The Malayalam film “Janaki V vs State of Kerala (JSK)” aims to tell a powerful story of a sexual assault survivor’s quest for justice, but the narrative often gets sidetracked by the overpowering presence of its lead star, Suresh Gopi.
Superstar Syndrome Takes Over
In “JSK,” the focus is meant to be on Janaki (Anupama Parameswaran) and her legal battle. However, the film frequently shifts its attention to advocate David Abel Donovan, played by Suresh Gopi, even when his character isn’t central to the current court proceedings.
Despite David’s minimal direct involvement in key moments, he is granted extensive screen time and delivers lengthy monologues on women’s issues and justice. This emphasis feels forced, not driven by the plot, but seemingly to highlight the star’s presence, a phenomenon critics often call “superstar syndrome.”
Janaki’s Uphill Battle
At its core, “JSK” is Janaki’s personal fight against the State of Kerala after a traumatic sexual assault. The police investigation into her case is weak, and crucial evidence is missing, making her journey for justice incredibly challenging, especially after she loses her father.
Initially, David Abel represents the accused and successfully proves their innocence. Left in a devastating situation, Janaki, with support from friends like Naveen and others, bravely decides to continue her fight. Though he previously defended the accused, David silently begins to aid Janaki, navigating a deeply complicated case with no clear perpetrator.
Script Shortcomings and Political Nuances
The screenplay, written and directed by Pravin Narayanan, struggles with pacing and execution. While the film attempts to mirror the tight legal dramas of “Neru” or “Chinthamani Kolacase,” it often meanders, with revelations feeling too convenient rather than suspenseful.
Character development is another weak point. The crucial relationships, such as Janaki’s bond with her father or Naveen’s unwavering support, lack emotional depth, making it hard for the audience to fully connect with their struggles and motivations.
The film also includes moments where Suresh Gopi’s character delivers commentary on real-life political incidents, from church scandals to cooperative bank scams. These scenes often feel like attempts to boost the actor’s political image rather than organic plot developments, occasionally eliciting unintentional chuckles from the audience.
However, the script does handle sensitive topics like abortion rights in rape cases with admirable sensitivity, avoiding graphic depictions of the assault, which is a commendable choice.
Performances and Technical Aspects
Anupama Parameswaran delivers a commendable performance as Janaki, particularly in her vulnerable moments, although her dialogue delivery occasionally feels a bit artificial. Madhav Suresh’s portrayal of Naveen, however, struggles with blank expressions, impacting crucial emotional scenes.
The film’s music, composed by Gireesh Narayanan and Ghibran, doesn’t always blend seamlessly with the narrative. On the brighter side, Renadive’s cinematography stands out as a strong technical asset, effectively capturing the film’s essence.
- “JSK” is criticized for its “superstar syndrome,” where Suresh Gopi’s character overshadows the protagonist’s story.
- The screenplay suffers from weak plotting, convenient revelations, and underdeveloped character relationships.
- Political commentary is woven into the narrative through Suresh Gopi’s character, sometimes feeling forced.
- Despite shortcomings, the film sensitively handles abortion rights and avoids graphic depictions of assault.
Ultimately, while “Janaki V vs State of Kerala” attempts to shed light on a significant social issue, its execution is hampered by a meandering script and an overemphasis on its lead star.
