Court: State vs A Nobody Movie Review: A Gripping Courtroom Drama That Hits Hard

Court: State vs A Nobody is one of the finest Telugu films in recent times, seamlessly blending an intimate coming-of-age love story with a high-stakes legal drama. Directed by Ram Jagadeesh, the film strikes a delicate balance between raw emotion and sharp courtroom tension, making for an utterly compelling watch.

Court: State vs A Nobody Storyline: Set in Visakhapatnam, the film follows Mettu Chandrashekar (Harsh Roshan), aka Chandu, a young man juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. His life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends Jabilli (Sridevi Apalla), a student from an influential family. Their innocent bond, however, ignites outrage when Jabilli’s uncle, Mangapathi (Sivaji), a rigid supremacist, falsely implicates Chandu under the POCSO Act in a desperate attempt to uphold his family’s “honor.” What follows is a gripping courtroom battle where Surya Teja (Priyadarshi), a brilliant yet vulnerable lawyer, takes on deep-seated prejudices to fight for justice.

Review: What sets Court apart is how effortlessly it weaves a tender love story into a high-stakes courtroom drama. The first half draws you into Chandu and Jabilli’s world, making their friendship feel real and heartfelt. This emotional foundation makes the second half—where Chandu’s life unravels—all the more gut-wrenching.

The screenplay, crafted by Ram Jagadeesh, Karthikeya Sreenivass, and Vamsidhar Sirigiri, is exceptionally structured. The narrative shifts between warm, intimate moments and intense legal exchanges feel seamless and organic. Every scene serves a purpose, and while the first half could have been a tad crisper, the film never loses momentum.

At the heart of Court are its performances, and Harsh Roshan and Sridevi Apalla shine as the young couple. Harsh delivers a performance steeped in sincerity and restraint, making Chandu’s ordeal deeply affecting. Sridevi brings quiet strength and innocence to Jabilli, ensuring she’s much more than just a plot device. Their chemistry is natural, making their bond believable and the fallout heartbreaking.

Then comes Priyadarshi as Surya Teja—a role that demands both sharp wit and vulnerability. Known for his script-driven choices, he delivers one of his most layered performances yet. His courtroom exchanges are precise, controlled, and never overdone—a refreshing change from the usual theatrics in legal dramas.

Opposite him, Sivaji as Mangapathi is chilling. He embodies power, prejudice, and quiet menace, making him one of the most impactful antagonists in recent Telugu cinema. Sai Kumar, in a brief yet crucial role as Mohan Rao, delivers a standout moment when he pushes Teja to rise from his setbacks—a scene executed with stunning emotional depth.

The supporting cast, including Rohini, Harshavardhan, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Rajasekhar Aningi, Surabhi Prabhavathi, Vishika, and Vadlamani Srinivas, make the world of the film feel lived-in and authentic.

Beyond its narrative and performances, Court is a visual and auditory triumph. Dinesh Purushothaman’s cinematography captures the stark contrast between the innocence of first love and the grimness of a legal battle. Vijai Bulganin’s music elevates the emotional beats, with both the background score and songs adding immense depth to the storytelling. Karthika Srinivas’s editing keeps the narrative taut, though a slightly tighter first half could have made it even sharper.

The dialogues hit hard without resorting to melodrama, adding weight to every courtroom exchange. While there are minor visual distractions, like an artificial-looking moon and stars in one scene, they are small missteps in an otherwise immersive experience.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Court is its nuanced handling of the POCSO Act. The film doesn’t just tell a gripping legal story—it raises crucial questions about how laws can be weaponized, societal biases, and the price of honor in rigid family structures. It never feels preachy, yet leaves a lasting impact.

Debutant Ram Jagadeesh punches well above his weight, delivering a film that is both emotionally stirring and socially relevant. Backed by Nani’s sharp production instincts, Court: State vs A Nobody is more than just a courtroom drama—it’s a mirror to society’s prejudices, power dynamics, and the fight for justice. A must-watch.