Director: Avinash Arun
Directed by Avinash Arun, the movie recounts the events of the long-drawn battle between Ujjwal Nikam and Ajmal Kasab and the infamous 1993 Bombay blasts case. It delves into the efforts made to ensure justice is delivered to those responsible for such dastardly acts while also showcasing the sacrifices made by those involved in the cases, which have the reputation of being the most challenging. Rajkummar Rao essays the role of Ujjwal Nikam while Lalit Prabhakar plays the villain, Ajmal Kasab. Sikandar Kher plays the role of Kasab’s defence lawyer and Jaideep Ahlawat is a Pakistani Public Prosecutor, who arrives in India as part of the special council to probe Kasab’s case. Wamiqa Gabbi plays the role of Jyoti Nikam, a devoted wife of Ujjwal while Ashish Vidyarthi portrays Justice M. L. Tahiliyani. Rajkummar Rao is the icing on the cake as his performance has been carefully crafted, using each detail to breathe life into the character. He delivers the role with such precision that we are left spellbound each time he appears on screen, as Ujjwal Nikam. His portrayal of Nikam as someone determined is spot on, but he never resorts to dramatics to deliver the desired effect. As he gets into a courtroom standoff with Kasab, his eyes burn with the passion and fire of a man who is ready to fight to the very end. Rao’s performance in the courtroom is electrifying, but, it is his restraint and a moment of stillness that allows us to connect to the man. He has the ability to keep us engrossed even when the dialogue does not demand fireworks. Rao brings a sense of realism to the role as a man who is both determined and committed. The performance he delivers anchors the film, making it impossible to look away. Arun’s performance as a director has been exceptional as he manages to avoid the usual courtroom theatrics to keep the audience engaged throughout the film. The tension, the suspense and the drama are all created through well-written dialogues that hold our attention. The screenplay keeps the proceedings in the courtroom compelling without losing the gravity of the situation. The background score has been used to perfection, adding to the intrigue and tension in the courtroom. It supports the performances instead of overpowering them, leaving the actors’ performances as the focal point. Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam is a compelling courtroom drama that delivers exactly what its title suggests. It is a tale of events that took place after one of the most horrifying events that the nation had ever seen. It is Rajkummar Rao who shines onscreen as his performance is a mix of gravitas and vulnerability. The supporting cast delivers stellar performances as well with their roles as courtroom lawyers providing the much-needed drama. The story of Nikam’s personal life as a father is an interesting take as we see how his profession overshadows his fatherly instincts to a large extent. At the end of the day, the film reminds us that while anger is justified, those who truly want justice to prevail, need to have the strength to see it through to the very end.
