Nani's Wall Poster Cinema is presenting "Court - State vs. A Nobody," starring Priyadarshi in the lead role and directed by Ram Jagadish. Produced by Prashanthi Tipirneni, with Deepti Ganta as co-producer, the film is set for a theatrical release on March 14th. The trailer and the song "Premalo" have already received excellent reviews. In this context, Priyadarshi shared some insights with the media.
How did the "Court" movie journey begin?
In 2022, while Ram Jagadish and I were working on another film, we were sitting under a tree during a hot day. We wanted to do a good film, and Ram Jagadish shared an idea. I asked him to write the story. Six months later, he came with the full script. At first, I wondered who would make such a film, but I strongly believed it would be memorable if it became a hit. Nani garu was shooting for "Hi Nanna" in Goa during the next summer, and when I told him about the story, he agreed to listen. After hearing the story, Nani garu said we were doing this film. That's how the story started.
Were you the first choice for the lawyer role?
When Ram Jagadish narrated the story, he initially thought it would be better if a senior artist played the role. But I insisted on playing the character. He agreed, and when he told Nani garu, he also said the same thing.
Such stories are more common in Bollywood. How much did you focus on making the laws understandable in this film? How much homework did you do for the character?
In every courtroom drama, we need to understand the evidence, facts, and applicable laws. Ram Jagadish collected material by consulting lawyers about POCSO cases and their punishments, and by gathering judgments from judges. He gave me that material.
I observed real lawyers and judges in court, their attire, and their language, and took great care to replicate them accurately. I even memorized the sections.
We visited district courts in Vijayawada to see how they function, and Vittal garu recreated them perfectly. We also took care to accurately depict the POCSO court as it was before 2024. We aimed for realism in every aspect. Since we were dealing with the judiciary, we didn't want to disrespect it.
Playing this character increased my respect for lawyers. I understood the importance of the constitution written by Ambedkar.
What is the reason for the "State vs. A Nobody" caption?
If someone commits a theft and is caught by the police, the police have to prove that the thief is guilty. In legal terms, we say "State vs. Accused." We used the caption to signify that everyone is equal before the law.
Will you show the movie to lawyers?
Yes, we plan to show it to some lawyers and the bar council. We have received positive responses from some bar council members. We also plan to invite Advocate General Sudarshan Reddy.
We observed the court situations during the "Pushpa 2" incident and made some changes in the dubbing based on the language used by Niranjan Reddy garu.
Nani garu said that if you don't like this movie, stop watching my movies. What is your opinion on that?
That shows his confidence in the story. Nani garu chooses good stories. After hearing the story, he said, "We have a good story; we need to make it great." After watching the film, he said, "I had some expectations, but it turned out much better."
What is your dream role?
I want to do a biopic. I have always wanted to do a biopic of K.I. Varaprasad garu, the founder and chairman of Shanta Biotechnics.
If "Court" earns more than its budget, I will consider myself a commercial hero. If a good movie makes money, it's a commercial hit. Actors like me can bring audiences to theaters only with good stories.
What do you say about Wall Poster Cinema and the producers?
Prashanthi garu and Deepti garu took great care of us and provided everything we needed. They were always on the sets. Nani garu occasionally watched the rushes and gave suggestions.
What are your next projects?
"Sarangapani Jatakam" will release in April. I am also working on "Premante" and have signed a film with Geetha Arts.
