The trailer of Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story has introduced audiences to a face that many may not immediately recognise. Marathi actor Lalit Prabhakar plays Ajmal Kasab in the upcoming courtroom drama, while Rajkummar Rao portrays special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The film revisits the legal proceedings following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The trailer was launched on September 29 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), one of the locations targeted during the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Lalit’s transformation into Kasab has generated curiosity because of the significant difference from many of his earlier screen appearances.
Who Is Lalit Prabhakar?
Lalit Prabhakar is an established Marathi actor who has worked across television, theatre, films and digital projects. Before entering mainstream cinema, he built recognition through Marathi television.
He appeared in shows including Kunku, Jeevlaga and Aabhaas Ha. His film career began with Chi Va Chi Sau Ka in 2017, after which he went on to work in projects such as Hampi, Anandi Gopal, Smile Please and Zombivli.
His body of work has covered different genres, making the role in Prahaar another significant departure for the actor.
Lalit Prabhakar Plays Ajmal Kasab
In Prahaar, Lalit takes on the role of Ajmal Kasab, the sole attacker from the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks who was captured alive. The film primarily follows Ujjwal Nikam and the courtroom proceedings connected with the case.
The role required more than simply replicating Kasab’s physical appearance. Lalit has previously spoken about studying the character’s psychology, language and body language as part of his preparation.
He reportedly secured the role after auditioning, with the filmmakers looking for an actor who could disappear into the character rather than simply rely on star recognition.
His Transformation Has Drawn Attention
The first glimpse of Lalit as Kasab has surprised viewers because the actor looks significantly different from his familiar Marathi-film image.
The transformation is particularly important for a film that attempts to recreate events and courtroom proceedings connected with one of India's most significant terror cases. Lalit's performance therefore required attention to mannerisms and speech in addition to appearance.
The actor has described the role as challenging, particularly because of the need to understand the psychology of the real-life figure without losing sight of the larger story being told.
From Marathi Cinema To A National Audience
Lalit Prabhakar has largely been associated with Marathi entertainment, where he has established himself through films, television and theatre.
His performance as Dr Gopalrao Joshi in Anandi Gopal brought him wider recognition. He has subsequently appeared in several Marathi projects, including Medium Spicy, Sunny, Naach Ga Ghuma, Ground Zero and other films.
With Prahaar, his work is now reaching a Hindi-speaking audience on a much larger scale.
Rajkummar Rao Plays Ujjwal Nikam
The film places Lalit opposite Rajkummar Rao, who plays veteran public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.
Nikam was the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 case and led the prosecution involving Kasab. Rajkummar has prepared extensively for the role, including studying footage and observing Nikam’s courtroom mannerisms.
The trailer shows the two actors at the centre of intense courtroom exchanges, with Rajkummar's character attempting to establish the prosecution's case through evidence and arguments.
Prahaar Focuses On The Courtroom Battle
Unlike a film that simply recreates the terror attacks, Prahaar focuses heavily on what happened after the attacks, particularly the legal proceedings.
Ujjwal Nikam has said that the film is based on extensive research into the actual court proceedings. According to him, the makers spent around two and a half years researching the story, including what was said during the trial.
The film also attempts to recreate the legal challenges surrounding the case rather than focusing only on the events of November 2008.
Who Else Stars In Prahaar?
Directed by Avinash Arun and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story features a large ensemble cast.
Alongside Rajkummar Rao and Lalit Prabhakar, the film stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, Ashish Vidyarthi and Ritvik Sahore.
Wamiqa Gabbi plays Jyoti Nikam, while the supporting cast adds different perspectives to the courtroom and personal sides of the story.
When Will Prahaar Release?
Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story is scheduled to arrive in theatres on October 16, 2026.
With the trailer now released, Lalit Prabhakar’s portrayal of Ajmal Kasab has become one of the film’s major talking points. His transition from a familiar Marathi screen presence to a character associated with the 26/11 case represents a demanding new chapter in his career.
The film will ultimately bring together Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal of Ujjwal Nikam and Lalit’s performance as Kasab in a courtroom story centred on the legal aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Click here for the latest news from Bollywood, Hollywood, South Film Industry, Bhojpuri and TV world… Click here to join the Facebook Page, Twitter Page, YouTube page, and Instagram of Bollywood Mascot!
Leave a Comment