Rajkummar Rao has established himself as one of Hindi cinema's most versatile performers, particularly when it comes to portraying complex characters inspired by real people. His upcoming film, Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, adds another significant role to that list.
Scheduled for theatrical release on October 16, 2026, the film features Rajkummar as Ujjwal Nikam, the prominent public prosecutor known for handling several high-profile criminal cases in India, including the trial connected to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware, the film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi as Jyoti Nikam, Ujjwal Nikam's wife, while Lalit Prabhakar portrays Ajmal Kasab. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the project explores the prosecutor's professional journey and his role in significant legal proceedings.
The film is another opportunity for Rajkummar to portray a real personality whose life and work have attracted national attention. Before audiences see him in this new avatar, several of his earlier performances demonstrate his experience with demanding real-life roles.
1. Shahid: The Role That Earned National Recognition
Released in 2013, Shahid remains one of the defining films of Rajkummar Rao's career. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the biographical drama tells the story of Shahid Azmi, a Mumbai-based lawyer and human rights activist who defended people accused in terrorism-related cases.
Rajkummar's performance captured the determination and personal struggles of a man who dedicated his professional life to defending the accused. The film received critical acclaim for its sensitive treatment of its subject.
His performance earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor at the 61st National Film Awards, while Hansal Mehta won Best Director. The recognition helped establish Rajkummar as an actor capable of carrying challenging, content-driven films.
2. Omerta: A Dark and Demanding Transformation
In Omerta (2018), Rajkummar took on a very different real-life character: Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, a British-born militant associated with terrorism.
Directed by Hansal Mehta, the film examines Sheikh's radicalisation and his involvement in extremist activities. Unlike conventional biographical dramas, Omerta does not follow a straightforward inspirational narrative. Instead, it presents a disturbing account of radicalisation, violence and ideological extremism.
The role required Rajkummar to explore an unsettling personality while maintaining the film's serious tone. His performance demonstrated his willingness to take on morally complex characters rather than restrict himself to conventional commercial roles.
3. Bose: Dead/Alive: Becoming Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Rajkummar portrayed freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose in the 2017 web series Bose: Dead/Alive, directed by Pulkit.
The series explored Bose's life, his contribution to India's independence movement and the mystery surrounding his reported death in 1945. His story remains an important chapter in India's struggle for independence.
For the role, Rajkummar underwent a substantial physical transformation, including shaving his head to resemble the historical figure more closely. The performance required him to portray Bose's determination, political conviction and revolutionary spirit.
The series also gave viewers an opportunity to revisit a historical personality whose life continues to generate discussion among historians and audiences.
4. Srikanth: An Inspiring Entrepreneur's Journey
In Srikanth (2024), Rajkummar played Srikanth Bolla, the visually impaired entrepreneur who founded Bollant Industries.
Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, the biographical drama follows Bolla's challenges in education, his pursuit of opportunities despite social barriers and his journey towards building a successful business.
The film also stars Jyothika, Alaya F and Sharad Kelkar. Rajkummar's performance focuses on the determination and ambition that shaped Bolla's journey.
Rather than presenting disability as the defining feature of the character, the film emphasises his aspirations, decisions and entrepreneurial achievements. The project added another inspirational real-life personality to Rajkummar's filmography.
5. Dada: Rajkummar Rao to Portray Sourav Ganguly
Rajkummar is also preparing to portray former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story.
Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the upcoming biopic is scheduled for release on May 14, 2027. The film will explore the life and career of one of Indian cricket's most recognisable figures.
Ganguly is remembered for his leadership, aggressive approach and contribution to the transformation of India's cricket team during his captaincy. His famous shirt-waving celebration at Lord's following India's 2002 NatWest Trophy victory remains one of Indian cricket's most iconic moments.
The film's first-look poster recreated that memorable celebration with Rajkummar in Ganguly's appearance. The project will give the actor another opportunity to study a public figure whose personality and sporting achievements are familiar to millions.
Why Real-Life Characters Remain Important to Rajkummar Rao's Career
From Shahid to Srikanth, Rajkummar has repeatedly chosen characters whose stories demand research, physical preparation and an understanding of their personal circumstances.
His upcoming role as Ujjwal Nikam in Prahaar continues that pattern, while Dada will take him into the world of Indian cricket.
These projects also highlight the variety within biographical storytelling. A human rights lawyer, an entrepreneur, a freedom fighter, a prosecutor and a celebrated sportsman each bring different challenges to an actor.
With Prahaar arriving in theatres on October 16, audiences will soon see Rajkummar's latest interpretation of a real-life personality.
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