Some places carry memories. Some stories carry the weight of a city. At the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai, Maddock Films unveiled the trailer of Prahaar - The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Ujjwal Nikam himself, the man whose life and pursuit of justice inspired the film. The choice of CST as the setting for the trailer launch was deeply significant. It is not merely one of Mumbai’s most recognisable landmarks; it is also one of the places forever etched into the memory of 26/11, because for Mumbai, 26/11 is not simply a date in history. It is a memory of fear, loss, courage and resilience.
And beyond the terror of that night, another battle began; one that unfolded in the courtroom. At the centre of that legal battle stood Ujjwal Nikam, whose pursuit of justice became an important part of the aftermath of 26/11. Prahaar brings his story to the screen, going beyond the public persona of the celebrated prosecutor to explore the man, his convictions, his challenges and the responsibility he carried through one of the most closely watched legal battles in the country.
The trailer introduces Rajkummar Rao as Ujjwal Nikam, bringing intensity and sensitivity to the portrayal of a man whose life became intertwined with a defining chapter in India’s history. Wamiqa Gabbi joins him in the film, while filmmaker Avinash Arun Dhaware brings the story to the screen through his distinctive cinematic vision.
Rajkummar Rao says, “Playing Ujjwal Nikam was a responsibility I felt deeply in my heart from the very beginning. He is a real person whose work is deeply connected to one of the most difficult chapters in Mumbai’s history. I didn’t want to simply recreate a public figure; I wanted to understand the man behind the name; his conviction and his sense of duty. Working on Prahaar has been a deeply humbling experience, and I hope we have been able to tell his story with the respect it deserves.”
Avinash Arun Dhware, Director, Prahaar, added, “Prahaar is not just a retelling of an event that we already know. It is an attempt to look at what happened after the headlines faded; at the people, the questions and the pursuit of justice that followed. Ujjwal Nikam’s journey gave us a way into that world. The challenge was to tell a story rooted in real events while allowing audiences to connect with the person at its centre. I wanted the film to feel human, honest and grounded, while never losing sight of the weight of what actually happened.”
Ujjwal Nikam says, “26/11 is a chapter that Mumbai and our country can never forget. My association with that case was a responsibility I carried with the understanding that behind every file, every piece of evidence and every argument in court were real lives that had been affected. When Maddock Films approached me about telling this journey on screen, I was naturally thoughtful about it. Today, seeing this story being brought to audiences is an emotional moment for me. I hope Prahaar reminds us not only of the events, but also of the importance of courage, duty and faith in the pursuit of justice. I think the team has done a fabulous and honest job.”
Dinesh Vijan, producer and founder of Maddock Films added, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) was an integral part of my college life. Everyday I would take a train to college from this station. Then overnight that changed on 26/11. Mumbai stopped and yet, I remember, the next day, the entire city woke up, took the train and went ahead with their work. That’s the professionalism, that’s the spirit of the city. But that doesn’t mean we can forget or forgive the terror that took over the city. Prahaar is the most honest film Maddock Films has ever made. And it is an ode to everyone who lost their lives because of the terror attack that changed the life of Mumbai forever.”
Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films, Prahaar is a story of courage, conviction and an unrelenting pursuit of justice. Prahaar - The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam releases in cinemas on 16th October 2026.
