Court: State vs A Nobody Film Review – A Legal Drama That Balances Emotion with Social Commentary

Director Ram Jagadeesh’s debut film, Court: State vs A Nobody, is an ambitious legal drama that explores themes of justice, power, and social inequality. Co-written by Vamsidhar Sirigiri and Karthikeya Sreenivass, the film follows two underdogs—a young man wrongly accused under stringent laws and a novice lawyer determined to fight for him. The narrative aims to shed light on how legal proceedings are often swayed by power dynamics and social status.

Plot Overview

Set in 2013 Visakhapatnam, the story revolves around 19-year-old Chandrasekhar (Harsh Roshan), the son of a watchman, who struggles to support his family through odd jobs. Despite his father’s insistence on education as a means to a better future, Chandu remains disillusioned, believing that academics hold no value in his life.

His world changes when he meets 17-year-old Jabili (Sridevi Apalla), a girl from an influential and dominant caste family. Jabili is drawn to Chandu’s brash confidence, and their romance blossoms quickly. However, their love story meets a tragic turn when Jabili’s uncle, Mangapathi (Sivaji), a rigid patriarch who enforces strict control over the women in his household, discovers their relationship.

Determined to put an end to their love, Mangapathi fabricates a case against Chandu. With his wealth and influence, he ensures that Chandu is falsely accused of stalking and sexual harassment and is booked under the POCSO Act, making bail impossible. The Sessions Court appears poised to rule in Mangapathi’s favor when an unexpected turn of events brings in Surya Teja (Priyadarshi), an unassuming but determined young lawyer who takes up Chandu’s defense, triggering a retrial.

Themes and Execution

While the film sets out to be a gripping courtroom drama, it leans heavily on melodrama rather than procedural accuracy, which at times weakens its impact. The story takes creative liberties, using emotional arcs to drive the narrative rather than focusing on the intricacies of the legal battle.

The symbolism of Chandu (moon) and Surya (sun) adds a poetic layer to the storytelling—just as the moon depends on the sun for light, Chandu’s fate rests on Surya Teja’s ability to fight for him. Both characters embody the underdog spirit, battling an oppressive system that is stacked against them. However, the film does not delve deeply into Surya Teja’s motivations, and his decision to take on the case lacks the depth it deserves.

Missed Opportunities in Subplots

While the Court attempts to weave in social issues like education and women’s empowerment, these themes do not always translate effectively on screen.

- Education Bias in the Legal System: Chandu’s reluctance to continue his education becomes a crucial point in court, where the magistrate prejudges him based on his dropout status and remands him to custody. However, this critique of systemic bias remains underexplored, making it a missed opportunity for a more hard-hitting commentary.

- Jabili’s Mother, Seetha (Rohini Molleti): The film hints at patriarchal oppression within Jabili’s family. After the death of Jabili’s father, Mangapathi assumes total control, forcing Seetha into a powerless position. In a crucial moment, Seetha asserts herself by walking out with her daughter, but her character arc lacks the depth needed for this transformation to feel impactful.

Performances and Technical Brilliance

Despite these storytelling flaws, Court: State vs A Nobody remains engaging, largely due to its strong performances.

- Sivaji delivers a standout performance as Mangapathi, bringing an intimidating presence to the screen. His portrayal of an oppressive patriarch is chilling and adds weight to the film’s conflict.

- Priyadarshi, Harsh Roshan, Saikumar, and Rohini Molleti all deliver commendable performances, elevating the emotional intensity of the story.

The film also benefits from its technical finesse:

- Vijai Bulganin’s music enhances the emotional beats, adding a melancholic yet gripping undertone.

- Dinesh Purushothaman’s cinematography is flawless, using muted tones and calculated framing to underscore the film’s serious themes.

Final Verdict

While Court had the potential to be a more tightly written and hard-hitting legal drama, it still succeeds in sparking important conversations about judicial bias, privilege, and the exploitation of legal loopholes. Ram Jagadeesh’s debut effort is commendable in its attempt to blend social relevance with mainstream appeal, even if the execution falters at times.

For audiences looking for a courtroom drama that balances emotion with socially charged themes, Court: State vs A Nobody offers a compelling—if somewhat melodramatic—watch.