Rajkummar Rao is reportedly set to portray Ujjwal Nikam, the public prosecutor who led the case against Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. This news comes after initial reports suggested that Aamir Khan was in talks for the role. Maddock Films is producing the film, which will not be a biopic of Nikam's life, but instead focus on the high-stakes trial following the attacks.

Sources close to the project confirm that Rajkummar Rao was finalized for the role after Aamir Khan stepped away. While the film is inspired by true events and a real person, it will steer clear of the traditional biopic format. The film will focus on the courtroom drama and the challenges faced while securing justice after the 26/11 attacks. The currently untitled film is being directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware, known for directing both seasons of the Prime Video series "Paatal Lok" and films such as "Killa" and "Three of Us". Sumit Roy, whose previous work includes "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani" and "The Empire", has written the screenplay.

Ujjwal Nikam is a well-known figure in Indian legal history, having been involved in several high-profile cases, including the 1993 Bombay blasts and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The film will showcase Nikam's role in the trial against Ajmal Kasab, highlighting the complexities and pressures of the legal battle.

The film is not Rajkummar Rao's first venture into the realm of terrorism-related narratives. He previously starred in Hansal Mehta's "Omerta," where he played Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, a British terrorist of Pakistani descent. "Omerta" aimed to realistically depict the life of a terrorist, incorporating real-life footage of terror attacks. Rao's commitment to the role involved extensive research, including visiting places frequented by Omar Sheikh in London.

Several films and documentaries have explored the events surrounding the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. "The Attacks of 26/11," directed by Ram Gopal Varma, provides a behind-the-scenes look at the attacks and the subsequent investigation. "Hotel Mumbai" focuses on the attack on the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, highlighting the courage of the staff and guests. Another film, "One Less God," tells the story of tourists caught in the attack at the Taj Hotel. While not directly about the attacks, "Shahid," also directed by Hansal Mehta and starring Rajkummar Rao, examines the aftermath of the attacks and the impact on the Muslim community.

Maddock Films is yet to make an official announcement about the film and Rajkummar Rao's casting.