Court, the film produced under hero Nani’s own banner, has been receiving positive feedback. Directed by Ram Jagadeesh, the film features Priyadarshi, Harsh Roshan, and Sridevi in pivotal roles. During the pre-release event, Nani expressed his confidence in the film, stating that without Court, people should not bother watching his upcoming Hit 3 movie. Let’s see if this film truly lives up to the expectations.

Plot:
Set in 2013 in Visakhapatnam, the film tells the story of Seetarathnam (Rohini), who loses her husband and struggles to protect her children. Her daughter, Jabilli (Sridevi), who is studying intermediate, falls in love with Chandu (Harsh Roshan), a boy from a poor family. Chandu is unable to continue his studies after failing his exams and works in menial jobs, which disappoints his parents.

Mangapathi (Shivaji), who runs a rice mill and is active in local politics, is a man who values money and reputation over everything. In his attempt to maintain his dignity, he intimidates everyone around him. Jabilli’s family depends on Mangapathi, who gets furious when he finds out about Jabilli’s love affair with Chandu. He uses his influence to file a case against Chandu under the POCSO Act, claiming Jabilli is a minor.

Mangapathi has good connections with senior lawyer Damodar (Harshavardhan), and he uses these to tighten the case against Chandu. Junior lawyer Suryateja (Priyadarshi), who works with Mohan Rao (Sai Kumar), steps in, believing Chandu is being wronged. Will Suryateja manage to prove Chandu’s innocence? Will Mangapathi, with his power and wealth, win? This is the crux of the story.

Analysis:
Falling in love during teenage years is a natural part of growing up. However, despite changing times, caste, religion, and money continue to be obstacles to love. Many people still view their reputation as something to protect, and in doing so, they twist the law to their advantage. This film is a thought-provoking narrative centered around these themes.

The film touches on the legal complexities around the age of consent and the maturity expected of minors, raising questions like: How do we define maturity at 18, and how do laws apply to teenagers in love? The narrative explores these issues, particularly focusing on the difference between love and lust and how the POCSO Act is interpreted. The film successfully escalates from light-hearted moments to intense drama, maintaining a steady pace throughout.

It also draws attention to the fact that young boys are often trapped in legal troubles due to misunderstandings and misapplication of laws, creating awareness about how such situations can affect their future.

Performance:
Director Ram Jagadeesh has handled the story effectively, ensuring the content flows smoothly from start to finish. The screenplay is tight, with no wasted moments. The film focuses more on delivering a message than on comedy, which is commendable. The producers deserve appreciation for backing such a film with a strong storyline.

Shivaji plays the role of the villain, portraying a man obsessed with reputation and ready to go to any lengths to protect it. His performance is one of the highlights of the film. Harshavardhan as the manipulative lawyer, Priyadarshi as the passionate junior lawyer, and Sai Kumar and Rohini in supporting roles all deliver strong performances. Harsh Roshan brings natural charm to his role, while Sridevi’s performance adds a special touch to the film.

Dinesh Purushothaman’s cinematography is well-suited to the film’s tone, and Vijay Bulganin’s music and background score are noteworthy. Karthik Srinivas’s editing is sharp, and the dialogues are impactful. Memorable lines like "I can’t change people, but I can change the topics they talk about," and "Is a 14-year-old boy’s future worth less than three lakh rupees shared by some corrupt people?" stay with you long after the film.

Conclusion:
Court is an example of a small, budgeted film with a significant message, similar to films from the Malayalam industry. It delves into the lack of awareness about legalities among teenage lovers and how some elders manipulate the law for personal gain. The director successfully conveys this message, making the film more powerful. It not only teaches lessons to young people but also highlights the need for awareness of the legal system.

Movie Name: Court
Release Date: 2025-03-14
Cast: Harsh Roshan, Sridevi, Shivaji, Priyadarshi, Sai Kumar, Harshavardhan
Director: Ram Jagadeesh
Music: Vijay Bulganin
Banner: Wall Poster Cinema
Review By: Peddinti
Court Rating: 3.00 out of 5