Janaki v/s State of Kerala is a 2025 Malayalam courtroom drama starring Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran, directed and co-written by Pravin Narayanan. With a strong lead performance by Anupama Parameswaran and the return of veteran actor Suresh Gopi in a compelling legal role, the film is poised to be one of the year’s most talked-about legal dramas.
Cast
Anupama Parameswaran as Janaki
Portrays the title role of a determined woman who stands up against systemic injustice.
Suresh Gopi as Advocate David Abel Donovan
A seasoned lawyer who becomes Janaki’s voice in court, navigating the complexities of the legal system to expose the truth.
Madhav Suresh Gopi: Making his acting debut; the son of Suresh Gopi.
Shruti Ramachandran, Divya Pillai, Askar Ali, Baiju Santhosh, Kottayam Ramesh, Shobi Thilakan, among others, round out the supporting cast.
Production Crew
Director: Pravin Narayanan
Producer: J. Phanindra Kumar (Cosmos Entertainment)
Co-producer: Sethuraman Nair (Karthik Kreations)
Cinematography: Renadive
Editing: Samjith Mohammed
Music: Gireesh Narayanan
Filming was completed in late 2023, but the movie encountered a legal hiccup in May 2025 when a Chennai-based production firm obtained a court stay due to an unpaid amount of ₹1.3 crore. Nevertheless, the film is on track for its planned release.
Full Summary
Real Story Inspiration
Janaki v/s State of Kerala draws inspiration from real legal proceedings that exposed deep-rooted biases in the system. The film explores a woman’s lone legal battle against the state — reflecting a broader conversation about justice, power structures, and women’s rights in contemporary India. While the filmmakers have taken cinematic liberties, the heart of the story remains grounded in actual events that challenged the legal status quo.
Plot Summary
Janaki is an ordinary woman who finds herself wronged by a system built to protect the privileged. Facing legal indifference and institutional apathy, she seeks the help of Advocate David Abel Donovan — a fearless courtroom veteran. Together, they challenge the machinery of the state in a high-stakes legal showdown. The courtroom becomes a battlefield where not only laws are interpreted but also society’s conscience is questioned. As evidence unfolds and testimonies shake the foundations of the trial, the film builds toward an emotionally charged climax that emphasizes justice and accountability.
Why It’s Worth Watching
Suresh Gopi returns to courtroom drama after his acclaimed performance in Chinthamani Kolacase (2006) .
A strong female-centric narrative, delving into legal and gender-based themes.
Emotional drama coupled with legal strategy, making it ideal for fans of gripping courtroom storytelling.
Conclusion:
Janaki v/s State of Kerala highlights a woman’s courageous legal fight, supported by a seasoned lawyer, shedding light on real injustice with emotional and legal intensity. With a powerhouse cast and courtroom tension, it’s a must-watch for drama enthusiasts.
