The wait for Rajkummar Rao‘s upcoming biographical drama Prahaar just got longer. The makers of the film, Maddock Films, have announced a new release date for the much-discussed courtroom drama based on the life of public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Originally scheduled to hit theatres on August 7, 2026, the film will now release on October 16, 2026. This change comes after the filmmakers decided to move the film away from a crowded release window.
The news was shared by Maddock Films on their official social media handles on Thursday, August 13. The production house posted a new poster featuring Rajkummar Rao and wrote, “Ab hoga justice ka PRAHAAR on 16th October. #PRAHAAR – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, in cinemas 16th October 2026”. While the new date gives the film a festive window, it also sets up a box office clash with several major releases.
Why Was Prahaar Postponed from Its August Release?
Prahaar was initially set to release on August 7, 2026. However, the makers decided to push the film back by more than two months. Multiple reports suggest that the decision was made to avoid an overcrowded box office period.
The original August date would have placed the film just a week after Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which arrived on July 30, and only a week before two big releases, Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2, both scheduled for August 14. With so many major films competing for attention, the makers chose to secure a healthier theatrical run for Prahaar.
A September 4 release was also reportedly considered. That date would have put Prahaar in direct competition with Mirzapur: The Movie. Eventually, the team settled on the October 16 date, which falls during the Dussehra weekend.
Prahaar to Clash with Jailer 2, Om, and Another Rajkummar Rao Film
The October 16 release date brings Prahaar into a crowded festive weekend. The film will face competition from Rajinikanth‘s much-anticipated film Jailer 2 and Dhanush‘s Om. This sets up a three-way box office clash between a Bollywood biographical drama and two major South Indian releases.
Adding to the complexity, October 16 also marks the release of another Rajkummar Rao film, Raftaar. Directed by Aditya Nimbalkar, Raftaar stars Rajkummar Rao and Keerthy Suresh in lead roles. This means the actor will have two of his own films competing against each other at the box office on the same day.
Raftaar was originally scheduled for a July 24 release but was later moved to October 16. With Prahaar now arriving on the same date, reports suggest that the makers of Raftaar may delay their film again to avoid an unnecessary clash between two films starring the same actor.
Besides these films, the October 16 weekend will also see several Bengali Durga Puja releases, including Bohurupi 2, DeSu7, and Emperor vs Sarat Chandra.
What Is Prahaar About?
Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam is a biographical legal drama that traces the life and career of Ujjwal Nikam, one of India’s most celebrated public prosecutors. Nikam gained national recognition for his role in several high-profile criminal cases, including the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist from the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The film places significant emphasis on the trial of Ajmal Kasab, which became one of the most closely followed legal proceedings in the country. The teaser, which was released in June, positioned the case as a battle beyond the courtroom. A powerful line from the teaser reads: “Killing Kasab was easy, proving who sent him was war”.
The film also explores Nikam’s involvement in the 1993 Bombay blasts and the 2008 Mumbai train attacks. Beyond the courtroom, the movie attempts to present Nikam as both a public prosecutor and a family man, showing the personal pressures that came with his profession.
Rajkummar Rao’s Transformation for the Role
One of the major talking points surrounding Prahaar is Rajkummar Rao’s physical transformation. To portray Ujjwal Nikam, the actor gained approximately 9-10 kilograms and adopted a heavier build. He also grew stubble, wore glasses, and worked on his Marathi-speaking skills to bring authenticity to the role.
The actor’s first look and the teaser have already generated curiosity among audiences. Ujjwal Nikam himself has reportedly praised Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal as authentic. The teaser, which features a tense and investigative world, shows Rao stepping into the role of the prosecutor with a commanding presence.
Cast and Crew of Prahaar
Prahaar is directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware, known for his work on Paatal Lok, Three of Us, and School of Lies. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner.
The film features a strong ensemble cast. Alongside Rajkummar Rao, the movie stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikander Kher, Ashish Vidyarthi, Lalit Prabhakar, and Ritvik Sahore. The screenplay is written by Sumit Roy, Dushyant Arora, and Vishal Tiwari.
Rajkummar Rao’s Busy Schedule
Prahaar is not the only biopic in Rajkummar Rao’s pipeline. The actor is also set to star in Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story, a biopic on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. That film is scheduled to release in theatres on May 14, 2027. With multiple projects in the works, Rajkummar Rao is clearly one of the busiest actors in Bollywood right now.
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Fan Reactions to the New Release Date
Social media users have been sharing their thoughts on the new release date. One user wrote, “Big screen potential. @RajkummarRao. As #UjjwalNikam is an intriguing casting choice, and with Avinash Arun at the helm, #Prahaar could be a powerful courtroom/legal drama. The ensemble looks impressive too. 16 October 2026 bring it on”. Another user simply said, “Best wishes”.
While the delay may have disappointed some fans, many are looking forward to seeing Rajkummar Rao’s performance in this courtroom drama.
Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam will now arrive in cinemas on October 16, 2026.
Also Read: Rajkummar Rao Prepares for Intense Action Role in Upcoming Film; Poster Reveals Dramatic First Look
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