Prahaar X review: Rajkummar Rao's performance wins praise, film gets mixed reactions

Viewers praised the performances in the recently released film Prahaar and the courtroom portrayal while sharing mixed reactions online. Its focus on Ajmal Kasab's trial drew appreciation, though box-office prospects raised doubts.

In Short

• Avinash Arun directs the film, with Dinesh Vijan serving as producer
• The narrative examines Ujjwal Nikam's professional and personal pressures during prosecution
• Users remembered fallen police personnel while reflecting on Mumbai's traumatic days

Actors Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi and Jaideep Ahlawat's Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam has received mixed reactions on social media, with several viewers praising its performances and courtroom sequences. Some users have also highlighted the film's portrayal of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack trial, while others have questioned whether it will find an audience in cinemas.

Directed by Avinash Arun and produced by Dinesh Vijan, the courtroom drama features Rajkummar as public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The film revisits the legal proceedings against Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving attacker captured after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, while also exploring Nikam's professional and personal life.

After watching the film, one viewer praised its emotional impact and the way it revisits the events of 26/11. The user wrote, “We’ve seen several films on 26/11, and many of them have been good, but this one is right up there.”

The viewer also appreciated the courtroom drama and Rajkummar's performance, adding that revisiting the days when Mumbai was under attack was an emotional experience. The post paid tribute to the police personnel who lost their lives during the attacks.

Another viewer pointed out that the film explores an aspect of the tragedy that has received less attention on screen — the trial that followed the attacks.

“There have been many films made on 26/11 episode and its aftermath, but there has been no films that shows how the trial was conducted,” the user wrote, praising director Avinash Arun for his depiction of the legal proceedings.

Rajkummar's performance also received praise from another viewer, who described the film as one of the year's finest courtroom thrillers. The user highlighted the performances of Rajkummar, Sikandar Kher and Wamiqa Gabbi, calling the film emotional and engaging.

Wamiqa also received appreciation from a viewer who praised her performance alongside Rajkummar and Jaideep Ahlawat.

However, not all reactions were entirely positive. One user, who described themselves as a fan of Rajkummar, questioned the actor's decision to take up the project. While acknowledging the story's subject and its intention to celebrate India, the viewer expressed uncertainty about whether the film would find the audience it deserves amid current box-office trends.

About Prahaar

Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam stars Rajkummar Rao as the public prosecutor who played a key role in the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab. Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher also feature in the film.

The trailer was unveiled at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, one of the locations targeted during the November 2008 terror attacks. The launch was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ujjwal Nikam, whose career inspired the film.

The makers have said the film goes beyond the courtroom and explores the personal and professional pressures Nikam faced during his career. Directed by Avinash Arun, the film is produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films. Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam releases in cinemas on October 16.

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