Lalit Prabhakar on playing Ajmal Kasab in 'Prahaar': 'It was a challenge, a very difficult role'

Marathi actor steps into the shoes of the 26/11 terrorist in Avinash Arun's courtroom drama

Marathi actor Lalit Prabhakar is set to play one of the most reviled figures in Indian history — 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab — in the upcoming courtroom drama 'Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam', directed by Avinash Arun. The film, which releases in theatres on October 16, features him in tense courtroom scenes opposite Rajkummar Rao, who plays Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam in the high-stakes legal battle that followed the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

A sharp turn towards darker material

Prabhakar is well known for his varied work in Marathi television and cinema, with credits including 'Anandi Gopal', 'Hampi', 'TTMM' and the horror-comedy 'Zombivli', in which he played a double role. Portraying the only terrorist captured alive in the 2008 Mumbai attacks marks a sharp departure from his earlier work — and, by his own admission, the most intense role he has played on screen so far.

What the trailer reveals

The trailer highlights key moments of the legal fight that gripped the nation. One of the most striking scenes shows Kasab claiming he is 17 years old in an effort to seek protection under juvenile laws. Sikandar Kher plays Kasab's defence lawyer, who argues that the prosecution's case has flaws and pushes for the trial to be moved to a juvenile court to avoid the death penalty.

'I had to understand the psychology of Kasab'

Speaking to ETimes, the 39-year-old actor opened up about the formidable task of preparing for the role. "It was a challenge, a very difficult role, for various reasons. Firstly, I had to understand the psychology of Kasab in order to become him on screen and perform accordingly," he said.

He also delved into the finer details of his transformation. "I had to catch the nuances of his language, which is different from ours, and adapt his body language. But more than that, I wanted to do something that even I had never imagined myself doing. I have always wanted to see myself in roles that were never envisioned for me. I like expanding my boundaries," he added.

The real trial behind the film

Ajmal Kasab's trial remains among the most closely watched cases in India's legal history. He was caught alive on the night of November 26, 2008, at Girgaon Chowpatty — a capture made possible by Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, who disarmed him despite being fatally wounded.

After a legal battle lasting nearly four years, watched closely around the world, Nikam and his team broke down Kasab's defence and proved his direct role in the attacks. Kasab was convicted and executed at Pune's Yerwada Central Jail in November 2012.

Cast and release

'Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam' also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Wamiqa Gabbi and Ashish Vidyarthi in important roles. The courtroom drama will release in cinemas across the country on October 16.