‘Court – State vs A Nobody’ is a powerful legal drama that not only tells a compelling story but also holds up a mirror to the flaws in India’s judicial and social systems. Through the lens of a single POCSO case, the film unpacks layers of injustice, corruption, and class disparity with unflinching honesty.
The story follows Surya Teja (Pulikonda), a junior lawyer with aspirations of proving himself beyond the shadow of his father’s modest career. When his path crosses with Chandu (Roshan), a 19-year-old from a lower-income background who is falsely accused under the POCSO Act after falling in love with a 17-year-old girl, Jabilli, Teja can’t help but compelled to take on the case. The accusation is orchestrated by Jabilli’s manipulative uncle, Mangapathi, a man obsessed with preserving his family’s honour – even at the cost of the young boy’s life.
What makes ‘Court’ stand out is how deftly it highlights the dangers of the blanket application and misuse of laws meant to protect the vulnerable. The film exposes the ease with which powerful individuals can bribe officials, distort narratives, and bury the truth, leaving the innocent without recourse. It also paints a stark picture of the powerlessness of those from humble backgrounds, who often cannot comprehend the legal intricacies they’re caught in, let alone afford proper representation.
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The social backdrop is equally significant. The film grounds itself in the realities of small-town India, where honour often takes precedence over truth, and where lack of awareness among youth makes them even more vulnerable to legal overreach. Themes of women’s independence, suppressed voices, and societal oppression are woven in very effectively – especially through Jabilli and her mother Seetha, whose helplessness and conflicted silence are heartbreaking.
The performances are uniformly excellent. Pulikonda brings restraint and integrity to the role of Teja, whose character arc is also a nice touch within the storytelling, while Roshan and Apalla are convincing as the teenage couple caught in a storm beyond their understanding. But it is Sontineni’s Mangapathi who leaves a lasting impression, with his chilling portrayal of the antagonist invoking both fear and fury. The quiet despair in Molleti’s portrayal of Jabilli’s mother is another standout, carving out nuanced emotional depth in the character.
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Through relatively simple cinematic storytelling ‘Court’ conveys an essential message and flags the dangers of unawareness, especially among the youth. It challenges the viewer to think about who really has access to justice and at what cost. Now streaming on Netflix, this legal drama is definitely a must watch.