Prahaar Trailer Review: Rajkummar Rao’s Powerful Transformation as Ujjwal Nikam Steals the Show

The much-awaited trailer of Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story is finally out, giving audiences a closer look at Rajkummar Rao’s challenging transformation into renowned special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Directed by Avinash Arun, the courtroom drama revolves around one of the most high-profile cases handled by Nikam — the trial of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving attacker of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

The nearly three-minute trailer sets up a tense courtroom battle while also offering glimpses into the personal life of a prosecutor carrying the weight of a case that captured the attention of the entire country.

What initially appears to be a routine courtroom proceeding gradually takes a disturbing turn as the details surrounding the attacks begin to emerge. Nikam is determined to ensure that the accused face justice, but the legal battle is anything but straightforward. The trailer presents the courtroom as a battleground where every statement, question and piece of evidence carries enormous weight.

The biggest highlight of the trailer is undoubtedly Rajkummar Rao as Ujjwal Nikam. From his appearance and body language to his dialogue delivery, Rao appears to have immersed himself in the character. His Marathi dialogue delivery, in particular, adds authenticity to the portrayal.

The actor brings a controlled intensity to the courtroom sequences. Rather than relying only on dramatic outbursts, his performance appears to use his expressions, pauses and commanding presence to establish Nikam as a formidable courtroom figure. If the trailer is anything to go by, Rajkummar Rao has taken the responsibility of portraying a real-life personality seriously.

The film also features an impressive ensemble cast. Sikandar Kher is seen playing a lawyer on the other side of the courtroom, setting up an interesting legal confrontation with Rao’s character. Jaideep Ahlawat appears as part of a delegation from Islamabad, while Wamiqa Gabbi plays Jyoti Nikam, Ujjwal Nikam’s wife. The trailer suggests that while the courtroom proceedings remain at the centre of the narrative, the makers have also explored the impact of Nikam’s demanding profession on his personal life.

One of the most striking moments comes towards the end of the trailer when Ajmal Kasab takes the witness stand. He makes the shocking claim that he was merely a tourist who had come to Mumbai to explore the city when the attacks took place. He further claims that he was not a terrorist and was tortured and forced into being portrayed as one. The sequence immediately raises the tension and gives audiences a glimpse of the legal complexities that Nikam had to navigate during the trial.

At nearly three minutes, the trailer packs in a lot of information. While it succeeds in establishing the scale and seriousness of the story, it also feels like the makers may have revealed slightly more than necessary. A tighter edit could have preserved more mystery and made the courtroom drama even more intriguing. Some of the major developments could perhaps have been saved for the film itself.

That said, this remains the only major drawback of an otherwise compelling trailer.

Technically, Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story makes a strong impression. The background score adds intensity to the courtroom sequences without overpowering the narrative. The cinematography also stands out, particularly in the portions depicting Mumbai during the 26/11 attacks. The visuals capture the rawness and tension associated with that tragic period, helping the trailer establish an atmosphere that feels serious and grounded.

The Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story trailer promises a gripping courtroom drama backed by a strong cast and a powerful real-life story. While the nearly three-minute runtime means that the trailer gives away more than it ideally should, the performances, technical execution and overall atmosphere remain impressive. 

Most importantly, Rajkummar Rao shines as Ujjwal Nikam. His transformation, body language and courtroom presence make him one of the biggest reasons to look forward to the film. With Avinash Arun at the helm and a cast featuring Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher and Lalit Prabhakar alongside Rajkummar Rao, Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story arrives in cinemas on October 16.