Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam has given his approval to Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal of him in the upcoming biopic Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam. Speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2026 on October 10, Nikam praised the actor’s transformation, saying Rao had captured his mannerisms so convincingly that even lawyers who knew him were curious about how the actor had prepared for the role.
Ujjwal Nikam on Rajkummar Rao’s transformation
Nikam, best known for leading the prosecution in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial against Ajmal Kasab, said his priority was ensuring that the film remained grounded in reality rather than turning its subjects into larger-than-life figures. “My first condition was there would be no glorification of any character, including me. And all the real names would be used,” he said, explaining his expectations for the film.
He then applauded Rao’s commitment to the part, recalling the reactions of his legal colleagues after they watched the film. “Let me appreciate Mr Rajkummar Rao as he lived like Ujjwal Nikam. My colleagues praised his performance. Many lawyers who watched the film asked me if he lived with me. I said, ‘No, he did not live with me for a single day’,” Nikam said.
Nikam pointed out that Rao’s real-life personality was quite different from his own, making the actor’s portrayal all the more impressive. He described Rao as someone who is generally quiet and speaks softly, while highlighting the way the actor reproduced his courtroom presence and physical mannerisms.
Praising his body language, Nikam offered an emphatic endorsement of the performance. “This is Ujjwal Nikam. I certify him completely. He could go to court on my behalf. He can play my role,” he said.
The biopic features an ensemble cast that includes Wamiqa Gabbi, Sikandar Kher, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nassar and Ashish Vidyarthi in prominent roles. The film seeks to bring the prosecutor’s professional journey to the screen without, as Nikam specified, glorifying its characters.
Ujjwal Nikam’s role in the 26/11 terror attacks trial
Nikam became widely known for representing the state in several high-profile criminal cases, particularly the prosecution of Kasab, the sole surviving gunman captured after the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The trial culminated in Kasab’s conviction and death sentence, making it one of the country’s most closely watched national security cases.
Nikam’s comments offer a rare endorsement from the person being portrayed, with the prosecutor expressing confidence in Rao’s ability to bring his courtroom persona to the big screen.
For Rao, the project adds another real-life figure to a filmography marked by transformations across genres. His last theatrical release was Maalik, directed by Pulkit. He is also set to portray former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in the biopic Dada.