once an official announcement identifies the streaming platform and digital release date.

Budget and Box Office Collection

Prahaar Budget and Box Office

Box Office Detail	Reported Figures
Estimated Production Budget	Not confirmed in the information available here
Release Date	16 October 2026
Opening Day Collection (India Net)	About ₹2.35 crore (across about 4,133 shows)
Second Day Collection (India Net)	About ₹3.15 crore
Day 5 Collection (India Net)	About ₹3.30 crore
Week One Collection (India Net)	About ₹15.95 crore to ₹17.15 crore
Week Two India Net Collection	About ₹21.57 crore
India Gross Collection	About ₹20.44 crore by the end of the first week
Overseas Collection	About ₹2.5 crore by the end of the first week
Worldwide Gross Collection	About ₹28.61 crore to ₹30.85 crore by the end of the second week

Production Budget

The production budget of Prahaar has not been confirmed in the information available here, so this article does not present a figure as official. A courtroom biopic with a large cast and multiple locations is typically made on a mid-range budget, but any specific number should be checked against the producers’ statements or a reliable trade report before publication. Because the budget is not confirmed, a profit or loss assessment cannot be made with confidence.

Opening Day Box Office Collection

Prahaar opened in Indian cinemas on 16 October 2026 with a net collection of about ₹2.35 crore across roughly 4,133 shows, according to Sacnilk. The gross collection on the opening day was about ₹2.77 crore, and overseas markets added approximately ₹75 lakh. The opening was considered modest for a film led by Rajkummar Rao and was described in the trade as a slow start.

First Week Box Office Collection

The film grew steadily over its opening weekend. Its second day brought in about ₹3.15 crore net, an increase of around 34%, and the third day rose to about ₹3.65 crore, the highest daily figure of its first week. The film then recorded a fall on the weekdays, as is typical for a non-festival release. By the end of its first week, the India net collection stood at roughly ₹15.95 crore to ₹17.15 crore, depending on the tracker, with a worldwide gross of around ₹22 crore to ₹23 crore. Figures differ slightly between sources because of variations in cut-off times and reporting methods, and the first-week India net total is therefore presented as a range.

The film faced direct competition from the Yami Gautam horror comedy Nayyi Navelli, which led it on the first-week India net total by about ₹5 crore. Prahaar’s share of shows was also reduced in several cinemas as the competition grew.

India Net and Gross Collection

By the end of its second week, reports placed the film’s India net collection at approximately ₹21.57 crore, and its India gross collection was slightly higher, reflecting the difference between ticket revenue after taxes and before them. India net refers to ticket revenue after tax deductions, whereas India gross represents ticket revenue before those deductions. These figures measure different aspects of box-office performance and should not be treated as interchangeable. The film’s collections slowed sharply in its second week, with daily net figures falling to about ₹28 lakh on one day in the second week.

Overseas and Worldwide Collection

The film’s overseas earnings were modest. By the end of its first week, overseas markets had contributed about ₹2.5 crore, and by the end of its second week the reported worldwide gross stood at roughly ₹28.61 crore to ₹30.85 crore, depending on the source. Different publications report slightly different totals because of variations in reporting periods and collection estimates. Worldwide gross revenue should not be confused with the amount ultimately received by the producers or distributors. Given the modest collections and the absence of a confirmed budget, the film’s commercial outcome is best described as underwhelming so far, and it will need further tracking to be assessed fully.

Ratings, Reviews and Audience Reception

Rating Platform	Rating / Review
IMDb	8.5
Rotten Tomatoes	73% (15 critic reviews, average 6.5/10)
Critics’ Star Ratings	Mostly 3 to 3.5 out of 5
Audience Reception	Mixed, with praise for Rajkummar Rao’s performance and the restraint of the courtroom scenes

Ratings and review availability should be verified against current listings before publication, as scores and audience votes can change.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating and Audience Response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 73% positive rating from 15 critics, with an average rating of 6.5 out of 10. The number of reviews is still small, so the score should be read as an early indicator rather than a settled verdict. Audience reactions have been more divided, with some viewers praising the film’s respect for the real victims and its portrayal of the trial, while others found the pace slow and the family subplots distracting.

IMDb Rating and User Reviews

A verified IMDb rating was not available at the time of writing, and IMDb ratings can change quickly as more users submit votes in the weeks after release. Viewers have discussed Rajkummar Rao’s transformation into Nikam, Lalit Prabhakar’s portrayal of Kasab and the film’s handling of the 26/11 attacks. Common points of discussion include the courtroom arguments, the restraint of the film’s tone and the length of its family storyline.

Critics Reviews and Overall Reception

Critics generally gave the film positive but measured reviews. Several praised Rao for his combative courtroom presence and for conveying Nikam’s tenacity, while one reviewer argued that his performance occasionally looked too deliberate. Reviewers also praised the film’s refusal to turn the trial into a celebration of nationalism, noting that it focuses on the judicial process and treats the attacks as a crime against humanity rather than a religious conflict.

Critics raised several concerns. Some felt that the family subplots occupied more screen time than they deserved, while others said the narrative stopped and started and lost focus at certain points. The scenes involving Kasab’s mental decline divided opinion, with some reviewers finding them a thoughtful choice and others calling them an unnecessary dramatic detour. Taken together, professional reviews and audience feedback offer different perspectives on the film’s strengths and weaknesses, and its core strengths lie in its performances and its serious, fact-based approach.

Prahaar Movie Review: What Works and What Does Not

What works: The film’s strongest asset is Rajkummar Rao’s commitment to the role, which carries the courtroom sequences with confidence. Lalit Prabhakar’s Kasab is layered and unsettling, and Jaideep Ahlawat brings a restrained dignity to the Pakistani prosecutor. The film’s refusal to indulge in jingoism is also a major strength, and its emphasis on the victims and the legal process gives it a serious tone. The sequences in which witnesses testify, including the young girl’s account, are among the most affecting in the film.

What does not: The film’s pacing is uneven, and the family storyline sometimes pulls attention away from the trial. The narrative has several stop-start moments, and some viewers will find the courtroom arguments dense without enough visual variety. Those hoping for a more conventional thriller about the 26/11 attacks may find the film slower and more talky than expected. Overall, Prahaar is a serious, well-acted courtroom drama that is best suited to viewers interested in the real legal history of the case and in Rao’s performance, rather than those looking for spectacle.

Prahaar Photos

The photo gallery of Prahaar features memorable moments from the film, including Rajkummar Rao as Ujjwal Nikam in the courtroom, Lalit Prabhakar as Ajmal Kasab, Wamiqa Gabbi as Jyoti Nikam, and the scenes between Nikam and Chaudhary Zulfiqar Ali. These photos offer a closer look at the cast, the courtroom atmosphere and important moments from the legal drama.

Where to Watch Prahaar

Prahaar was released in theatres in India on 16 October 2026. Its theatrical run is still continuing at some venues, but availability is limited and may vary by city and cinema, so viewers should check local listings before planning a visit. The official OTT platform and release date have not been announced in the information available here. The following options can be used to find the film:

• BookMyShow: Search for the film to check nearby cinemas, available showtimes and ticket prices.
• District: Browse local cinema listings and available movie tickets.
• PVR INOX: Search for screenings at participating PVR and INOX cinemas.
• Cinépolis India: Check available shows at participating Cinépolis locations.
• JustWatch: Use the streaming guide to check whether a digital release has been listed in your country.

Availability depends on the city, cinema and current schedule. These links lead to the platforms’ main websites; search for the film there to confirm whether tickets are available. The official OTT platform and digital release date should be added to this section once announced.

Is Prahaar Worth Watching?

Prahaar is worth considering for viewers who enjoy courtroom dramas, biographical films and stories based on real events. Rajkummar Rao leads the film as Ujjwal Nikam, while Lalit Prabhakar and Jaideep Ahlawat bring the trial’s human and political dimensions into focus. The film’s main appeal lies in its serious tone, its refusal to glorify nationalism and the detail with which it presents the legal battle against the 26/11 attackers. Viewers interested in the history of the Mumbai attacks and the trial that followed will find it a thoughtful account. However, viewers who want a fast-paced thriller may find the film slow, and its family subplots and uneven pacing have divided critics. Overall, it is worth considering for fans of serious legal drama, and watching it on the big screen can help the courtroom sequences land with more force.

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