Rajkummar Rao as Ujjwal Nikam: 'Prahaar' teaser out, hits cinemas 7 August
Synopsis
Rajkummar Rao is back in a courtroom — and this time the stakes are as real as it gets. The teaser of 'Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story' puts him at the centre of the Ajmal Kasab trial, with a full-body transformation that includes Marathi dialogue and Nikam's signature bearing. With a National Award-winning lawyer role already on his résumé, Rao is raising the bar again.
Key Takeaways
Rajkummar Rao stars as renowned prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam in 'Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story' .
The teaser is out; the film releases in cinemas on 7 August 2026 .
The story centres on the Ajmal Kasab trial following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks .
Directed by Avinash Arun , the film co-stars Wamiqa Gabbi , Jaideep Ahlawat , Sikandar Kher , and Tarun Sharma .
This marks Rao's return to a lawyer role after 'Shahid' , which earned him the National Film Award .
Rao's next project is the Sourav Ganguly biopic 'Dada' , directed by Vikramaditya Motwane .
Rajkummar Rao has unveiled the teaser of his upcoming courtroom drama 'Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story', offering the first glimpse of his striking transformation into one of India's most prominent public prosecutors. The film is set to release in cinemas on 7 August 2026.
What the Teaser Reveals
The teaser centres on the high-stakes courtroom trial of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving gunman from the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks — a case that gripped the nation and cemented Ujjwal Nikam's reputation as a formidable prosecutor. The footage promises a drama charged with emotion, legal tension, and pivotal courtroom confrontations, with Rao commanding the screen throughout.
Notably, Rao's transformation extends beyond physical appearance. The teaser suggests he has adopted Nikam's distinct body language and even delivers dialogue in Marathi — signalling a deep, immersive preparation for the role.
The Team Behind the Film
Directed by Avinash Arun, 'Prahaar' features an ensemble cast including Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Tarun Sharma in pivotal roles. The film was shared on Instagram by its makers with the caption: 'When justice needed a voice, one man became its Prahaar. Rajkummar Rao as Ujjwal Nikam unfolds the truth.' Rao subsequently reshared the teaser across his own social media handles.
Rao's Return to the Courtroom
This marks Rajkummar Rao's return to a lawyer's role — a space he last occupied in 'Shahid', where his performance earned him the National Film Award. The parallel is hard to miss: both roles place him at the intersection of law, justice, and real events that shaped modern India. Critics and audiences will be watching whether 'Prahaar' matches or surpasses that benchmark.
What's Next for Rajkummar Rao
Beyond 'Prahaar', Rao has a packed slate. He is set to portray cricket legend Sourav Ganguly in the biopic 'Dada', directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. He was most recently seen in the crime-drama 'Maalik'. With back-to-back biopics anchoring his upcoming releases, Rao is firmly establishing himself as Bollywood's go-to actor for real-life portrayals.
'Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story' arrives in cinemas on 7 August 2026, and the teaser response will set the tone for one of the more anticipated courtroom dramas of the year.
Point of View
Which carries enormous emotional and political weight. A transformation teaser is a good start, but the Kasab trial is well-documented public history — the film will need dramatic rigour, not just physical resemblance, to stand apart.
NationPress
25 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story' about?
'Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story' is a courtroom drama based on the life of renowned prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, focusing on his role in the trial of Ajmal Kasab following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It stars Rajkummar Rao in the lead role and is directed by Avinash Arun.
When does 'Prahaar' release in cinemas?
'Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story' is scheduled to release in cinemas on 7 August 2026.
Who else stars in 'Prahaar' alongside Rajkummar Rao?
The film features Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Tarun Sharma in pivotal roles, alongside Rajkummar Rao.
Has Rajkummar Rao played a lawyer before?
Yes. Rajkummar Rao previously played a lawyer in 'Shahid', a role for which he won the National Film Award. 'Prahaar' marks his return to a courtroom role.
What other films does Rajkummar Rao have coming up?
Beyond 'Prahaar', Rajkummar Rao is set to star in 'Dada', a biopic on cricket legend Sourav Ganguly directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. He was last seen in the crime-drama 'Maalik'.
