Bollywood
Janaki V v/s State of Kerala Review: Mixed Reactions to Suresh Gopi–Anupama Parameswaran Courtroom Drama
Plot Synopsis
An IT professional from Bengaluru, Janaki V, returns to Kerala but becomes the victim of a traumatic incident. She embarks on a legal battle for justice with the aid of Suresh Gopi’s seasoned advocate. The film unfolds as a courtroom drama highlighting systemic flaws and societal prejudices
Delays & Censorship Controversy
- Initial release was set for June 20, 2025, then postponed a week due to financial disputes (Madras HC injunction) and censorship issues
- CBFC objected to the use of “Janaki” (a name linked to Goddess Sita) for a rape survivor; demanded 96 cuts, later reduced to two: renaming to Janaki V and muting “Janaki” in a courtroom scene
- Kerala HC intervened, leading to resolution and certification by July 11, paving the way for the theatrical release on July 17
Audience & Social Media Reactions
Negative Voices (Majority)
- Called “below average” and “predictable,” lacking impact and freshness
- Criticism centred on weak dialogue, dated direction, and dragging narrative—many feeling Suresh Gopi was miscast “Suresh Gopi feels force‑fitted; dialogues are cringe; everything just drags. Not satisfied.”
- One user labeled it “lazy filmmaking”, drawing unfavorable comparisons with politically charged films by Vivek Agnihotri“A textbook example of how lazy filmmaking can ruin a solid plot.”
Positive & Balanced Feedback
- Praise focused on Anupama’s grounded performance and Suresh Gopi’s attempt at intense portrayal
- Some appreciated the film’s focus on women’s safety and justice system critique: “#JanakiVvsStateofKerala addresses the serious issue of women’s safety… speaks against the Kerala State Government and police.”
- Others considered it “a well‑made courtroom drama” with correct execution and strong emotions “A must‑watch for fans of realistic and impactful cinema.”
Performances & Technical Aspects
- Anupama Parameswaran received consistent praise; critics noted her sincerity, even if the script underutilized her
- Suresh Gopi earned mixed responses—some felt he gave his all, while others described his presence as misaligned with the character .
- Dialogue writing and emotional transitions faced widespread criticism, labeled “cringe,” “pretentious,” and “forced”
- Music and background score, by Ghibran and Gireesh Narayanan, stood out—even skeptics found the audio immersive
What Worked & What Didn’t
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Strengths | Strong theme on women’s safety; credible core duo performances; engaging first half |
| Weaknesses | Predictable courtroom format; weak dialogues; lack of narrative depth in second half |
| Tech & Audio | Music was consistently praised; cinematography/editing received no major commentary |
Overall Verdict
Janaki V v/s State of Kerala emerges as a well-intentioned legal drama with a powerful premise, but falls short in execution due to conventional storytelling and clichéd dialogue writing. Its strong performances and thematic relevance offer bright spots, yet the direction and screenplay dilute its potential emotional and judicial impact.
Final Rating: Mixed Reviews
The overall reception places the film in the “mixed-to-negative” zone. If you’re drawn to issue-driven courtroom narratives and solid acting, it might be worth a watch—otherwise, those seeking fresh thrills or sharp writing may find it disappointing.