'Court' Movie Review

'Court' Movie Review

Actors: Priyadarshi, Harsha Roshan, Sridevi, Sivaji, Sai Kumar, Harshavardhan, Rohini, Surabhi Prabhavati, Shubhalekha Sudhakar and others.

Music: Vijay Bulganin

Cinematography: Dinesh Purushothaman

Producer: Prashanthi Tripirneni

Written-Directed by: Ram Jagadish

Comedian Priyadarshi, known for his standout performances as a character artist, has been making waves as a lead actor in recent films. Natural star Nani, who continues to showcase his keen eye for quality cinema as a producer, has backed Court, featuring Priyadarshi in the lead role. The film's intriguing promos have already caught the audience's attention. Now, let’s see how well it delivers on the big screen!

Story:

Chandu (Harsha Roshan), an intermediate student in Vizag juggling part-time jobs, falls in love with his classmate Jabili (Sridevi). However, their love story takes a dark turn when Jabili’s uncle, Mangapati (Shivaji), a man fiercely protective of his honour, discovers their relationship.

In a shocking move, Mangapati brings Jabili’s family and the police to Chandu’s house, leading to his arrest. He files multiple cases against Chandu, including a POCSO case, since Jabili is under 18. With the entire system seemingly working against him, Chandu finds himself trapped in a legal nightmare.

Enter Teja (Priyadarshi), a lawyer who has never argued a case before. Taking on Chandu’s defence, Teja must prove his innocence against all odds. Can he navigate this high-stakes legal battle? What twists unfold in court? And what will be the final verdict? All these answers await on the big screen!

Analysis:

A film produced by Nani always comes with an expectation—something fresh, something passionate. And with Court, it looks like he’s once again set to leave his mark. From Awe to the HIT franchise, Nani has consistently introduced unique stories to Telugu cinema. Now, with Court, he presents a genre that hasn’t been deeply explored in Tollywood.

Courtroom dramas are common in Hindi and Malayalam cinema, often packed with gripping intensity from start to finish. While Telugu films have had their share of courtroom scenes, they often lean towards comedy or larger-than-life hero moments rather than staying true to the genre. Court fills that gap, offering a raw, thought-provoking legal drama—one that could become a reference point in Telugu cinema.

The trailer itself makes the premise clear: A teenage boy and girl fall for each other, only for their love story to take a shocking turn when the girl’s uncle files multiple cases against the boy, including a POCSO case. Just as the boy’s life seems to be collapsing, a young lawyer takes up his case, fights for justice, and wins. While the entire plot is laid out in the trailer, keeping the audience engaged for two and a half hours is no easy feat. However, despite being a debutant, director Ram Jagadish pulls it off impressively.

The film’s biggest strength lies in its handling of the courtroom drama. The intense and suspenseful portrayal of how the POCSO Act can be misused adds depth to the narrative. Shivaji, playing the role of Mangapati, brings the necessary weight to the film, driving the story from the very beginning.

From the start, Court dives straight into the story, quickly pulling the audience in. However, the teenage love track slows things down a bit—it’s not cringeworthy, but it feels routine. Thankfully, the real turning point arrives with Shivaji’s character, and from the moment of the boy’s arrest, the tension starts building. As the legal battle unfolds, the film shifts into high gear, with the courtroom arguments being the most gripping part of the story. The director maintains a steady tempo till the end, with powerful dialogues adding impact to the climax.

While Priyadarshi’s character could have had a more striking conclusion, the film still delivers a strong message. Court leaves the audience thinking, and for fans of courtroom dramas, this one is a must-watch. No doubt, Court will stand tall as one of the finest legal dramas in Telugu cinema!

Performances:

Priyadarshi delivered a solid performance as a lawyer, making a strong impact in a role that had the weight of a star hero. However, in key lead scenes, a bit more intensity in his acting would have elevated the performance further.

The standout performer in the film, without a doubt, is Sivaji. Choosing Court as his big-screen comeback after the #90's web series was a smart move. From the moment he appears on screen, he exudes an intimidating presence, making his character truly intimidating. If utilized well, Sivaji has the potential to become a sought-after villain in Telugu cinema.

Harsha Roshan and Sridevi shine as the teenage couple, bringing a natural charm to their roles. They look adorable in the romantic portions and handle emotional scenes with surprising maturity. Rohini, in yet another motherly role, delivers as expected, while Saikumar brings his seasoned experience to the table.

Harshavardhan’s performance feels slightly overdone, but the rest of the supporting cast—Surabhi Prabhavathi, Shubhalekha Sudhakar, and Rajasekhar Aningi-deliver commendable performances, adding depth to the film.

Technicians:

The technical aspects of the Court are well-executed, ensuring a polished cinematic experience. The production values are on point, making the film visually and narratively compelling. By backing such a unique story, Nani once again proves his passion as a producer.

Music director Vijay Bulganan impresses with a well-composed love song, while the background score is decent. However, a stronger impact in certain scenes through RR could have elevated the intensity. Cinematographer Dinesh Purushothaman’s visuals enhance the film’s tone, capturing the courtroom drama effectively.

Director Ram Jagadish leaves his mark both as a writer and filmmaker. Despite being a debutant, he skillfully handles the complexities of a courtroom drama—something rarely explored in Telugu cinema. While the love story feels familiar, the narrative truly shines once the conflict intensifies and the courtroom becomes the central stage. Strong writing and tight direction make Court a gripping watch.

Verdict: Court delivers a gripping verdict!

Rating- 3.25/5