Court: State vs A Nobody – A Courtroom Drama That Shakes You to the Core

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I had been waiting for Court: State vs A Nobody since the very first trailer dropped. Something about the tone, the subject, and the performances hinted that this wouldn't be just another legal drama and I was right. Even though I was admittedly late to the party for Court: State vs A Nobody,  I finally  watched it on OTT and let me tell you the wait was worth every second. I had been eagerly anticipating this film since the first trailer dropped, and when it finally hit the digital screens, it exceeded my wildest expectations. This isn’t just another courtroom drama; it’s a film that makes you stop and think out loud about the system we live in.

When the Courtroom Becomes a Battlefield for Truth

Set in Visakhapatnam in 2013, the film follows Chandrashekar (Harsh Roshan), a 19-year-old struggling to support his family. His life is turned upside down when an innocent friendship with a girl from a dominant family spirals into a dramatic legal crisis under the POCSO Act.

What begins as a simple case rapidly transforms into a riveting struggle against institutional bias. The trial lands in the hands of Surya Teja (Priyadarshi Pulikonda), a junior lawyer determined to prove himself. As he digs deeper, the layers of societal prejudice, injustice, and class conflict start to emerge, forcing all of us including viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about our society.

This film doesn’t provide easy answers. Instead, it challenges you to question the very fabric of our legal and social systems. It made me wonder, what if such a situation happened around me or to someone I care about? The thought lingers long after the film ends.

Performances That Connect on a Deep Emotional Level

Priyadarshi gives a strong performance as Surya Teja, a young lawyer navigating a tough legal case. He captures the mix of hope, uncertainty, and learning as his character moves from being an eager beginner to someone dealing with the harsh realities of the courtroom. His portrayal of both vulnerability and determination makes Surya Teja’s journey compelling.

In his debut role, Harsh Roshan brings a raw authenticity to his character, Chandu, a young man accused under the POCSO Act. Roshan captures the confusion, frustration, and emotional weight of his character, who struggles with both legal and personal issues. His natural performance adds to the film's emotional depth, making Chandu a sympathetic and relatable character.

Sivaji stands out with his chilling portrayal of Mangapathi, a man driven by caste-based prejudices. His performance brings an unsettling energy to the film, effectively portraying the antagonism that is central to the story. Sivaji’s strong performance highlights the societal divisions and tensions at play in the courtroom drama.

The supporting cast, including actors like Rohini and Harsha Vardhan, provides strong performances that ground the story in reality. Their portrayals of ordinary individuals facing a corrupt system enhance the film's authenticity and deepen the emotional layers of the narrative.

Direction That Invites You to Reflect

In his debut feature, Ram Jagadeesh opts for a restrained yet powerful storytelling style. He lets the emotions build slowly, drawing you into the murmur of the courtroom and the silent struggles of its characters. The pace may feel deliberate, but it's this very deliberation that lets the tension simmer perfectly until it reaches a crescendo that is as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.

Every courtroom scene is treated with an authenticity that avoids melodrama, instead choosing to portray the nuances of legal battles and personal conflict with a quiet intensity. Ram Jagadeesh’s approach compels you to not only observe but also engage with the narrative on a deeply personal level.

Final Verdict

Court: State vs A Nobody is more than just a film—it’s an experience. Despite the delay in its OTT release, I can confidently say that every moment of the wait was rewarded. The film confronts themes of prejudice, injustice, and social inequity with intelligence and empathy, making it a standout entry in Telugu cinema.

It made me reflect, it made me feel uneasy, and most importantly, it made me think. For anyone who appreciates films that challenge the norm and leave a lasting impact, this is a must-watch. Now available on OTT (and a late yet worthwhile addition to your watchlist), Court is the kind of film that stays with you long after the credits roll.