Janaki V vs State of Kerala Movie Review: A Courtroom Drama with Noble Intentions but Flawed Execution

Introduction: A Film Born Amid Controversy

Janaki V vs State of Kerala arrived in theatres with high expectations, not only due to its star-studded cast but also because of the legal and censorship hurdles it faced. The CBFC initially objected to the title and the use of the name "Janaki" citing its association with Goddess Sita deeming it potentially inflammatory for a sexual assault survivor character. After a legal battle in the Kerala High Court the filmmakers agreed to modify the title to Janaki V vs State of Kerala and mute specific references to the name securing a U/A certificate. This backdrop of censorship adds a layer of intrigue to the film making it a significant talking point in discussions about artistic freedom in Indian cinema.

The film, produced by J. Phanindra Kumar under Cosmos Entertainments is set against the backdrop of Kerala’s judicial system. It follows Janaki a young IT professional from Bengaluru who faces a traumatic sexual assault during a visit to her hometown. Her legal battle supported by a fiery lawyer David Abel Donovan forms the crux of this courtroom drama. With a runtime that some critics have called unnecessarily long the film attempts to blend emotional storytelling with socio-political commentary but struggles to maintain narrative coherence.

Plot Summary: A Tale of Justice and Resilience

Janaki V vs State of Kerala opens with a cheerful depiction of Janaki (Anupama Parameswaran) an IT employee enjoying life with friends in Bengaluru. The tone shifts dramatically when she visits her hometown for a festival and becomes a victim of a brutal sexual assault. The police apprehend two suspects but the investigation is marred by inefficiencies leaving the chargesheet weak. Janaki pregnant as a result of the assault, embarks on a legal battle to seek justice supported by her friend Naveen (Madhav Suresh) his sister Saira (Divya Pillai) and a junior police officer Firoz (Askar Ali).

Enter Advocate David Abel Donovan (Suresh Gopi) a seasoned lawyer known for defending the downtrodden. Initially David represents the accused, successfully proving their innocence which leaves Janaki devastated. However moved by her plight he begins aiding her discreetly. The narrative follows Janaki’s fight inside and outside the courtroom, highlighting the systemic challenges victims face in India’s judicial system. The film also introduces Advocate Niveditha Abel (Shruti Ramachandran) who represents Janaki adding depth to the legal proceedings.

While the premise is powerful the screenplay falters with uneven pacing and subplots that distract from the central narrative. The film attempts to address political power plays and societal biases but often resorts to lengthy monologues that dilute its emotional impact.

Performances: A Mixed Bag of Talent

Anupama Parameswaran as Janaki

Anupama Parameswaran delivers a standout performance as Janaki bringing nuance to a character grappling with trauma and resilience. Her portrayal captures the emotional turmoil of a sexual assault survivor balancing vulnerability with determination. Critics have praised her ability to convey Janaki’s mental anguish without resorting to melodrama making her the emotional anchor of the film. However some reviews note that the character could have been given more depth to fully explore her psychological journey.

Suresh Gopi as David Abel Donovan

Suresh Gopi, a veteran of the courtroom drama genre, returns to familiar territory with his portrayal of David Abel Donovan. His commanding screen presence and fiery dialogue delivery evoke memories of his iconic roles in films like Chinthamani Kolacase (2006). However the film’s tendency to prioritise Gopi’s “superstar syndrome” often overshadows Janaki’s story. His lengthy monologues while engaging for fans feel out of place in a narrative that should centre on the survivor. Critics have pointed out that his theatrical style clashes with the film’s otherwise grounded tone.

Supporting Cast

Shruti Ramachandran shines as Advocate Niveditha Abel delivering a calm and understated performance that complements Anupama’s intensity. Askar Ali and Divya Pillai offer strong support as Firoz and Saira respectively though their characters are underdeveloped. Madhav Suresh playing Naveen struggles with dialogue delivery in certain scenes which slightly disrupts the film’s flow. Other supporting actors including Baiju Santhosh and Abhishek Ravindran perform adequately but are limited by the script’s lack of focus.

Direction and Screenplay: A Promising but Flawed Effort

Debutant director Pravin Narayanan shows promise in tackling a sensitive subject but struggles to maintain narrative cohesion. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed courtroom dramas like Pink (2016) and Neru (2023) yet it fails to carve a distinct identity. The screenplay also penned by Narayanan is ambitious but muddled juggling multiple subplots without fully exploring their implications. For instance the political angle hinting at government inefficiencies and power plays remains superficial serving as fodder for courtroom arguments rather than a deeper commentary.

The film’s pacing is another point of contention. At over two hours it feels sluggish, particularly in the second half where lengthy dialogues and unnecessary sequences such as a poorly executed jump-scare disrupt the narrative flow. A tighter edit could have enhanced the film’s impact allowing Janaki’s story to take centre stage. However Narayanan deserves credit for avoiding a “saviour complex” trope ensuring that Janaki remains the protagonist of her own fight.

Technical Aspects: A Mixed Bag

Cinematography:

Renadive’s cinematography captures the emotional weight of the courtroom scenes effectively using muted tones to reflect Janaki’s turmoil. The urban and rural settings of Kerala are portrayed authentically adding to the film’s grounded feel. However some scenes suffer from inconsistent framing particularly during chaotic crowd sequences.

Music and Background Score:

Gireesh Narayanan’s music and Ghibran’s background score are highlights, adding emotional depth to key moments. The score amplifies the tension in courtroom scenes though some songs feel forced and disrupt the narrative’s momentum.

Editing:

Samjith Mohammed’s editing is a weak link, with the film’s length detracting from its impact. A crisper edit could have streamlined the narrative eliminating redundant scenes and tightening the pacing.

Socio-Cultural Impact: A Film That Sparks Dialogue

Janaki V vs State of Kerala addresses pressing issues, including the challenges faced by sexual assault survivors in India’s legal system and the societal stigma they endure. The film’s refusal to opt for a “socially acceptable” ending is commendable as it reflects the harsh realities of justice delivery. However its heavy-handed approach to social messaging particularly in the climax feels forced and lacks the subtlety needed to resonate deeply.

The CBFC controversy surrounding the film’s title has sparked debates about censorship and artistic freedom in India. The Kerala High Court’s intervention, questioning the CBFC’s objections highlights the need for a more progressive approach to film certification. Industry bodies like the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) rallied behind the filmmakers underscoring the broader implications for creative expression.

Box Office Performance and Reception

According to Sacnilk, Janaki V vs State of Kerala earned ₹1 crore on its opening day, with a Malayalam occupancy rate of 15.94%. The film saw improved viewership in urban centres like Kochi (36% occupancy in night shows) and Chennai reflecting its appeal among niche audiences. By day three it had collected ₹2.91 crore indicating a steady but not spectacular run. Mixed reviews have impacted its word-of-mouth with critics praising its intent but criticising its execution.

Social media reactions on platforms like X reflect a divided audience. Some users lauded the film’s strong subject matter and Suresh Gopi’s fiery performance with comments like “A strong relevant subject spoken in the film that connects the audience”. Others however found it “preachy” and “a missed opportunity” citing its lack of depth and forced narrative.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Powerful Premise: The survivor-centric narrative is a rare and bold choice addressing a critical social issue.

• Lead Performances: Anupama Parameswaran and Shruti Ramachandran deliver compelling performances.

• Music: Gireesh Narayanan’s score enhances the emotional stakes.

• Social Relevance: The film sparks important conversations about justice and censorship.

Weaknesses:

• Uneven Screenplay: Subplots and lengthy monologues dilute the narrative focus.

• Pacing Issues: The film’s length and sluggish pacing detract from its impact.

• Superstar Syndrome: Suresh Gopi’s overpowering presence overshadows Janaki’s story.

• Underdeveloped Subplots: Political and social themes are introduced but not explored in depth.

Janaki V vs State of Kerala is a film with noble intentions aiming to shed light on the struggles of sexual assault survivors within a flawed judicial system. Anupama Parameswaran’s heartfelt performance and the film’s socially relevant premise make it a compelling watch at times. However its inconsistent screenplay sluggish pacing and overreliance on Suresh Gopi’s star power prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it avoids common pitfalls like the saviour complex it falls into the trap of “superstar syndrome” where the narrative bends to accommodate dramatic flourishes rather than focusing on Janaki’s journey.