Fadnavis Applauds Rajkummar Rao’s 'Prahaar', Says Film Carries A Message Beyond Entertainment

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised actor Rajkummar Rao and the team of Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam at the film’s trailer launch in Mumbai on Tuesday, saying the movie was not merely meant for entertainment and carried a message. The trailer was unveiled at the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), a location that was among the sites targeted during the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror attacks. Rajkummar plays veteran public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam in the film, which focuses on his legal battle following the 26/11 attacks.

Fadnavis attended the launch along with Nikam, Rajkummar and members of the film’s cast and crew. The Maharashtra chief minister praised Rajkummar as an accomplished actor and expressed his appreciation to the filmmakers for choosing a subject centred on the 26/11 attacks and the legal proceedings that followed. He also highlighted Nikam’s role as the special public prosecutor in the case involving Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving attacker from the 2008 terror attacks. The choice of CSMT for the trailer launch added a direct connection between the film’s subject and one of the locations associated with the attacks.

Speaking at the event, Fadnavis referred to the decision to prosecute Kasab through India’s judicial system rather than dealing with him outside the legal process. He said the proceedings demonstrated India’s commitment to taking action against those accused of terrorism through its police and judicial institutions. Fadnavis also praised Nikam for his handling of the prosecution and said the lawyer’s work helped bring details of the case and the wider conspiracy before the public. His remarks focused on the legal proceedings that followed the attacks and the role played by those involved in bringing the case to court.

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The chief minister also recalled the police personnel who died while responding to the 26/11 attacks, including former Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, Additional Commissioner of Police Ashok Kamte, senior police inspector Vijay Salaskar and Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble. Fadnavis said the sacrifices of these officers were an important part of the story surrounding the attacks and the subsequent pursuit of justice. He credited Nikam with handling the prosecution with professionalism and determination and said the film would bring this chapter of the country’s recent history to a wider audience.

Prahaar is directed by Avinash Arun and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films. The film features Rajkummar as Nikam and also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher and Tarun Sharma. The story examines Nikam’s professional and personal journey, with particular attention to the legal proceedings that followed the 26/11 attacks and the prosecution of Kasab. The trailer presents the courtroom battle and the challenges surrounding one of the most closely followed criminal cases in India. The filmmakers chose CSMT as the launch venue because of its connection to the events portrayed in the film.

Fadnavis also drew a comparison with films that have introduced significant historical figures and events to audiences through cinema. He said movies can help people understand important chapters of history and the individuals associated with them. Referring to Prahaar, he said the film similarly brings Nikam’s story and the legal battle surrounding the 26/11 case to the screen. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on October 16, 2026. The trailer launch at CSMT marked the beginning of its promotional campaign, with Rajkummar’s portrayal of Nikam and the courtroom proceedings forming the central focus of the film.

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