Age Rating & Language
Age Rating: U/A (Parental Guidance)
Language: Telugu
Telugu cinema has delivered yet another thought-provoking gem with Court: State vs A Nobody. Directed by debutant Ram Jagadeesh and produced by Nani, this gripping courtroom drama combines societal commentary with emotional depth. With stellar performances and a nuanced narrative, the film raises pertinent questions about justice, prejudice, and the misuse of laws.
Plot Overview: Justice Against All Odds
Set in Visakhapatnam in 2013, the story revolves around Mettu Chandrashekar (Harsh Roshan), aka Chandu, a young man juggling multiple jobs to support himself. His life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends Jabilli (Sridevi Apalla), a student from an influential family. Their innocent friendship sparks outrage when Jabilli’s uncle Mangapathi (Sivaji), a caste supremacist, falsely implicates Chandu under the POCSO Act.
The legal battle intensifies as Surya Teja (Priyadarshi), a brilliant yet vulnerable lawyer, takes on Chandu’s case. What follows is an emotionally charged courtroom drama that challenges societal biases and explores the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.
Performances That Shine
Priyadarshi as Surya Teja
Priyadarshi delivers one of his career-best performances as the determined lawyer. His portrayal balances vulnerability and grit, making his courtroom exchanges compelling and authentic.
Harsh Roshan as Chandu
Harsh Roshan brings sincerity to his role, capturing Chandu’s innocence and emotional turmoil with restraint. His chemistry with Sridevi Apalla adds depth to the narrative’s emotional core.
Sivaji as Mangapathi
Sivaji excels as the antagonist, delivering a chilling performance that embodies prejudice and toxic honor. His portrayal is both menacing and believable, adding tension to the story.
Supporting Cast
Sai Kumar as Mohan Rao shines in his limited role with impactful moments that add emotional weight to the narrative. Rohini, Harshavardhan, Subhalekha Sudhakar, and others contribute significantly to making the world of the film feel authentic.
Cinematography & Direction: A Visual Treat
Ram Jagadeesh impresses in his directorial debut with a well-crafted narrative that balances emotional drama and legal intricacies. Dinesh Purushothaman’s cinematography captures the stark contrast between Visakhapatnam’s vibrant streets and the grim courtroom setting. Vijai Bulganin’s music enhances key moments, adding emotional depth to both tender scenes and intense legal battles.
What Works
✅ Powerful performances by Priyadarshi, Sivaji, and Harsh Roshan.
✅ Nuanced exploration of societal prejudices and misuse of laws like POCSO.
✅ Gripping courtroom sequences that keep you invested in the narrative.
✅ Strong direction by Ram Jagadeesh in his debut film.
✅ Vijai Bulganin’s evocative background score elevates emotional scenes.
What Could Have Been Better
❌ The first half feels slow with repetitive sequences before the legal drama begins to unfold.
❌ Minor factual inconsistencies (e.g., props like Ola bikes not existing in 2013) detract from authenticity.
❌ Some supporting characters are underutilized despite their potential for greater emotional impact.
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Court: State vs A Nobody is a gripping courtroom drama that combines strong performances with socially relevant themes. While it stumbles slightly in pacing during its first half, it more than makes up for it with an engaging second half filled with powerful moments. If you’re a fan of legal dramas or socially conscious storytelling, this film is a must-watch.
Have you seen Court: State vs A Nobody? Share your thoughts in the comments!