Hansal Mehta SLAMS Prahaar-Shahid box office comparison: “It deserves to succeed on its own merits”

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has criticised the comparison between Rajkummar Rao’s latest release, Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story, and his 2013 film Shahid. While both films feature Rao in the lead and focus on real-life figures and the legal system, Mehta argued that comparing their box-office performance without considering their vastly different budgets and resources is unfair.

Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story, directed by Avinash Arun, released in cinemas on October 16. The film stars Rajkummar Rao as renowned lawyer Ujjwal Nikam and has recorded a modest start at the box office. The film has shown some growth over the weekend, although its overall numbers remain limited.

The comparison with Shahid came after a publication shared a box office report carrying the headline, “Prahaar Box Office Day 1: Surpasses Entire Opening Weekend Of Rajkummar Rao’s 1st Courtroom Drama Which Arrived Exactly 13 Years Ago!” Reacting to the report, Mehta shared a screenshot of the article on social media and questioned the relevance of comparing the two films. Hansal Mehta questions the economics behind the comparison Mehta made it clear that he wants Prahaar to succeed, but objected to using Shahid as a benchmark for its opening numbers. “Nobody wants a Rajkummar Rao and Avinash Arun film to succeed more than I do. But when senseless comparisons are drawn, I'd rather not keep quiet,” he wrote.

Pointing to the difference in the scale of production, Mehta added, “A film made 14 years ago for 75 lakh is being compared to a far bigger film in budget and resources. Leave aside basic economics, which one can't expect from the likes of Koimoi.”

Mehta concluded his post by reiterating his support for Prahaar while arguing that the film should be judged independently. “I wish Prahaar all the best. It deserves to succeed on its own merits. Not at the altar of another film,” he wrote.

 

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Why Shahid remains significant to Rajkummar Rao’s career Released in 2012 and reaching audiences in 2013, Shahid was directed by Hansal Mehta and starred Rajkummar Rao as Shahid Azmi, the Mumbai-based lawyer and human rights activist who was assassinated in 2010 at the age of 32.

The film became an important turning point in Rao’s career and earned major recognition at the National Film Awards. Rao shared the National Film Award for Best Actor, while Mehta won Best Director at the 61st National Film Awards. Rao also received the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for his performance.

The film has also gained renewed attention after becoming available on Amazon Prime Video in 2026 following a long wait for its digital release.

Also Read: Hansal Mehta’s Rajkummar Rao starrer Shahid to have special screening on February 26, ahead of 12th anniversary re-release in May 2025

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