‘Prahar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam’ tells the story of this legal struggle, shifting the focus from weapons to courtroom arguments, where every piece of evidence matters. The film features powerful performances by Rajkummar Rao and Lalit Prabhakar.
Alongside the courtroom battle for justice, the film explores the personal life of a lawyer struggling to balance his responsibility towards the nation with his family commitments.
Directed by Avinash Arun, the film has a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. Dainik Bhaskar has awarded it a rating of four stars.
The film follows Ujjwal Nikam, played by Rajkummar Rao, one of the country's well-known public prosecutors, as he fights the legal battle to secure the conviction of Ajmal Kasab, the accused in the 26/11 attacks. Lalit Prabhakar plays Kasab.
Alongside the trial, the story examines Nikam's relationships with his wife, Jyoti Nikam, played by Wamiqa Gabbi, and his son, Aniket. The emotional core of the narrative lies in the question of how much time Nikam can devote to his personal life while remaining determined to secure justice for others.
Rajkummar Rao portrays Ujjwal Nikam with seriousness and natural restraint. His facial expressions and measured delivery make the character convincing. Lalit Prabhakar, meanwhile, brings a sense of unease and discomfort to his portrayal of Ajmal Kasab. His performance is particularly striking in the film's final portions.
Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher and Ashish Vidyarthi strengthen the film with their respective performances, while Wamiqa Gabbi adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Avinash Arun's direction keeps the story away from unnecessary cinematic drama. The film makes a concerted effort to balance courtroom proceedings with glimpses into Nikam's private life. The cinematography complements the serious atmosphere.
However, the screenplay loses pace in certain portions. For viewers already familiar with the widely discussed events, some scenes could have generated greater suspense.
The film features only one song, ‘Mere Rehte’, which plays towards the end and leaves an emotional impression even after the film concludes. The background score heightens the tension in the courtroom and remains consistent with the gravity of the story.
The biggest strength of ‘Prahar’ lies in the performances of Rajkummar Rao and Lalit Prabhakar. Despite its slower pace in some places, the film holds the attention of viewers who enjoy courtroom dramas and stories based on real events.
Ultimately, ‘Prahar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam’ revisits the legal battle that followed the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, highlighting the challenges of pursuing justice while navigating personal responsibilities. It underscores a central reality of the aftermath of terrorism: the fight for justice does not end when the gunfire stops.
About The Author
Comment List