( Web Series on Sony Liv)
It’s disheartening that one’s search through the maze of action films and web-serials on offer on OTT platforms of crime and thriller genre generally have content and stories highly contrived, unreal and wind up with tame endings after dragging one through 7-8 episodes of predictable twists & turns that test your endurance & faith in good cinema .
Therefore, one’s duty bound in recommending this realistic, gripping Court-room based web-series that grabs your attention such that you binge-watch through the entire five episodes in one go, as we did recently. The series ‘Court Katcheri’ (‘Sony Liv’) was akin to a ‘surprise gift’ packaged in five crisp episodes for viewers without expectations that arise from pretentious stars and of glam & theatrics that surround them. Knowledgeable movie buffs understand that lesser known, fine actors drive themes with great content !
Somewhat in the cynically humorous genre of two more recent legal-themed web-series, ‘Patna Shukla’ & ‘Mamla Legal Hai’, this one has one a few more punches thrown with a generational conflict that all families face today. It is coming-of-age legal drama set in India’s district courts and explores emotionally charged human stories, high-stakes legal battles and harsh courtroom realities, all through the eyes of Param, a young man born into a town’s leading lawyer’s legacy but is determined to escape it, come what may. As he wrestles with family & societal pressures to follow in illustrious footsteps of his Dad, he’s exposed to rottenness of the system & messy truths that are part of the legal set-up.
We marvel at brilliance of veteran actor Pawan Malhotra, who plays the domineering yet soft-hearted Dad trying to mould his son into higher echelons of his legal profession but with no idea of his son’s aspirations. Why don’t such actors get meaty roles outside OTT.
Ashish Verma as Param is outstanding as he tries to show confusion and then rebellion against the system he finds is flawed & corrupt. It’s a troubled journey he charts till the realities dawn on him. After all, Judiciary remains last resort for redressal of our issues.
Puneet Batra, is very impressive as Suraj Beria, the ethical advocate assistant waiting for his moment to shine & loyal friend whose help sometimes backfires. A shining cameo comes from Priyansha Bharadwaj as Advocate Anusha, who valiantly defends her client. The setting’s real & legal skullduggery is relatable. There’s a slice of life here to witness !
Working on Living 