Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam Story
Reputed public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam (Rajkummar Rao) is summoned by the State of Maharashtra, when the Mumbai Police capture the lone surviving terrorist, responsible for perpetrating a series of terror blasts across prime locations in Mumbai, on the fateful night of November 26, 2008. The terrorist, named Mohd. Ajmal Aamir Kasab (Lalit Prabhakar) is put on trial as per the law of the land that accords justice and humanity even to the most depraved criminals. Nikam’s legal tussles come in conflict with his responsibilities on the domestic front where he is unable to be the caring husband and doting father.
His wife Jyoti (Wamiqa Gabbi) understands the limitations of his job but seldom raises her own concerns. Nikam’s emotional unavailability also affects his relationship with his son Aniket (Ritvik Sahore). Meanwhile, he faces tough opposition in court with Indian lawyer Kazmi (Sikandar Kher) stepping in as Kasab’s defense while Chaudhary Zulfiqar (Jaideep Ahlawat in a special appearance), legal representative from Pakistan, wants to co-operate in the fight against terrorism while preserving the integrity of his nation.
Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam Review
Directed and shot by Avinash Arun of ‘Killa’, ‘Paatal Lok’ and ‘Three Of Us’ fame, the film has been skilfully written by Sumit Roy. Although the screenplay tussles a lot in between its timelines, leaving viewers perplexed, the effective dialogues among the actors, keep the momentum afloat. While the film is a tight investigative thriller, it is also a gripping courtroom drama where heated exchanges and convincing arguments are expected. ‘Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam’ succeeds on both counts pretty effectively. It must also be noted that the film steers clear from feeding into socio-political biases through striking dialogues in key scenes featuring Rao, Kher and Ahlawat.
Recreating the horrors of 26/11 is a challenge in itself and Arun’s empathetic yet sharp direction ensures that the tragic episode is not dramatized for effect but is played out as a shocking reminder of the grief and pain endured by innocent Mumbaikars. A scene featuring a young survivor identifying Kasab in court, will bring a lump to your throat. Alokananda Dasgupta’s background score livens up the screenplay ably.
Speaking of the performances, while Rao is sincere and competent in emulating the mannerisms and nuances of the celebrated public prosecutor, his Marathi diction is inconsistent and thus, he isn’t as remarkable here as he was as Shahid Azmi in ‘Shahid’. In comparison, Gabbi shines as the supportive yet suffering partner Jyoti. She isn’t seeking sympathy or attention but her silence is just as powerful as her very expressive eyes. Kher and Ahlawat are impactful in their brief appearances as lawyers who are caught in between their identities and their responsibilities while Ashish Vidyarthi extends respectability to his role as Judge M.K. Tahaliyani.
Sahore marks an impression as Nikam’s son Aniket who struggles in understanding his father’s discipline and affection. But the biggest surprise is Prabhakar, who disappears into playing Kasab with such ease, it’s unbelievable. His contribution to Marathi theatre is paramount and fans have loved him in the horror comedy ‘Zombivli’. But the actor makes you go through a gamut of emotions. You feel anger, disgust, unintended empathy and a sense of justice when Kasab meets his inevitable fate.
Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam verdict
‘Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam’ has enough meat to emerge as a rousing courtroom drama, but Arun’s controlled direction coupled with strong performances grounds a narrative in conviction of its events, without deploying theatrics.
