"Janaki V Vs State Of Kerala," also marketed as "JSK," attempts to be a socially conscious legal drama, but mostly delivers rousing speeches instead of delving into the emotional truth of its protagonist. Directed by Pravin Narayanan, the film stars Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran in the lead roles. The film's release followed a minor controversy regarding its title, with the CBFC initially objecting to the use of the name 'Janaki'.
The movie revolves around Janaki Vidhyadharan (Anupama Parameswaran), an IT professional from Bangalore who is sexually assaulted during a short trip to her hometown in Kerala. Drugged and unconscious during the assault, she cannot identify her attacker. What follows is a convoluted legal battle. Advocate David Abel Donovan (Suresh Gopi) initially defends the accused. However, Janaki decides to continue her fight for justice with the support of her friends. David, aware of the injustice done to Janaki, begins to help her silently. The case is reframed as Janaki versus the State of Kerala, presented as a landmark ruling.
Several reviews highlight the film's shortcomings. Many find that "JSK" tries to walk a tightrope between a commercial courtroom drama and issue-based storytelling but stumbles in both. The film's politics feel confused, and Janaki is repeatedly reduced to a figure for others to fight over rather than being an active agent in her own narrative. She is sidelined not just by the system within the story but by the screenplay itself. Even in scenes supposedly about her pain, the camera often focuses on the reactions of those around her. Some reviews state that at times, the film seems to forget she exists altogether, bringing her back only when convenient for dramatic effect.
Suresh Gopi's portrayal of advocate David Abel Donovan is a point of contention. While he brings his signature energy to the role, his long-winded monologues and exaggerated delivery feel out of sync with the film's setting. Many of the arguments are irrelevant to the case and fit better in a loud television debate than in a courtroom. This tendency to give David lengthy, dramatic speeches, reminiscent of old Suresh Gopi films, feels out of tune with the narrative. However, Anupama Parameswaran delivers a subtle and layered performance as Janaki, effectively conveying her mental anguish.
The film also suffers from a muddled screenplay and pacing issues. The inconsistent tone and the inclusion of subplots that are later dropped add to the confusion. The film's attempt to offer a sweeping commentary on justice and accountability feels detached from the emotional core of the story. The ending feels rushed and Janaki herself is largely absent from the decision-making.
Despite its noble intentions and socially relevant premise, "Janaki V vs State of Kerala" falters in execution. The film is caught between telling a sensitive story and projecting the superhero aura of its lead actor. The film raises important questions about institutional complicity, the limitations of evidence, and the invisibility of survivors in the justice process, but these questions are often overshadowed.
