Court – State Vs. A Nobody: A Compelling Court room Drama
Movie Sarkar Rating : 3/5 Release Date : March 14, 2025
Cast
Priyadarshi, Harsh Roshan, Sridevi, Sivaji, Sai Kumar, Harsha Vardhan, Rohini, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Surabhi Prabhavathi, Rajasekhar Aningi
Crew
Director Ram Jagadeesh, Producer Prashanti Tipirneni,Music Director Vijai Bulganin
Story & Premise
Court – State Vs. A Nobody follows the journey of Chandu (Harsh Roshan), a young boy entangled in a legal battle that could change his life forever. Accused under the POCSO Act, his fate hangs in the balance as lawyer Teja (Priyadarshi) steps in to defend him. The film delves into the legal intricacies surrounding such cases and how justice unfolds in the courtroom.
Performances
Harsh Roshan and Sridevi make impressive debuts, delivering performances that feel natural and assured. They never come across as newcomers, seamlessly fitting into their roles. While their impact may not be groundbreaking, their performances are commendable.
Priyadarshi, as lawyer Teja, carries the responsibility of making the courtroom drama engaging, especially in the second half. His portrayal is solid, but in key moments—such as the climactic argument about the misuse of the POCSO Act—his performance feels merely adequate. While he physically fits the role, he misses the opportunity to deliver a truly memorable, standout act.
Among the supporting cast, Sivaji steals the show. His portrayal of Mangapathi is menacing and convincing, making him the film’s biggest highlight. His body language, subtle nuances, and screen presence elevate the tension, adding depth to the story. In contrast, Harsha Vardhan, who plays the opposing lawyer, tends to overact, making his performance feel slightly exaggerated rather than intimidating.
The rest of the supporting cast, including Sai Kumar, Rohini, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Surabhi Prabhavathi, and Rajasekhar Aningi, add authenticity and emotional weight to the narrative. Their performances strengthen the film, making it feel grounded and realistic.
Analysis
Written and directed by debutant Ram Jagadeesh, Court – State Vs. A Nobody is an ambitious courtroom drama that revolves around a sensitive POCSO case. The film’s success largely depends on its writing—particularly in the courtroom sequences—and for the most part, the director succeeds.
The first half sets up the story well, beginning with a strong courtroom atmosphere before shifting into a flashback. While the love track feels formulaic and predictable, the legal hook keeps the intrigue alive. The interval point marks a shift toward a more engaging second half, although some conveniences in the script—such as the judge’s character—diminish the realism.
The film truly shines in the second half, where the courtroom drama unfolds with well-written dialogues and compelling exchanges. The legal proceedings keep the audience engaged, even if they aren’t filled with shocking twists. However, the director falls short in extracting high-impact performances in crucial moments. If certain courtroom sequences had been elevated to be more powerful and emotionally gripping, the film could have had a lasting impact.
Despite this, the climax is handled beautifully. The revelation of what truly happened between the boy and girl is presented with warmth and emotional depth, leaving a strong impression. However, the final moments—when the boy runs out post-verdict—lack the emotional punch needed to close the story on a truly high note. This could be attributed to the director’s inexperience in extracting peak emotional performances.
Overall, for a debut effort, Ram Jagadeesh delivers a sincere and engaging courtroom drama on a sensitive subject.
Technical Aspects
- Music & Background Score: Vijai Bulganin delivers a decent soundtrack, with one standout song. His background score is serviceable but inconsistent. In crucial moments—like the arrest scene—the music overpowers the dialogues, weakening the impact.
- Cinematography: Dinesh Purushothaman’s work enhances the film’s visual authenticity, ensuring the courtroom sequences feel immersive.
- Editing: Karthika Srinivas keeps the pacing crisp, while Vithal’s production design adds realism to the setting.
- Production Values: Wall Poster Cinema ensures the film never feels low-budget, maintaining a high level of quality.
Verdict
Court – State Vs. A Nobody is a well-intentioned courtroom drama with a strong second half and compelling legal exchanges. While it could have benefited from stronger performances in key moments, its gripping storyline and engaging execution make it worth a watch.
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