Rajkummar Rao’s upcoming biographical drama Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam has a new release date after being postponed from its original August schedule.
Maddock Films has announced that the film will now arrive in cinemas on October 16, 2026. However, the revised date could create an unusual box-office situation for Rajkummar Rao, as another film starring the actor, Raftaar, is also scheduled to release on the same day.
Prahaar to release on October 16
Maddock Films announced the new date through its social media channels, sharing a poster featuring the film’s updated theatrical release.
“#PRAHAAR – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, in cinemas 16th October 2026,” the production house wrote in the accompanying caption.
Prahaar was previously scheduled to release on August 7, 2026. The film is directed by Avinash Arun, who has previously worked on projects including Paatal Lok and Three of Us, and is produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner.
The new date places the film in a different part of an already busy theatrical calendar.
Rajkummar Rao plays Ujjwal Nikam
Prahaar is based on the life and career of celebrated public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, with Rajkummar Rao portraying the veteran lawyer.
The film’s teaser, released in June, offered a first look at Rao’s transformation for the role. The teaser established a tense investigative setting, with case files, photographs and notes connected to the Mumbai terror attacks forming part of the visual backdrop.
A major focus of the story is the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist captured during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
One of the teaser’s central lines sets up the scale of the case: “Killing Kasab was easy, proving who sent him was war.”
The film therefore appears to look beyond the courtroom proceedings and explore the wider investigation and pursuit of accountability surrounding the case.
Rajkummar’s transformation for Prahaar
Rao has undergone a noticeable physical transformation to portray Nikam.
The actor reportedly gained around 9–10 kilograms for the role and adopted a heavier appearance, complete with stubble and glasses. He also worked on his Marathi for the character.
The transformation has been one of the early talking points around the film, particularly because Nikam has a distinctive public image associated with some of India’s most high-profile criminal cases.
The cast also includes Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher in key roles.
Could Prahaar clash with Rajkummar Rao’s Raftaar?
The October 16 release date creates an interesting scheduling development for Rajkummar Rao.
Aditya Nimbalkar’s Raftaar, which stars Rao opposite Keerthy Suresh, is also scheduled to release on October 16, 2026.
If both release dates remain unchanged, audiences could therefore see two Rajkummar Rao films competing for theatrical attention on the same weekend.
It is not yet clear whether either film will change its release plans to avoid the overlap.
The scheduling development is particularly notable because Prahaar itself was moved from August. The film had originally been set to release on August 7 but was reportedly shifted amid a crowded calendar that included Awarapan 2 and Batwara 1947.
Rajkummar Rao has more biographical projects ahead
Rao has several major projects lined up beyond Prahaar and Raftaar.
He will also portray former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly in Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story. The biographical film is currently scheduled to reach theatres on May 14, 2027.
With Prahaar now set for October 16, the coming months could see Rajkummar Rao take on a range of dramatically different roles, from a celebrated prosecutor to characters in other upcoming projects.
For Prahaar, however, the immediate focus will be its new October release and whether its revised date ultimately remains unchanged alongside Raftaar.
