The official teaser of “Prahaar” was unveiled online on Thursday, giving audiences their first look at Rajkummar Rao’s striking transformation into renowned Indian public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.
The teaser plunges viewers into an intense investigative setting, opening with a wall filled with case documents, photographs and handwritten notes connected to the chilling heading, “Terror in Mumbai: City Under Siege.”ย Through a series of tense visuals, the teaser highlights the pursuit of justice and truth while revisiting the events that ultimately led to the execution of Ajmal Kasab.
Rajkummar Rao takes on the role of Nikam, the veteran prosecutor known for handling some of the country’s most significant and high-profile criminal cases.
However, “Prahaar” appears to focus heavily on the legal proceedings involving Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist captured after the devastating 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
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The teaser presents the case as a conflict that extended far beyond courtroom arguments, reinforced by the powerful line: “Killing Kasab was easy, proving who sent him was war.”ย The film is directed by Avinash Arun, best known for acclaimed projects such as “Paatal Lok” and “Three of Us”, and is produced by Dinesh Vijan under the banner of Maddock Films.
Joining Rao in the cast are Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher, all of whom play pivotal roles in the drama.ย One of the most discussed aspects of the film has been Rao’s dramatic physical makeover for the role. To convincingly portray Nikam, the actor reportedly gained around 9 to 10 kilograms, adopted a heavier physique, sported stubble and glasses, and worked extensively on mastering the prosecutor’s commanding Marathi-speaking style.
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Speaking about the preparation process in an Instagram post, Rao said, “My being is through my art. I have just wrapped up shooting for my next biopic, #NIKAM, and yes, it required a physical transformation, something I genuinely enjoy. I prefer not to rely on prosthetics when I can achieve a look through dedication and effort, whether that means gaining weight, appearing older for a particular stage of life, or even thinning my hair, despite my hairstylist strongly opposing the idea.”
He further revealed, “For Nikam, I had to put on around 9-10 kg. I was eating two pizzas a day, plenty of sweets, along with my favourite aloo parathas and biryani. I also stayed away from anything glamorous because I wanted to completely immerse myself in the character. I hope audiences will be able to see the effort that went into the role when the film releases.”
“Prahaar” marks yet another collaboration between producer Dinesh Vijan and Rajkummar Rao, who have previously worked together on successful projects such as “Stree”, “Made in China”, “Hum Do Hamare Do”, “Bhool Chuk Maaf” and “Raabta”.ย Backed by Maddock Films and supported by a talented ensemble cast, “Prahaar” is slated for a theatrical release on August 7, 2026.
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