Court - State Vs. A Nobody Movie Review : A Riveting Blend of Innocent Love and Legal Drama

Story: Set in Visakhapatnam, the film follows Mettu Chandrashekar (Harsh Roshan), aka Chandu, a young man juggling multiple jobs to survive. His life takes a turn when he befriends Jabilli (Sridevi Apalla), a student from an influential family. Their innocent bond sparks outrage when Jabilli’s uncle, Mangapathi (Sivaji), a rigid supremacist, perceives their friendship as a stain on the family’s honour. Enraged, he falsely implicates Chandu under the POCSO Act, triggering a high-stakes legal battle. Can Surya Teja (Priyadarshi), a brilliant yet vulnerable lawyer, fight against deep-seated prejudices and secure justice for Chandu?

Review: One of the finest films to emerge from Telugu cinema in recent times, Court: State vs A Nobody, directed by Ram Jagadeesh, masterfully balances a tender teenage love story with a gripping courtroom drama. Every aspect of the film comes together seamlessly, making it a truly compelling watch.

The love story is delicately woven into the narrative, adding emotional weight to the legal battle that ensues in the second half. The screenplay, penned by Ram Jagadeesh, Karthikeya Sreenivass, and Vamsidhar Sirigiri, is exceptionally structured, ensuring that the transitions between the intimate moments and intense legal proceedings feel organic and immersive.

Harsh Roshan and Sridevi Apalla shine as the young couple at the heart of the story. Harsh brings sincerity and restraint to his role, making Chandu’s plight deeply affecting, while Sridevi captures Jabilli’s innocence and quiet strength with remarkable ease. Their chemistry lends authenticity to the film’s emotional core.

The performances are uniformly stellar. Priyadarshi, known for his script-driven choices, shines as Surya Teja, bringing both determination and vulnerability to his role. His courtroom exchanges are sharp, authentic, and never exaggerated. Sivaji, as the antagonist Mangapathi, is menacing yet restrained, delivering one of his career-best performances. Sai Kumar as Mohan Rao, though in a limited role, shines, particularly in a poignant scene where he advises Teja to rise from his setbacks—a beautifully written and executed moment that instantly adds depth to his character.

The entire ensemble cast—including Rohini, Harshavardhan, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Rajasekhar Aningi, Surabhi Prabhavathi, Vishika, and Vadlamani Srinivas—deliver standout performances, making the world of the film feel lived-in and authentic.

On the technical front, Court is a visual and auditory treat. Dinesh Purushothaman’s cinematography beautifully captures the stark contrast between the innocence of first love and the grimness of the legal battle. Vijai Bulganin’s music, both in the background score and the songs, adds immense depth to the storytelling. Karthika Srinivas’s editing ensures a taut narrative, though a slightly crisper first half could have made it even sharper. The dialogues are hard-hitting without being melodramatic. While minor distractions, like an artificial-looking moon and stars in one scene, are present, they do little to take away from the film’s immersive nature.

A special mention must go to actor Nani, whose eye for compelling stories as a producer continues to bring gems like this to life.

Perhaps the most commendable aspect of Court is its nuanced handling of the POCSO Act’s dual-edged nature. The film raises pertinent questions without resorting to preachiness, making it not just an engaging watch but also a thought-provoking one.

Debutant director Ram Jagadeesh punches well above his weight, delivering a film that is both deeply moving and socially relevant. Court: State vs A Nobody is not just a courtroom drama—it is a slice-of-life portrayal of human emotions, societal biases, and the pursuit of justice. A must-watch.