Movie: Court - State Vs A Nobody
Rating: 2.75/5
Banner: Wall Poster Cinema
Cast: Priyadarshi, Harsh Roshan, Sridevi, Sivaji, Sai Kumar, Harsha Vardhan, Rohini, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Surabhi Prabhavathi, Rajasekhar Aningi and others
Music: Vijai Bulganin
DOP: Dinesh Purushothaman
Editor: Karthika Srinivas
Art: Vithal Kosanam
Co-Producer: Deepthi Ganta
Producer: Prashanti Tipirneni
Written and Directed by: Ram Jagadeesh
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Nani, who has been producing concept-driven films under the Wall Poster Cinema banner, boldly stated that if audiences were disappointed with Court, they could choose to skip his own upcoming film, HIT 3. This remark reflects his confidence in the film.
Let’s find out.
Story:
Teenagers Chandu and Jabili are irresistibly drawn to each other despite their vastly different backgrounds.
Chandu (Harsh Roshan), a school dropout, takes on odd jobs to make ends meet, while Jabili (Sridevi) is an intermediate student from a wealthy, upper-caste family.
Their love story takes a dangerous turn when Jabili’s uncle, Mangapathi (Sivaji) - a staunch male chauvinist - discovers their relationship. Determined to separate them, he falsely implicates Chandu in a POCSO case.
Despite their desperate efforts, Chandu’s parents and friends struggle to secure his bail. As a last resort, they seek help from junior lawyer Teja (Priyadarshi), who is determined to prove Chandu’s innocence.
But can he win against the powerful forces determined to destroy Chandu’s future?
Artistes’ Performances:
Harsh Roshan and Sridevi portray the teenage lovers with sincerity and authenticity.
Priyadarshi delivers an exceptionally natural performance, convincingly and effectively embodying his character. He becomes completely immersed in the role, adding depth to the narrative.
While the film primarily revolves around the two adolescent lovers and a junior lawyer, Sivaji’s role also leaves a significant impact. Though he occasionally goes overboard, he impresses as a male chauvinist obsessed with family honor.
Saikumar, Rohini, and Surabhi Prabhavathi showcase their natural acting prowess, while Harsha Vardhan’s performance as the opposing lawyer falls short of being fully convincing.
Technical Excellence:
The film is made on a limited budget, so elaborate production design and high production values cannot be expected. However, the courtroom setting feels authentic. The music and cinematography complement the narrative effectively.
Highlights:
Basic point about POSCO
Moments in the second half
Performances of Priyadarshi and Sivaji
Drawback:
Lacking logic
Many convenient sequences
Analysis
"Court: State vs A Nobody" is a courtroom drama directed by debutant Ram Jagadeesh, with Natural Star Nani presenting it. While legal dramas are not new to Telugu cinema, they remain relatively rare. Films like Naandhi, Vakeel Saab, and Saptagiri LLB (a remake of Jolly LLB) have set benchmarks in the genre.
This film primarily revolves around a POCSO case, shedding light on the complexities of the justice system and the deep-seated corruption within it.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, introduced in 2012, remains unfamiliar to many, and Court aims to educate audiences on its significance while advocating for its inclusion in the education system.
The first half introduces the characters and their world at a slow pace, focusing mainly on teenage love and attraction. It takes time for the narrative to find its rhythm, but the film gains momentum post-interval.
The second half, dominated by courtroom proceedings, delivers gripping legal confrontations that keep the audience engaged.
Priyadarshi, in the role of a novice independent lawyer, adds depth to the narrative as he fights to prove the innocence of Chandu, the accused teenager. While his legal arguments are compelling, certain aspects of the case feel conveniently scripted.
Some courtroom proceedings lack authenticity, such as the acceptance of allegations without a medical examination and the exclusion of the victim from the courtroom, which contradicts legal norms.
The supporting characters, including Rohini, Surabhi, and Subhalekha Sudhakar, have minimal impact on the story. Additionally, despite being set in 2013, the film fails to establish a convincing period atmosphere.
Despite these shortcomings, the film concludes on a satisfying note, leaving the audience with a sense of justice being served.
Overall, "Court: State vs A Nobody" is a decent legal drama with commendable performances from Priyadarshi and Sivaji. Though the sluggish first half affects the pacing, the engaging second half makes it a worthwhile watch, especially for fans of courtroom dramas.
Bottom-line: Engaging