Prahaar review: Rajkummar Rao steady as Ujjwal Nikam, Lalit Prabhakar stands out as Kasab

Avinash Arun's "Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam" runs 2 hours 40 minutes. The film features seasoned actors including Rajkummar Rao, Vamika Gabbi, Lalit Prabhakar, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher and Ashish Vidyarthi. It has been rated 3.5 stars.

Some battles are not won by arguments alone; they need years of patience and a stubbornness that makes one give everything. "Prahaar" is the story of that stubbornness. The film is set against the legal battle that followed the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. It does not only show the search for justice in court, but also looks into the life of a man who drifted away from his own relationships while trying to get justice for others.

At the centre of the film is the trial of Ajmal Kasab, with public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The story also brings in legal references linked to the 1993 Bombay blasts. Every argument matters here, and every step carries the pressure of fixing responsibility. The film does not reduce the legal process to a game of winning and losing; it also puts forward the struggle and responsibility behind it.

Nikam's personal life gives the story an emotional turn. His relationship with his son Aniket shows that the family sometimes pays the price of unwavering dedication to a profession. The son wants guidance and closeness from his father, but for Nikam discipline and the responsibility of work come first. This conflict takes the film beyond an ordinary courtroom drama.

Rajkummar Rao is superb as Ujjwal Nikam. His performance has no needless aggression or filmy heroics. Measured dialogue, facial expressions and calm confidence in court make the character believable. His presence on screen creates tension during key legal arguments. He shows Nikam not only as a lawyer of firm resolve, but also reveals another side of him when the man who stands confidently in court becomes entangled while expressing his feelings at home.

Marathi actor Lalit Prabhakar brings an unsettling intensity to the role of Kasab. Key scenes involving his character heighten the tension of the story. Lalit has so far delivered strong performances, and there was curiosity about how he would fare as Kasab. He has justified the faith audiences had in him.

Sikandar Kher is effective as the defence lawyer, while Jaideep Ahlawat adds seriousness and depth to his character. Vamika Gabbi, as Jyoti Nikam, strengthens the emotional side of the family. Ashish Vidyarthi retains dignity as Justice M. L. Tahaliyani. All the actors hold the story together and do not let attention drift from the main conflict.

Avinash Arun's direction is restrained. He builds tension gradually through courtroom arguments, evidence and strategy. The dialogue is effective, but the film does not make the mistake of turning every scene into a long speech. The background score adds suspense and emotional depth at key moments, without overpowering the acting.

Despite its 140-minute length, the film has no dull moment. It keeps its grip and pace from the first scene to the last. "Prahaar" is a court drama based on true events, telling of the legal process of the Kasab trial and of Ujjwal Nikam's struggle, which few people know much about.

The film is a reminder that the road to justice is not limited to arguing in court. Behind it lie years of hard work, difficult decisions and sacrifices whose price is often paid by loved ones. "Prahaar" is a good choice for viewers interested in serious subjects, strong performances and stories based on real events.