Movies based on true-life events shake me from the inside. Even if they are not very well made. And Prahaar is a reasonably well-executed, well-performed movie. As the movie runs through the events of 26 November 2008 and the case thereafter, my heart went through the time when the case was on. And, as expected, that makes it an uncomfortable watch. Which also means whatever the makers did, worked. Just that if the aim was to tell the untold story of Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, I am not sure it succeeded.

Also, clearly some unsavoury moments from his role in the case that go against his public image were left out.

Because I won't remember much of his story, other than that he was a man's man of that vintage—dedicated to work, taking family for granted, etc. The film does a good job of showing him as a ruthless workaholic. But I am unsure whether they wanted us to empathise with the sacrifices he made in terms of his family life. They seemed like choices he knowingly made and faced consequences for. From the personal angle, that is nothing out of the ordinary or spectacularly memorable for people of his generation.

The man's unshakable resolve, to protect the Constitution and ensure the case isn't dismissed as false internationally, will stay. Now, whether the movie shows anything more than the headlines from the time, depends on how much you followed and know about the case. Because I remember some details that seem to be skipped, especially Kasab's appeals after 2009. Also, clearly some unsavoury moments that go against his public image were left out. The question is why?

Anyway, for the purpose of this movie the crux is that, despite the angst and anger, due process was followed. Now, whether we are for or against capital punishment is another matter. The proceedings might not have been as clean as portrayed in the film. The film neither denies nor confirms some aspects of the case. Also, the transition to the case shifting in favour of the public is rather abrupt. In that sense, the flow is jerky.

Surprisingly, so is Rajkummar Rao as Ujjwal Nikam. The age in his voice and gait is inconsistent. Sure, there is a telling difference between when he is in and out of the court. That seems intentional and is remarkable too. But his out-of-court persona is a tad uneven.

nothing out of the ordinary or spectacularly memorable for people of his generation.

Fortunately, the able supporting cast—Lalit Prabhakar as Kasab, Sikander Kher as the defending lawyer, Jaideep Ahlawat as the lawyer from Pakistan and Ritvik Sahore as Nikam Jr—all hold the fort. Their performances more than cover the lapses in the story's pace and movement.

So, whether or not the film told us anything remarkably untold about Nikam's life, it is an engaging telling of bits and pieces of what went on in the courtroom. It speaks of upholding the Constitution and asks us to be wary of religious indoctrination. Those are wins. Right?

- meeta, a part of the audience