13 August,2026 02:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rajkummar Rao in Prahaar. Pic via X
Rajkummar Rao's much-awaited courtroom drama Prahaar - The Untold Story Of Ujjwal Nikam finally has a new release date. The biographical drama, which was earlier expected to hit the screens on August 7, 2026, will now arrive in cinemas around the Dussehra weekend, giving the film a more favourable window for its theatrical run.
The official social media handle of Maddock Films revealed the new release date alongside the caption, "Ab hoga justice ka PRAHAAR on 16th October PRAHAAR - The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, in cinemas 16th October 2026."
For the unversed, Prahaar was originally expected to arrive in theatres on August 7. However, the makers chose to postpone the film since the month of August was turning out to be a crowded month with multiple films. The August 7 release would have placed Prahaar just a week after Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which released on July 30, and only a week ahead of Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2, which are set to clash on August 14.
After August 7, the makers were also reportedly considering September 4, 2026, as a potential release date. However, that would have put it in direct competition with Mirzapur: The Movie.
Prahaar, helmed by Avinash Arun, is backed by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films, and stars Rajkummar Rao as celebrated public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher in pivotal roles. The film revolves around Nikam's role in several high-profile criminal cases, including the prosecution of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused Ajmal Kasab.
The new October release date could prove beneficial for Prahaar as it now arrives during the festive window of Dusshera, while also allowing the film to target the audiences who are looking for content-driven cinema. The October 16 date also allows the makers considerably more time to promote the courtroom drama.
Although there is no Bollywood film releasing in the same day, the new date also puts the film directly against two major South Indian releases, Rajinikanth's Jailer 2 and Dhanush's Om. This will create a three-way box office clash.
Rajkummar's first look from the film as well as the teaser, have already generated curiosity. Interestingly, Nikam himself praised the actor's portrayal, calling the representation authentic.
