Rajkummar Rao Unveils 'Prahaar' Trailer at Mumbai's CST in Presence of CM Fadnavis

The trailer of ‘Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam’, starring Rajkummar Rao in the lead role, was unveiled at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The trailer launch at CST carried a strong connection to the story being portrayed in the film, as the historic railway station was one of the locations targeted during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. The film centres on the legal battle that followed the attacks and explores Nikam’s role in the prosecution as he worked towards securing justice for the victims.

Directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware and produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner, ‘Prahaar’ explores both the professional and personal journey of Ujjwal Nikam. The film focuses on the challenges surrounding the high-profile 26/11 case and the immense responsibility involved in handling a criminal trial that attracted nationwide attention.

Rajkummar Rao portrays Nikam in the film, while Wamiqa Gabbi appears in a key role. Speaking about his experience of playing a real-life public figure, Rao said he approached the character with a strong sense of responsibility. He explained that rather than simply imitating Nikam’s public persona, he wanted to understand the man behind the name, including his convictions and dedication to his work.

Rao described his experience of working on ‘Prahaar’ as deeply humbling and said he hoped the film would present Nikam’s story with the respect it deserves. Director Avinash Arun Dhaware said the film goes beyond simply revisiting an event that has already been widely covered. According to him, the story attempts to explore what happened after the headlines disappeared, focusing on the people involved, the questions that emerged and the long pursuit of justice that followed the attacks.

Dhaware said Nikam’s journey offered the filmmakers an entry point into that world. While the film is rooted in real events, the director said the intention was also to make the story accessible on a human level while maintaining the seriousness and significance of the events it depicts. Ujjwal Nikam, whose role in the 26/11 case serves as the basis for the film, said the attacks remain an unforgettable chapter in Mumbai’s and India's history. Reflecting on his involvement in the case, he said the responsibility went far beyond legal files, evidence and arguments in court because behind every aspect of the case were people whose lives had been changed by the tragedy.

Producer Dinesh Vijan also recalled his personal connection with CST, saying he used to travel through the station while going to college before the 2008 attacks. Speaking about Mumbai’s response to the tragedy, Vijan recalled how the city returned to work soon after the attacks, describing that resilience as part of Mumbai’s spirit while stressing that the tragedy should never be forgotten. With its story centred on one of the most closely followed criminal cases in India's recent history, ‘Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam’ seeks to examine the legal and personal journey that unfolded after the 26/11 attacks. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on October 16, 2026.