KOORAN MOVIE REVIEW
Cast: S.A. Chandrasekar, Y.G. Mahendran, Balaji Sakthivel, Saravana Subbaiah, Sathyan, George Maryan
Director: Nithin Vemupathi
Rating: 3/5
Kooran, directed by Nithin Vemupathi, isn’t your typical courtroom drama. Its protagonist? A dog named Jancy, seeking justice for her pup, killed in a hit-and-run by a drunken driver in Kodaikanal. Yes, you read that right. A dog. And the film, surprisingly, almost pulls it off.
The film centers on veteran lawyer Dharmaraj (S.A. Chandrasekar), who, after initially dismissing Jancy’s persistent visits, understands her plight and takes up her unusual case. Chandrasekar is the film’s steady heart, delivering a performance that’s both measured and moving. His courtroom scenes, where he argues for animal rights with quiet conviction, are the film’s high points.
The supporting cast, including Y.G. Mahendran as the judge, Balaji Sakthivel as the opposing lawyer, and Saravana Subbaiah as a police officer, all deliver solid performances. Special mention goes to the canine actors, Jancy and Bairava, who manage to convey a surprising range of emotions (with a little help from their trainers, of course).
Vemupathi deserves credit for tackling such an unconventional premise. The film raises thought-provoking questions about animal rights and the legal system. The script cleverly incorporates real-life legal precedents and even uses AI to “translate” Jancy’s barks in court, adding a layer of (somewhat believable) realism.
However, Kooran isn’t without its flaws. The first half drags, and some of the plot points (a blind witness with special abilities, for example) strain credibility. The film occasionally veers into melodrama, and the social commentary, while well-intentioned, can feel heavy-handed.
Siddharth Vibin’s music complements the narrative, and Martin Dhanraj’s cinematography captures the beauty of Kodaikanal effectively.