Lalit Prabhakar on Playing Ajmal Kasab in Prahaar, His Preparation and Ujjwal Nikam’s Response

Marathi actor Lalit Prabhakar has grabbed attention with his remarkable transformation into Ajmal Kasab in Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam. The film’s trailer has sparked curiosity among viewers, with many surprised by how closely the actor resembles the terrorist responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

One of the most significant reactions came from senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam, who represented the prosecution in the Kasab case. According to Prabhakar, Nikam was struck by the actor’s resemblance to Kasab and the attention he had paid to the character’s mannerisms.

In an interview with NDTV, Prabhakar shared insights into his preparation, the concerns surrounding his decision to accept such a sensitive role, and the response he has received ahead of the film’s release.

Ujjwal Nikam’s Reaction to Lalit Prabhakar’s Transformation

Recreating a real-life figure as closely as possible can be a demanding task, particularly when the character is associated with one of India’s most traumatic events. For Prabhakar, the response to his transformation offered an encouraging sign that his efforts had made an impact.

The actor revealed that he did not meet Nikam during the film’s shoot. However, when the senior advocate was later shown photographs of Prabhakar in character, along with a scene from the film, his reaction was reportedly one of surprise.

Nikam reportedly remarked that the actor looked remarkably similar to Kasab and had captured the finer details of his appearance and behaviour.

Prabhakar added that police officers who had encountered Kasab during his arrest and subsequent custody also responded positively to the resemblance. Their reactions were particularly meaningful given their direct experience with the real-life figure.

Why Lalit Prabhakar Chose to Play Ajmal Kasab

Taking on the role of a terrorist associated with the 26/11 attacks was not an uncomplicated decision. Prabhakar revealed that some people advised him against accepting the character, warning him about the sensitivity surrounding the subject.

The actor, however, approached the opportunity from a different perspective. He was drawn to the film’s subject, the strength of the role, and the people involved in bringing the story to the screen.

Rather than viewing the character as a risk to his image, Prabhakar saw it as an opportunity to challenge himself as a performer. He was also encouraged by the audience’s response to the trailer, particularly the fact that viewers were appreciating his acting choices instead of interpreting the role negatively.

For the actor, this response reflects the goodwill he has built through years of work in Marathi cinema, theatre and digital entertainment. The appreciation has also strengthened his confidence in continuing to choose unconventional and demanding roles.

The Preparation Behind His Convincing Portrayal

Prabhakar’s transformation involved much more than changing his physical appearance. He worked on Kasab’s speech patterns, posture and body language to make the portrayal as convincing as possible.

To develop the character’s diction, the actor trained with dialect coach Amitoj Singh for approximately a week. He also studied an available video of Kasab being interviewed while receiving medical treatment after his arrest. The footage helped him understand aspects of Kasab’s speech and the way he communicated.

Physical differences presented another challenge. Prabhakar is taller than Kasab was, so he consciously adjusted his posture to create a closer resemblance. He recalled drawing his neck backwards, lowering his shoulders and slouching to make himself appear shorter.

These seemingly minor adjustments played an important role in shaping the character on screen.

His preparation also extended to understanding the events following Kasab’s capture. Prabhakar read Kasab Ani Mee, a book by Ramesh Mahale, which helped him gain insight into the interrogation process and the circumstances surrounding the case. The film’s writer, Sumit Roy, also helped him understand the character and approach the role with greater depth.

Lalit Prabhakar on Portraying a Difficult Real-Life Figure

For Prabhakar, one of the most challenging aspects of the role was exploring the psychology of a person responsible for horrific violence. He explained that the film attempts to examine the individual behind the crime without diminishing the gravity of his actions.

The intention, as described by the actor, was to portray Kasab as a complex human figure rather than a one-dimensional screen villain. Such an approach demands careful handling, especially when the story is rooted in an event that continues to carry deep emotional significance for survivors and the nation.

The actor was reluctant to reveal too much about the character’s psychological journey before audiences could watch the film. However, he indicated that the narrative would explore more than just Kasab’s physical resemblance or outward behaviour.

Why Director Avinash Arun Cast Him

Interestingly, Prabhakar was not initially an obvious choice for the role. As a Marathi actor, he understood why the casting team might have looked elsewhere for a Pakistani character whose physical appearance and manner of speaking differed from his own.

Director Avinash Arun, known for projects including Paatal Lok, Killa and Three of Us, saw potential in Prabhakar that others might have overlooked.

The actor said his admiration for Arun’s filmmaking played a major role in his decision. After receiving scenes for the audition, he found the material compelling and agreed to the project without first reading the complete script. His trust in the director was strong, and he was finalised for the role on the same day as his audition.

Prabhakar also viewed the film as an opportunity to step beyond the kinds of characters he might typically be offered in Hindi cinema. He wanted to demonstrate that his range extended beyond roles associated with his Marathi-speaking background.

A New Challenge for the Marathi Actor

With Prahaar, Prabhakar has taken on a role that demands both physical transformation and considerable emotional responsibility. The attention surrounding the trailer suggests that his appearance has already made a strong impression on viewers.

The film stars Rajkummar Rao as Ujjwal Nikam, alongside Wamiqa Gabbi, and revisits a significant chapter in India’s recent history through the story of the prosecution.

For Prabhakar, the experience represents another step in a career shaped by varied roles and a willingness to experiment. His portrayal of Kasab has brought him wider attention, while Nikam’s reported reaction has added another dimension to the anticipation surrounding the film.

Ultimately, the real test will be how audiences respond to the complete performance when Prahaar reaches the big screen.