LATEST IN NEWS
JSK Janaki V vs State of Kerala: A Muddled Legal Drama Drowning Out Its Survivor
Updated on: 18 July, 2025 05:21 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Janaki v State of Kerala Review
Janaki V vs State of Kerala (JSK) attempts to be a socially conscious legal drama but ultimately sacrifices emotional authenticity for dramatic excess. What begins with a glimmer of promise, reminiscent of classic action films, quickly devolves into a convoluted narrative where the titular survivor is sidelined in favour of verbose monologues and improbable courtroom twists.
Despite being named after its female protagonist, Janaki (Anupama Parameswaran), a sexual assault survivor, her voice is paradoxically often drowned out by the grandstanding of men around her. The film`s odd choice to open with an animated prologue tracing David`s rise, rather than Janaki`s story, immediately shifts the focus away from her trauma and struggle for justice.
Anupama Parameswaran delivers a serviceable performance as Janaki, portraying her as someone who "forges ahead, despite occasional setbacks." However, the screenplay itself often sidelines her, reducing her to a figure for others to debate over, with the camera frequently lingering on the reactions of those around her instead of her own pain.
Also Read: JSK: Janaki Vs State of Kerala Cleared for Release After Censor Board Tussle
Suresh Gopi`s portrayal, reminiscent of his 1990s action persona, feels dated, with booming monologues that rarely ring emotionally true. The film`s attempt to walk the tightrope between commercial courtroom drama and issue-based storytelling ultimately stumbles, failing to deliver a compelling narrative or a clear social message. The bizarre twist involving the paternity of a child born out of rape further trivialises a serious issue, turning it into an outright political weapon.
Janaki V vs State of Kerala had the potential to be an impactful legal drama centred on a woman`s fight for justice. Instead, it becomes a vehicle for outdated heroism and overwritten courtroom theatrics. While it raises important questions about institutional complicity and the invisibility of survivors, these are often overshadowed by the male characters` grandstanding. Ultimately, for a film titled Janaki V v/s State of Kerala, Janaki rarely gets to fight her own battle, and when others fight on her behalf, they often fall short of doing her justice.
A Promising Start, a Disappointing Turn
The film opens with Suresh Gopi`s character, David Abel Donovan, making a strong impression, confronting figures of authority with an old-school, fiery dialogue delivery. This initial sequence evokes a sense of the return of the OG, hinting at a powerful, engaging legal thriller. However, this anticipation is short-lived. JSK quickly falls into the trap of trying to appear huge with unnecessary diversions and buildup. After 150 minutes, the audience is left wondering if the long journey was truly necessary to convey its message.Despite being named after its female protagonist, Janaki (Anupama Parameswaran), a sexual assault survivor, her voice is paradoxically often drowned out by the grandstanding of men around her. The film`s odd choice to open with an animated prologue tracing David`s rise, rather than Janaki`s story, immediately shifts the focus away from her trauma and struggle for justice.
Anupama Parameswaran delivers a serviceable performance as Janaki, portraying her as someone who "forges ahead, despite occasional setbacks." However, the screenplay itself often sidelines her, reducing her to a figure for others to debate over, with the camera frequently lingering on the reactions of those around her instead of her own pain.
Also Read: JSK: Janaki Vs State of Kerala Cleared for Release After Censor Board Tussle
Courtroom Chaos and Confused Politics
David Abel Donovan`s courtroom arguments, while fiery, often veer into irrelevance, feeling more like loud television debates than arguments in a courtroom. His pronouncements, like asking a rape victim about her porn consumption, highlight the film`s muddled politics.Suresh Gopi`s portrayal, reminiscent of his 1990s action persona, feels dated, with booming monologues that rarely ring emotionally true. The film`s attempt to walk the tightrope between commercial courtroom drama and issue-based storytelling ultimately stumbles, failing to deliver a compelling narrative or a clear social message. The bizarre twist involving the paternity of a child born out of rape further trivialises a serious issue, turning it into an outright political weapon.
Janaki V vs State of Kerala had the potential to be an impactful legal drama centred on a woman`s fight for justice. Instead, it becomes a vehicle for outdated heroism and overwritten courtroom theatrics. While it raises important questions about institutional complicity and the invisibility of survivors, these are often overshadowed by the male characters` grandstanding. Ultimately, for a film titled Janaki V v/s State of Kerala, Janaki rarely gets to fight her own battle, and when others fight on her behalf, they often fall short of doing her justice.
ADVERTISEMENT
Which is your favorite Fantastic Four character?
ADVERTISEMENT
