July 17, 2025 :In Janaki V vs State of Kerala, debut director Pravin Narayanan attempts to blend a courtroom drama with a story of deep trauma, political undertones, and media frenzy. The result is a film that has moments of emotional weight but struggles with consistency and tone.
The story of Janaki V vs State of Kerala begins with a chaotic scene outside a police station, where the death of a man during a protest unravels into a larger revelation: his daughter Janaki (Anupama Parameswaran) is a survivor of brutal sexual assault. The film follows her long and painful pursuit of justice, highlighting the systemic flaws in law enforcement and the influence of political power.
Enter David Abel Donovan, played by Suresh Gopi—a seasoned lawyer whose courtroom theatrics often steal the spotlight. His character is introduced with flair, his dialogue loaded with punchlines, philosophical musings, and the occasional off-topic rant. Sometimes, these fiery arguments feel like they belong more on a debate show than in a courtroom, and that disconnect undermines the emotional core of Janaki’s journey.
Anupama Parameswaran delivers a restrained yet powerful performance, grounding the film when it threatens to drift. Shruthi Ramachandran, as her advocate, offers a quiet, composed contrast to Donovan’s bluster. However, the narrative keeps shifting its focus, oscillating between Janaki’s trauma, Donovan’s moral conflicts, and the political subtext that’s only half-explored.
There are glimpses of something more substantial beneath the surface, a deeper interrogation of power, apathy, and performative justice, but the screenplay doesn’t fully commit to that direction. The film is also weighed down by lengthy monologues, awkward English dialogues, and a runtime that stretches patience.
Janaki V vs State of Kerala: A Survivor’s Fight Derailed by Legal Grandstanding
Still, there’s something commendable about the film’s decision not to go for a neatly packaged, feel-good resolution. It acknowledges that justice, especially in cases like Janaki’s, is never simple or quick.
In the end, Janaki V vs State of Kerala is more about the noise around justice than justice itself. It tries to speak for the voiceless, but sometimes forgets to listen.