Biographical dramas about real legal legends don’t come around often in Bollywood. When they do, they need exactly the right actor at the centre — someone who can carry the weight of a true story without it ever feeling like a performance.
Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story has found that in Rajkummar Rao, and from the teaser alone, it’s clear this is going to be one of the more significant films of August 2026.
The film releases on August 7, and with excitement building steadily, here’s a look at what the film is estimated to have cost and what the cast is reportedly earning.
Prahaar Movie Budget
Maddock Films and the production team behind Prahaar have not officially disclosed the film’s budget, which is fairly standard practice in the industry until closer to release.
However, based on industry benchmarks for biographical dramas of this scale and ambition, the overall production budget is estimated to be in the range of ₹60 crore.
That might seem modest compared to big-ticket action blockbusters, but it’s entirely appropriate for this kind of film. Prahaar is primarily a courtroom drama built around character, dialogue, and emotional intensity — not massive action sequences or expensive visual effects. Films like this don’t need a ₹200 crore budget to make an impact. They need the right script, the right cast, and the right director — all of which appear to be in place here.
Director Avinash Arun, known for Paatal Lok and Three of Us, brings exactly the restrained, actor-first sensibility that a film like this demands.
Prahaar Cast Salary
Rajkummar Rao’s Salary
The biggest single cost in any star-driven biographical drama is the lead actor, and Rajkummar Rao is no exception.
Based on his recent work and market standing, Rao’s fee for Prahaar is estimated to be in the region of ₹12 crore. That figure is consistent with where his career is positioned right now — he commanded approximately ₹6 to 8 crore for Stree 2, and his subsequent projects have reflected an upward trajectory in remuneration that matches his growing commercial appeal.
For a high-profile biopic where his name is essentially the entire selling point of the teaser, ₹12 crore is a reasonable estimate. There may also be backend profit-sharing arrangements built into his contract, which is increasingly common for mid-budget films where stars take slightly lower upfront fees in exchange for a share of the profits.
Also Check Out: Prahaar Teaser: Rajkummar Rao Is Unrecognisable as Ujjwal Nikam
Supporting Cast Fees
Prahaar assembles a genuinely impressive supporting lineup, and each of them brings real value to the film.
Jaideep Ahlawat, one of the most in-demand actors in Hindi cinema following Paatal Lok and Maharaj, is estimated to be earning approximately ₹2 crore for his role in the film. Given his rising profile and the weight he adds to any project he’s part of, that fee reflects his current market position accurately.
Wamiqa Gabbi, who has been making a strong impression across multiple OTT and theatrical projects, is estimated at approximately ₹1.5 crore for her role in Prahaar.
Sikandar Kher and Tarun Sharma round out the core ensemble, with each estimated to be earning in the region of ₹75 lakh for their respective roles.
It’s worth being clear — all of these figures are industry estimates based on comparable projects and publicly available benchmarks. The production has not officially confirmed any individual salary, and the actual numbers may vary depending on the specific terms negotiated.
Similar Read: Awarapan 2 Budget and Cast Salary
Why the Budget Makes Sense
The financial structure of Prahaar reflects a broader trend in Bollywood right now — makers backing strong stories with controlled budgets rather than throwing money at spectacle and hoping audiences show up.
A ₹60 crore budget means the film doesn’t need to be a massive blockbuster to be considered a success. If it performs solidly over its opening weekend and holds well through word of mouth — which courtroom dramas often do when the story is compelling — it has a very realistic path to profitability.
The combination of Rajkummar Rao’s track record, Avinash Arun’s direction, and the genuine emotional power of the Ujjwal Nikam story gives Prahaar a strong foundation. August 7 will tell us whether it delivers on that promise.