With the teaser of Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story’ now out, conversations around the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks have once again come into focus. The upcoming courtroom drama revisits the legal battle that led to the conviction of Ajmal Kasab, bringing back memories of another recent film that left audiences deeply moved. Earlier this year, Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ reignited discussions about the horrific night of November 26, 2008, particularly through its recreation of the terrorists’ communications with their handlers.
When ‘Dhurandhar’ left a 26/11 survivor shaken
Following the release of ‘Dhurandhar’, one of the most talked-about sequences in the film featured authentic transcripts and audio recreations of conversations between the terrorists and their handlers during the Mumbai attacks. The scene struck a chord with viewers, but few reactions were as emotional as that of author Rajita Bagga, who survived the attack at Mumbai’s Taj Hotel along with her husband, Ajay Bagga.Having lived through the ordeal firsthand, Bagga revealed that watching the sequence brought back painful memories. She described hearing the voices of the handlers directing the attackers as deeply disturbing and emotionally overwhelming.
Rajita Bagga’s powerful post went viral
Sharing her thoughts on X, Bagga reflected on the trauma of surviving the attacks and the emotions stirred by the film’s depiction of the events.“We were fortunate to survive the heinous terrorist attack that night and were rescued alive after 14 hours. To see the scene recreated from the other side- the handlers celebrating at every bomb going off & every person killed – if that doesn’t fill us with rage and renewed commitment to national security, what else will? 17 years have passed but the memory of what happened and what could have happened to us just shook me to the core. Gut-wrenching and painful.”
‘Prahaar’ revisits the 26/11 trial
The discussion has resurfaced following the release of the teaser for ‘Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story’. Directed by Avinash Arun, the film stars Rajkummar Rao in the role of renowned public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, who played a pivotal role in securing the conviction of Ajmal Kasab.The teaser opens with an intense monologue from Rao, portraying Nikam’s determination to ensure justice. It also features disturbing glimpses of the attacks and the subsequent legal proceedings that followed, promising a courtroom drama rooted in one of the most significant cases in India’s judicial history.
‘Prahaar’: Cast and release details
Apart from Rajkummar Rao, ‘Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story’ features Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, Ashish Vidyarthi, Lalit Prabhakar and Ritvik Sahore in important roles. Lalit Prabhakar portrays Ajmal Kasab in the film.Written by Sumir Roy, with additional screenplay by Vishal Tiwari and additional dialogues by Dushyant Arora, the film has music composed by Pritam and lyrics penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya.Produced by Dinesh Vijan and co-produced by Sharada Karki Jalota and Pooja Prem Patheja, ‘Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story’ is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 7, 2026. As anticipation builds around the film, Rajita Bagga’s heartfelt reaction to ‘Dhurandhar’ serves as a reminder of the real lives forever changed by the events of 26/11.
