The film offers a fascinating look into the procedural complexities of the Indian criminal justice system through the eyes of the man who led some of the country’s most significant prosecutions. Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam chronicles Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam’s legal battles arising from the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, while also revealing the personal sacrifices behind his public role.
What works particularly well is the film’s attempt to humanize a figure often seen only in courtrooms. From his balancing act between professional duty and family responsibilities to his wife’s quiet support despite her failing health, the narrative sheds light on the emotional burden carried by those entrusted with delivering justice. The conflicts between Nikam and his son add another layer to the story.
Courtroom Ethics and Career-Best Performances in Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam
A sincere and engaging legal drama that reminds audiences that some of India’s most important battles were fought not on the streets, but inside the courtroom.
The film also deserves credit for presenting the rationale behind Advocate Abbas Kazmi’s decision to defend Ajmal Kasab, underlining the principles of due process that underpin the legal system. A standout sequence involves a young Vada Pav vendor’s daughter whose eyewitness testimony to the carnage at VT Station becomes one of the film’s most moving moments.
Performance-wise, Jaideep Ahlawat leaves a lasting impact as Senior Advocate Chaudhary Zulfiqar Ali, while Lalit Prabhakar convincingly embodies the chilling persona of Ajmal Kasab. Equally noteworthy is the director-cinematographer’s evocative capture of South Mumbai, from its bustling streets to the solitude of Nikam’s life at the Residency Hotel. Let there be no doubt on Rajkummar Rao’s acting brilliance who has left no stone unturned in bringing out the character of Ujjwal Nikam as per the script’s demand. However, Rao fails to imbibe the actual mannerisms and body languae of Advocate Ujjwal Nikam. Those acquainted with Mr. Nikam personally would undoubtedly concur with this observation.
A Powerful Story That Needed Tighter Editing
The emotional high point arrives during Nikam’s daughter’s wedding, when celebrations are shattered by news of the devastating terror attacks. Such moments lend the film both gravity and poignancy.
At 140 minutes, however, Prahaar could have benefited from tighter editing. Trimming about 15 minutes, especially some of the prolonged and graphic aftermath of the terror attacks, would have enhanced the film’s pace without diluting its impact. While these scenes underscore the horror of the events, they also risk reopening painful memories for many viewers.
Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam is a compelling courtroom and human drama that successfully highlights the challenges of pursuing justice in extraordinary circumstances, elevated by strong performances and an authentic depiction of Mumbai.
– Review by Paresh B. Mehta
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