The trailer for Rajkummar Rao’s highly anticipated film Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story has just been released, making quite an impression. In the film, Rao takes on the role of Ujjwal Nikam, a special public prosecutor, but it’s the shocking transformation of actor Lalit Prabhakar into Ajmal Kasab, the sole terrorist captured alive during the 2008 Mumbai attacks, that has sparked much interest. The trailer debuted on September 29 at the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai, one of the sites targeted during the incident, piquing the curiosity of fans about Prabhakar’s remarkable transformation.
Lalit Prabhakar, known for his versatility in Marathi cinema, earned the role of Kasab after a competitive audition process. He didn’t just change his looks; he deeply engaged with Kasab’s psyche, studying his mannerisms and speech patterns to authentically portray this complex real-life figure. This role marks a notable shift for Prabhakar, contrasting sharply with the more familiar characters he has played in the past.
Hailing from Kalyan, Maharashtra, Lalit Prabhakar has made a name for himself in the world of theatre and television before stepping into films. He gained prominence through the Zee Marathi series Julun Yeti Reshimgathi, which awarded him Best Actor at the Zee Marathi Awards. His cinematic journey began with the film Chi Va Chi Sau Ka in 2017, earning him accolades at the Maharashtra State Film Awards for his impressive debut.
One of Prabhakar’s standout performances came in the 2019 film Anandi Gopal, where he portrayed Gopalrao Joshi, the husband of one of India’s first female doctors, Anandibai Joshi. This film won two National Awards and highlighted Lalit’s talent, earning him various awards, including the Filmfare Marathi Best Actor (Critics).
Prabhakar has consistently impressed audiences with his diverse roles, having played everything from a charming romantic lead to complex characters in dramas and comedies. His recent works include Super Duperr, a family comedy-drama, and the emotionally intense love story Aarpar, which garnered him further recognition and accolades. He has also made his mark on OTT platforms with series like Shantit Kranti and The Raikar Case.
Continuing his trend of portraying real-life figures, Lalit will next step into the shoes of Namdeo Dhasal, a prominent poet and political figure, in the upcoming biopic Dhasal. This film promises to be another challenge for him, with notable music provided by the legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja.
With a solid foundation in the Marathi film industry, Lalit Prabhakar is now broadening his scope by taking on Hindi projects, including Prahaar and the bilingual release of Dhasal.
Directed by Avinash Arun and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story features a talented cast, including Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Ashish Vidyarthi. The film is set to be released in theaters on October 16, 2026.
