Court: State vs. Nobody is a Telugu courtroom legal drama, written and directed by Ram Jagadish in his directorial debut. The film, presented by Nani, is produced by Prashanthi Tipirneni under the banner Wall Poster Cinema. Featuring a strong cast like Priyadarshi Pulikonda, Harsh Roshan, Sridevi, Sivaji, Sai Kumar, Harshavardhan, Rohini, and Subhalekha Sudhakar, the film created huge hype before its release with Nani's bold statement ("If you don't like Court, don't watch my HIT 3!"). Upon release, it was a success with positive reviews from critics and collections of ₹66.75 crore at the box office. Streaming on Netflix in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam from April 11, 2025. How did this social drama revolving around the POCSO Act impress the Telugu audience? Let's see my experience, highlights, and shortcomings in this review
What's in the story?
Set against the backdrop of Visakhapatnam in 2013, Court is the story of a 19-year-old young man named Chandu (Harsh Roshan). Chandu, the son of a watchman, quits his studies and works odd jobs to support his family. Jabili (Sridevi), a 17-year-old intermediate student from a wealthy family, enters his life. Their friendship, which starts with jokes over phone calls, turns into love. But, Jabili's uncle Mangapati (Shivaji), a rigid man with a fixed mindset about caste, class and honour, gets furious when he learns about their relationship. He files a false case against Chandu under stringent sections including the POCSO Act, and tries to ruin his life. Chandu gets caught up in this concoction. This is where Surya Teja (Priyadarshi), a junior lawyer working as an assistant to senior lawyer Mohan Rao (Saikumar), takes up Chandu's case. Will Teja, facing the corruption in the system and the prejudices in the society, ensure justice for Chandu? What will happen in court? That is the story.
My Feelings: Gripping second half, but slow first half!
When the movie started, looking at the Visakhapatnam setting, the teenage romance between Chandu and Jabili, and the mangapati attitude, I felt, “Oh, this is going to be a mass courtroom drama like Vakeel Saab!” But, the first half was a bit slow and routine. The teenage love story, Chandu’s family background, and Priyadarshi’s struggle scenes seemed predictable. Ram Jagadish’s screenplay felt a bit dragged here, and some scenes were repetitive. However, the tension in the story increased with the interval twist, and the real Cisco came in the second half! The courtroom scenes were super gripping and emotional. Priyadarshi vs Harshvardhan lawyer face-off, Shivaji villain's powerful presence, the message on legal education in the climax—all these elevated the film. As a user on X wrote, "First half is slow, but second half is court scenes" I agree with the sentiment!
The film sensitively discusses the importance of the POCSO Act and its misuse. The commentary on caste, class prejudices and the corrupt system in society worked well. Courtroom dramas like Naandhi and Vakeel Saab have been hits in Telugu cinema, but Court stands out with its own realistic touch, avoiding melodrama. However, some logic lapses (not asking some simple questions in the Chandu case) and Harshavardhan's character being a bit over-the-top reduce the impact of the film a bit.
Technical aspects, acting
Technically, Court stands strong. Dinesh Purushothaman's cinematography realistically captures the Visakhapatnam locations, focusing on the characters rather than the picturesque beauty. Vitthal Kosanam's production design shows the courtroom and houses with a lived-in feel. Vijay Bulganin's background score elevates the emotional scenes, but at some places, it felt like the silence would have given more impact. Karthika Srinivas' editing is tight in the second half, but it could have been a little crisper in the first half. The dialogues are hard-hitting and not melodramatic—for example, lines like “Can a 14-year-old boy buy his future for just Rs 3 lakh?” are thought-provoking.
Priyadarshi (Surya Teja) is brilliant in his acting. His dialogue delivery and expressions in the court scenes make him a hero, but some key scenes could have been more intense. Sivaji (Mangapathi) gives the best performance of his career—his body language and intimidating presence are a godsend on screen! Harsh Roshan and Sridevi play the teenage lovers innocently and naturally. Rohini (Jabili’s mother) shows emotional depth with minimal dialogue. Sai Kumar, Harshavardhan, Subhalekha Sudhakar, and Rajasekhar Aningi did decently in their roles, but Harshavardhan's character seemed a bit cartoonish.
Likes, Dislikes
Likes:
Courtroom scenes: The lawyer face-offs, dialogues, and emotional beats in the second half are gripping.
Performances: Priyadarshi, Sivaji, Harsh Roshan, and Sridevi's performances are the strength of the film.
Social message: The non-preachery commentary on the POCSO Act, legal awareness, and caste-class prejudices is thought-provoking.
Technical quality: Cinematography, background score, and production design give a realistic vibe.
Climax: The message on legal education is impactful.
Dislikes:
Slow first half: Romance, background scenes are repetitive and predictable.
Logical faults: Some court scenes do not ask simple questions, Harshvardhan's character is overboard.
Underwritten subplots: Education, women empowerment themes are at the surface level.
Music overuse: In some scenes, the BGM feels sentimental, silence would have worked better.
Who can watch it?
Court is perfect for those who like courtroom dramas like Naandi, Vakeel Saab, Jai Bheem, and films with social messages. Fans of Priyadarshi, Sivaji, and lovers of content-driven films from Nani's banner will like this movie. A decent watch for the audience who wants a story that makes them think about teenage love, legal awareness, and corruption in society. With a PG-13 rating, there is some emotional intensity and court violence, so it can be watched by families and teens (with parental guidance). Multi-language dubbing and subtitles are available on Netflix. Those who expect mass action like Baahubali and Pushpa may not like this slow-burn drama.
Rating: 3.25/5
Court: State vs. A Nobody impressed with its gripping courtroom scenes, powerful performances (Priyadarshi, Sivaji), POCSO Act, and thought-provoking message on social issues. Ram Jagadish made a promising mark as a debut director, and Nani Vijan worked once again. But, the slow first half, some logic lapses, and underdeveloped subplots keep the film from its full potential. A good watch for courtroom drama lovers and those who like social message films, try it in theaters or on Netflix!
Release Date: March 14, 2025 (Theaters), April 11, 2025 (Netflix)
Streaming: Netflix
Director: Ram Jagadish
Writers: Ram Jagadish, Karthikeya Srinivas, Vamsidhar Sirigiri
Cast: Priyadarshi, Harsh Roshan, Sridevi, Sivaji, Sai Kumar, Harshavardhan, Rohini
Rating: PG-13 (Emotional Intensity, Mild Violence)