The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks have been explored on screen from several perspectives, but ‘Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam’ turns its attention to what happened after the guns fell silent. The new trailer of Avinash Arun’s courtroom drama follows public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam as he takes on the legal battle against Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist captured after the attacks.

Watch the trailer here -

Rajkummar Rao steps into the role of Nikam, with the trailer placing him at the centre of a trial where every argument carries enormous stakes. Launched at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, one of the locations attacked during 26/11, the trailer sets up a tense courtroom battle involving the prosecution, Kasab’s defence and the wider political and international attention surrounding the case.

‘This time, you are not representing Maharashtra’

The trailer quickly establishes the pressure surrounding Nikam. As the proceedings begin, he is reminded that the case has implications far beyond the state and that the international media will be watching closely.

Nikam, however, appears determined to let the evidence speak for itself. Rajkummar’s character is shown questioning witnesses and challenging the defence as the prosecution attempts to establish Kasab’s role in the attacks.

The film also touches upon one of the defining aspects of the trial: Kasab’s legal rights despite the nature of the charges against him. The trailer highlights his constitutional right to a lawyer, setting up a contrast between the Indian legal system and the circumstances surrounding terrorism.

Kasab’s lawyer challenges the prosecution’s case

Sikandar Kher plays Abbas Kazmi, Kasab’s lawyer, and the trailer presents him as a formidable opponent for Nikam. His character argues that the prosecution's case has several gaps and attempts to challenge the evidence being presented in court.

Nikam, meanwhile, refuses to let those arguments derail the case. The courtroom exchanges form much of the film's dramatic core, with Ashish Vidyarthi appearing as the judge presiding over the proceedings.

Jaideep Ahlawat, Wamiqa Gabbi and Nassar are also introduced through the trailer, adding to the ensemble surrounding the central courtroom battle.

‘I am just 17’: Kasab makes a crucial claim

 

The trailer's biggest dramatic moment comes when Kasab changes the direction of the proceedings with a claim about his age.

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Played by an actor portraying Kasab, the character denies carrying out the attacks and alleges that his confession was obtained through torture. He further claims that he had come to Mumbai as a tourist and had visited Juhu Chowpatty before being arrested.

He then says he is only 17 years old.

The claim prompts the defence to seek a transfer of the case to a juvenile court. The trailer suggests that establishing Kasab’s age could have major consequences for how the case proceeds and the punishment he could face if convicted.

Rajkummar Rao on stepping into Nikam’s shoes

For Rajkummar Rao, the role came with the responsibility of portraying a real person whose professional life was closely associated with one of the darkest chapters in Mumbai's recent history.

Speaking about the film, the actor said he wanted to understand the person behind the public image rather than simply imitate him. He described Nikam’s conviction and sense of duty as central to his approach to the character.

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“Playing Ujjwal Nikam was a responsibility I felt deeply in my heart from the very beginning,” Rajkummar said, adding that making the film had been a “deeply humbling experience”.

Produced by Maddock Films and directed by Avinash Arun, ‘Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam’ is scheduled to release in theatres on October 16.