At the trailer launch of ‘Prahaar: The Untold Story Of Ujjwal Nikam’ on Tuesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis talked about the film’s storyline and commended the team behind it. The trailer was unveiled at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), a station that was among the places targeted in the 26/11 terror attacks.
Devendra Fadnavis thanks makers for 26/11 story
Fadnavis initiated by thanking the makers for choosing to tell a story built around the 26/11 attacks and the legal fight that followed. He also had words of appreciation for Rajkummar Rao, who plays veteran public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, and said Prahaar isn’t just meant to entertain but also carries a message.Speaking about how Ajmal Kasab was dealt with after the 26/11 attacks, Fadnavis remarked, “Perhaps if we wanted, we could have killed Kasab. We could have shot him. But our police and our judicial system very thoughtfully showed the world that India is a state where, at least, we can take action against terrorists.” He then lauded Advocate Ujjwal Nikam for his part in the Kasab trial, adding, “And I would especially like to thank Ujjwal Nikam ji because he did not just work to ensure that a terrorist was sentenced to death; he also exposed the design behind it, the conspiracy behind it, before the world.”
Devendra Fadnavis alleges Pakistan’s role in 26/11
Fadnavis went on to allege that Pakistan was behind the 26/11 attacks, describing them as “state-sponsored terrorism”. He gave Nikam credit for exposing what he called the conspiracy behind the attacks to the world. The Maharashtra CM also touched on how Pakistan is viewed in the context of terrorism, calling it a country that “supports terrorism”. He added that he had been able to look into the matter closely, and again commended Nikam for the way he handled the case.Lauding Nikam’s way of working, Fadnavis said, “Jis professionalism ke saath, jis shiddat ke saath, jis deshbhakti ke saath Ujjwal Nikam ji ne is poore case ko steer kiya…” In his view, Nikam’s efforts drew attention to the sacrifice of the police personnel killed during the attacks. Fadnavis recalled officers such as former Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, Additional Commissioner of Police Ashok Kamte, senior police inspector Vijay Salaskar and Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, among others, and said justice wouldn’t have been served in the same manner without them on the ground.
Devendra Fadnavis praises Rajkummar Rao and ‘Prahaar’ team
The CM also appreciated the film’s cast and crew, especially Rajkummar Rao, stating, “Main Prahaar ka bahut-bahut aabhari hoon… Aur Rajkummar Rao jaise accomplished actor, aur poori team itni accomplished hai.” He further said, “Toh main yeh keh sakta hoon ki yeh mere entertainment nahi, ismein ek sandesh hai.” The remarks suggested he regards the film as more than just entertainment, one that carries a message.
Devendra Fadnavis compares ‘Prahaar’ with ‘Chhaava’
Citing ‘Chhaava’ as an example, Fadnavis said cinema can make significant episodes of history, and the lives of those who shaped them, accessible to many more people. In his words, ‘Chhaava’ told the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, while Prahaar brings Ujjwal Nikam’s story and the 26/11 case to viewers in a similar way. He concluded with an appeal to watch Prahaar and added that he intends to catch the film himself.
