While Rajkummar Rao gears up for his upcoming romantic comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf alongside Wamiqa Gabbi—set to release on May 9—rumors are buzzing about his next big role. If reports are to be believed, Rao might soon step into the shoes of one of India’s most well-known public prosecutors, Ujjwal Nikam, in a hard-hitting biopic.
Initially, the project was set to star Aamir Khan, who had been exploring the idea even before the pandemic. Over the years, multiple script drafts were penned, and Aamir was closely involved in the development. However, the superstar has now reportedly stepped back from acting in the film and will stay on board as a producer instead.
According to Mid-Day, producer Dinesh Vijan is now eyeing Rajkummar Rao for the lead role. A source close to the project said, “Dinesh is keen on casting Rajkummar. He has the perfect emotional depth and intensity needed to portray Ujjwal Nikam. Early conversations have been promising, but Raj is currently neck-deep in prep for Vikramaditya Motwane’s next, where he plays a sportsperson. Scheduling will be key.”
Interestingly, the film’s tone is also being reworked to suit Rajkummar’s style. “The film was always envisioned as a courtroom drama with political undertones, but now the team is reimagining it with a more grounded, gritty approach—something that aligns well with Raj’s realistic performances,” the source added.
If everything falls into place, the biopic is expected to go on floors sometime in 2024, with official casting announcements likely to happen by the end of the year.
With Rao’s talent for transformative performances and the real-life weight of Ujjwal Nikam’s story—known for his high-profile cases like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks—this project could be one of the most impactful courtroom dramas Bollywood has seen in a while.
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