Janaki V v/s State of Kerala review: Good music but predictable courtroom drama, say netizens
Janaki V vs State of Kerala released on Thursday after a title controversy and modest pre-release buzz, but reactions on social media suggest that the film has landed with a thud among many viewers, especially in its home state of Kerala.
The film, starring Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran, centres on Janaki V, an IT professional from Bengaluru who returns to Kerala only to become the victim of a horrific incident. As she fights for justice, her legal battle takes a dramatic turn with the entry of Advocate David Abel Donovan (Suresh Gopi). However, netizens argue the movie delivers little in terms of impact or innovation.
“A textbook example of how lazy filmmaking can ruin a solid plot,” posted Kerala Box Office, summing up the mood. “This courtroom drama sinks fast with outdated direction, dull writing, and shockingly weak performances from a capable cast. #SureshGopi does his best to channel his Chinthamani days, and #AnupamaParameswaran holds her ground, but nothing else clicks. Court scenes are passable at best, but the second half is a complete drag. No thrill, no connect, no spark. A forgettable mess.”
Another viewer echoed similar disappointment, “Below average one. A typical rape-victim based investigation thriller, which is templated and has no impact or engaging elements.”
The dialogue writing drew widespread criticism, with one user noting, “Unpleasant, out-of-context lines, forced and pretentious emotions… this is not how you honour a survivor’s story.”
Some drew comparisons to politically charged films, “Like the films of Vivek Agnihotri, this is propaganda disguised as a courtroom thriller,” said one post, accusing the movie of “carrying out direct attacks on political rivals instead of respecting the sensitivity of the subject.”
Even the lead cast couldn’t salvage it for many.
“Suresh Gopi feels force-fitted; dialogues are cringe; everything just drags. Not satisfied,” said another user on X.
Though some acknowledged that Anupama Parameswaran brought depth to her role, they agreed it wasn’t enough, “She held her ground, but the movie simply didn’t land.”
Mollywood Box Office summed it up bluntly: “Despite its political potential, this courtroom drama feels shallow due to a predictable and messily written storyline and underwhelming performances by the leads”.
“Even SG was not up to the mark, but surprisingly, Anupama did well. Only the music stands out as a strong point,” noted one netizen, reflecting the mixed sentiment surrounding the film’s performances.