Court, a release by Nani's production company, has made waves because of Nani's open claim at its promotional event. He said that if people don't like this film, they don't have to watch his next movie, Hit 3. This courtroom drama, a genre seldom experimented with by Telugu cinema, stars Priyadarshi in the leading role. With robust promotions and advance premieres a couple of days prior to its actual release, the movie released on screen this Friday. Here's a brief of the story and its influence.
Storyline
The story takes place in 2013, centered around Chandrasekhar, alias Chandu (played by Roshan), an intermediate school dropout taking up part-time jobs to make ends meet. Working as a watchman, Chandu falls in love with Jabili (Sridevi), a girl from a rich family. When their relationship comes to light, Jabili’s relative Mangapati (Sivaji), obsessed with family status, files a case against Chandu under the POCSO Act and other stringent charges. The story follows how Chandu, despite his innocence, faces legal struggles. Junior lawyer Suryateja (Priyadarshi), who works under renowned lawyer Mohan Rao (Saikumar), steps in to handle Chandu's case. Whether Teja succeeds in his legal battle forms the crux of the film.
Review
Court focuses on legal consciousness, specifically that of the POCSO Act and abuse of it. Although Telugu cinema has seen similar legal subjects in the past, as in Naandhi and Vakeel Saab, Court also incorporates an interesting twist by combining a high school romance with legal proceedings.
The initial half of the movie mainly deals with Chandu and Jabili's romance, their young feelings and moments. Even though their relationship is common, it is fresh for the story. The real courtroom drama starts after the interval when Teja steps in to handle Chandu's case.
While there has been a case involving kidnapping and sexual assault claims, the film dramatizes investigative techniques like medical examinations and phone records gathering. Although this artistic license might be unrealistic, the film succeeds in raising the issue of legal loopholes and questioning public knowledge of laws intended to safeguard them. The focus on legal awareness in the second half is one of the highlights of the film.
Performances and Direction
The movie has fine performances from its actors. Harsh Roshan and Sridevi are natural in the role of the young couple, and Priyadarshi is great as junior lawyer Suryateja, making a lasting impression with his courtroom appearances. Saikumar provides depth with his acting in the role of senior lawyer Mohan Rao.
Director Ram Jagadish manages to get his message across effectively through crisp storytelling and effective dialogues. It is his first film, yet his direction reflects competence and accuracy.
Strengths
- Engaging story backdrop
- Well-crafted love narrative in the first half
- Excellent performances by the cast
Weak points
- Some scenes deviate from real-life situations
- Some aspects of the plot might be too exaggerated
Final Verdict
Court successfully merges romance with courtroom drama, forming an interesting plot that focuses on essential social concerns. Although some points rely on filmic convenience, the movie is successful in raising awareness about legal rights and abuse of safeguarding laws.
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