Directed by Avinash Arun, the film 'Prahaar'—starring Rajkummar Rao, Jaideep Ahlawat, Wamiqa Gabbi, Lalit Prabhakar, Sikandar Kher, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Ritvik Sahore—has been released in theaters. In this film, actor Rajkummar Rao portrays the role of senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam.

Recently, Ujjwal Nikam, a lawyer and recipient of the Padma Shri, spoke openly about the film 'Prahaar'. He clarified that the film is not a biopic about him; rather, it is a courtroom drama based on the trial of Ajmal Kasab—the only terrorist captured alive during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

What did Ujjwal Nikam say?
Speaking to ANI, Nikam stated, "This is not a biopic about me. The entire film focuses on what transpired in court following the capture and arrest of Ajmal Kasab, and how the subsequent trial unfolded."

Recalling his conversations with the filmmakers, Nikam mentioned that he initially questioned the idea of ​​making a film about a lawyer's life. "I asked them, 'What kind of film could you possibly make about a lawyer's life? There is nothing particularly exciting in our lives—no dancing, no songs—yet you still want to make a film?'"

What did Nikam say regarding Kasab?
According to Nikam, the filmmakers explained that they wanted to highlight key questions surrounding the 26/11 trial. These included: why a formal legal trial was conducted despite public demands for Kasab’s immediate execution; why the proceedings took several years; and what ultimately emerged from the entire process.

The lawyer added, "I addressed these questions by explaining that Ajmal Kasab was captured during the 26/11 attacks..." "However, the charges against him were framed on May 6, 2009, and his death sentence was announced on May 5, 2010. There were 650 witnesses in this case."

Why was watching 'Prahar' difficult for Ujjwal Nikam?
Nikam admitted that watching 'Prahar' was an emotionally challenging experience for him. The film reminded him of the personal hardships he had faced while handling high-profile cases.

"Watching this film, I felt as though I—and my family—were the real accused," he remarked. Ujjwal shared that seeing parts of his own life unfold on screen was deeply moving for him.

Ujjwal Nikam praises Rajkummar Rao
Nikam also praised Rajkummar Rao’s performance in the role of Ujjwal Nikam. He mentioned that when director Avinash Arun first informed him that Rajkummar Rao would be portraying him, he chose to leave the decision entirely to the filmmakers.

"After watching the film, many of my lawyer friends remarked that Rajkummar perfectly captured the forceful, spirited style with which I present arguments in court," the lawyer said. Nikam commended the actor for effectively portraying his signature mannerisms and distinct style.

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