Rajkummar Rao has gained eight kilograms to play Ujjwal Nikam in Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, a biopic set for release on October 16. The film, directed by Avinash Arun (Paatal Lok, Three of Us), follows the real-life prosecutor who secured the death penalty for Ajmal Kasab in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks trial. Rao, known for roles in Shahid, Aligarh, and Srikanth, says he was initially nervous — ‘scared’, about embodying a figure so physically and vocally distinct from himself. Nikam is 73. Rao is 42. He studied videos, photos, and books on the case to prepare, admitting the role’s demands were both daunting and exhilarating. 'Things that scare you the most are fun to do,' he said at FICCI FRAMES. Wamiqa Gabbi, Sikander Kher, and Jaideep Ahlawat co-star in the Maddock Films production. The film arrives just days before Dussehra, facing off against Yami Gautam’s fantasy family film Nayyi Navelli. No official word yet on whether the biopic will spark debate over its portrayal of a high-profile legal case. Or if it’ll be the kind of courtroom drama that sticks around after opening weekend.
Rajkummar Rao Gains 8kg for Biopic Role — Prahaar Hits Theatres Oct 16
October 16 release date looms, and with it, the weight of history—and a lot of extra pounds.
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