After the exposure to OTT content, be it a film or series Tollywood started creating more interesting content than ever before. Court: State vs A Nobody is such a film, a courtroom drama that does not just happen inside the walls of a court but overflows into the realms of society, ethics, and justice. Ram Jagadeesh helms this film in a fresh and interesting manner, blending a very human narrative with the intricacies of the legal system.
At its essence, the movie explores the issues of judicial prejudice, discrimination based on societal status, and the abuse of legal provisions. It highlights how the legal system, meant to dispense justice, can, on occasion, be distorted to suppress the innocent.
Theme
One of the pivotal themes of Court: State vs A Nobody revolves around the POCSO Act and how its complexities can be used to wrongly accuse people. The movie is about Mettu Chandrashekar, called Chandu (played by Harsh Roshan), a young man from a humble background who becomes embroiled in a confusing legal battle.
What starts off as an innocent romance between Chandu and Jabilli (Sridevi Apalla) turns menacing when caste politics and societal biases enter the picture. The villain, Mangapathi (Shivaji), is a character of ruthless domination, using his influence to manipulate laws and safeguard his self-proclaimed honor.
Performances
One of the high points of the Court: State vs A Nobody is delivered by Priyadarshi, who plays the role of Surya Teja, a feisty lawyer who is determined to take on Chandu’s case. A comedy master, Priyadarshi takes audiences by surprise with a performance that is at once subtle and nuanced, playing a man fighting to make his voice heard in a system against the weak. His metamorphosis from a jittery aide to a confident lawyer is inspirational.
Shivaji, on the other hand, delivers a spine-tingling performance as the ruthless villain, infusing every scene he is in with a sense of menacing foreboding. Harsh Roshan and Sridevi Apalla, though newcomers, bring their roles to life, making the romance tender and heart-wrenching.
Direction & Storytelling
Jagadeesh’s direction stands out for the richness of its nuanced storytelling. Instead of depending on melodramatic courtroom drama, he prefers to depict legal procedures in a realistic and honest light.
The script avoids simplistic moralizing; it encourages the viewer to be drawn into the dilemmas and to question the very ideal of justice and how it is so often warped by those who exercise power.
Technicalities
Technically, the film unfolds as a visual delight, even in the midst of its bleak themes. The photography is of the highest order, sharp and deliberate, employing close-ups in courtroom scenes to evoke a sense of claustrophobia that mirrors Chandu’s ineffectiveness.
Background Score
The background score is employed to add emotional depth to the film without ever overwhelming it, building tension quietly when necessary. The cut is crisp and precise, maintaining the pace consistent even when the narrative veers into flashbacks.
Little Imperfections
But the movie is not without some minor imperfections. Some of the courtroom arguments, though persuasive, might have been fine-tuned for a biting effect. Some of the melodramatic flourishes—particularly towards the end—might even be seen to be a bit out of place in what is otherwise a well-disciplined narrative. But they are minor complaints in a movie that succeeds in making a forceful statement. Sai Kumar’s extended cameo could have been a better. I felt the legendary actor is wasted for such small roles.
Message & Verdict
The core message of *Court: State vs A Nobody* is a grim reminder that justice all too frequently becomes a privilege and not a fundamental right of the marginalized. It throws light on how the very laws, like the POCSO Act, meant to provide protection, are utilized to facilitate personal agendas and result in frivolous charges.
The film forces the audience to think about the deep-seated prejudices in the system, leading to the absolute necessity of struggling for the truth even when the scales tip in favor of the guilty. The film is a piece above the level of cinema—it is a mirror to society and it exposes the injustice that is hidden behind legal technicalities.
It is a must-see for those who appreciate cinema that challenges the mind, with good performances and a new direction by the director. This is storytelling at its best—raw, real, and utterly engrossing.
For more reviews – watch Entertainment Section.