Court: State Vs. A Nobody – Movie Review
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Rating: 3.25/5
Starring: Priyadarshi, Harsh Roshan, Sridevi, Sivaji, Sai Kumar, Harsha Vardhan, Rohini, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Surabhi Prabhavathi, Rajasekhar Aningi
Director: Ram Jagadeesh
Producer: Prashanti Tipirneni
Music Director: Vijai Bulganin
Cinematographer: Dinesh Purushothaman
Editor: Karthika Srinivas R
Story:
Set in 2013, in the city of Visakhapatnam, Court: State Vs. A Nobody follows the story of Mettu Chandrashekar (Harsh Roshan), a man from a humble background working various odd jobs. His life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Jabilli (Sridevi Apalla), a student from an upper-caste family. Their innocent interactions lead to a chain of events that sees Chandu wrongfully accused of a crime under the POCSO Act by Jabilli’s caste-driven uncle, Mangapathi (Sivaji). The story unravels as the victim’s family enlists the help of lawyer Surya Teja (Priyadarshi), who defends Chandu in a gripping courtroom battle.
Plus Points:
One of the movie’s strongest aspects is the direction by Ram Jagadeesh, especially considering it’s his debut. The courtroom sequences are well-crafted, capturing the tense atmosphere and providing engaging drama. Shivaji shines in his role as Mangapathi, portraying a caste-driven zealot with chilling conviction. His performance is particularly impactful, making him one of the film’s highlights.
Harsh Roshan, in his role as Chandu, brings depth to the character. The chemistry between him and Sridevi Apalla, who plays Jabilli, is genuine, and their interactions in the early part of the film are heartfelt. Priyadarshi, playing the role of the lawyer Surya Teja, delivers a stellar performance. His courtroom presence is commanding, and his subtle expressions and dialogue delivery enhance his character.
Supporting actors like Harshavardhan and Sai Kumar provide solid performances, with the latter making a memorable impact in his limited screen time. The climax, which raises thought-provoking questions about the law and societal views on justice, is one of the film’s most well-executed moments.
Minus Points:
While the film tackles important social issues, there are some minor factual errors that detract from the authenticity. For instance, the use of props like Ola bikes, which weren’t available in 2013, is a small but noticeable flaw in a film that focuses on realism.
The first half of the movie is relatively slow, with the teenage romance subplot feeling a bit repetitive and disengaging. The narrative picks up pace only in the second half, where the courtroom drama becomes more engrossing. However, some of the verbal exchanges in the courtroom could have been more intense to create higher stakes.
Despite having a talented ensemble cast, some characters, such as those played by Sai Kumar and Surabhi Prabhavathi, don’t get enough screen time or emotional depth, which could have amplified the overall emotional impact.
Technical Aspects:
Ram Jagadeesh does a commendable job with the film’s direction and storytelling. Cinematography by Dinesh Purushothaman is well-executed, capturing the essence of the film’s setting. The background score by Vijai Bulganin is emotionally resonant, enhancing key dramatic moments. The editing by Karthika Srinivas R is decent but could have been sharper, especially in the first half.
The screenplay, written by Ram Jagadeesh, Karthikeya Sreenivass, and Vamsidhar Sirigiri, is solid. However, a more engaging first half could have made the film more captivating from the start.
Verdict:
Court: State Vs. A Nobody is a courtroom drama that excels in its performances and the emotional depth it brings, particularly in its second half. Priyadarshi and Shivaji’s performances stand out, making this film worth watching for fans of legal dramas. While the first half could have been more engaging, the movie ultimately succeeds in delivering a thought-provoking experience. It may not be perfect, but it’s a refreshing take on a courtroom story and is certainly worth your time if you enjoy films that delve into social and legal issues.
Rating: 3.25/5