In the latest cinematic venture by director Gururaj Kulkarni, “The Judgement”, viewers find themselves entangled in a courtroom drama built around the murder of Roopa, the head of an NGO. Anil, an investment banker played by Diganth Manchale, is promptly arrested for the crime. From the outset, we get a sense that Anil might not be the true culprit. Despite the celebrated lawyer Govind (V Ravichandran) successfully proving Anil’s guilt in the courtroom, there’s a lingering feeling that the narrative has more layers to unravel.
“The Judgement” predominantly focuses on the complexities of the Indian legal system rather than delving deeply into the investigation of the murder itself. This approach positions the audience a few steps ahead of the narrative twists regarding the murder case, creating a unique dynamic wherein viewers sense the supposedly unforeseen turns well before they materialize.
The plot becomes particularly gripping when lawyer Govind experiences a change of heart and decides to thoroughly investigate whether Anil might be innocent. This shift provides a compelling commentary on the motivations driving lawyers to take up certain cases. Govind, portrayed as someone whose decisions are often swayed by the flattery of being deemed the best, faces a moral dilemma. His wife, a lecturer played by Meghana Gaonkar, effectively challenges his hubris by questioning whether pride can overshadow the truth. This introspective moment prompts Govind to re-evaluate his stance, thereby kicking the plot into high gear.
As Govind immerses himself in finding the real assailant, the narrative intricately connects Roopa’s murder with another case, enlightening the audience on numerous legal statutes and courtroom probabilities. However, despite these occasional enlightening moments, the film sometimes risks veering into the territory of televised soap operas. A notable example is the overwrought background score during crucial moments, such as when a police officer investigates the murder scene, which could feel more distracting than dramatic.
The production design of the courtroom setting also leaves something to be desired, appearing somewhat dated and lacking in authenticity.
. Anil’s parents, played by Rangayana Raghu and Rekha Kudligi, exhibit an almost soap-opera-like sorrow and despair over their son’s predicament. Meanwhile, a corrupt minister character named Qureshi embodies the traits of an exaggerated villain. Although Krishna Hebbale’s performance adds some redeeming qualities to this otherwise clichéd character, the script’s tendency to place unnecessary focus on side dialogues detracts from the primary plot. For instance, the frequent observations from junior lawyers regarding Govind’s expertise feel more like an interruption than a meaningful addition to the storyline.
Despite these shortcomings, “The Judgement” manages to hold the viewer’s interest, primarily due to Ravichandran’s performance as Govind. However, the film does falter in its execution as a whodunnit. Clues appear rather serendipitously, making it easy for eagle-eyed viewers to discern the true culprits with relative ease. As a result, the courtroom proceedings, although magnetic due to Ravichandran’s anchoring, can feel overwhelmingly dense in the volume of information they dispense.
Ultimately, Kulkarni’s sophomore directorial effort isn’t entirely forgettable. “The Judgement” manages to keep the audience engaged despite its predictability and melodramatic tendencies. The engaging courtroom scenes, combined with the exploration of a lawyer’s moral journey, offer enough substance to maintain interest. However, for aficionados of the genre seeking a genuinely unforeseen mystery, the film might come across as falling short of expectations.
In conclusion, while “The Judgement” might not reinvent the courtroom drama genre, it succeeds in delivering a narrative that is thought-provoking in some aspects and engaging enough to warrant a watch, even if just for its exploration of the Indian legal landscape. The predictability may be a slight drawback, but for viewers who appreciate a deeper look into legal intricacies and moral dilemmas, “The Judgement” provides a decent fix.
